Validity of Kirrchoff's Laws in Electrical Circuits

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the current through the battery and resistors in a circuit and determining the equivalent resistance of the network. The use of Kirchhoff's laws is mentioned. There is also a question about the current passing through R1 due to the presence of a "nice wire" at the top, which is clarified to be connected to R2.
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ehabmozart
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Homework Statement



a) Find the current through the battery and each resistor inthe circuit shown.
b) What is the equivalent resistance of the resistornetwork?

http://s3.amazonaws.com/answer-board-image/db89d3f298e4098e8852b10c30cb3f53.jpg


Homework Equations



Kirrchoff's laws

The Attempt at a Solution



I have one BIG doubt. The answer says that (whatever the number is), there is a current through R1. We were told in class that a current would prefer a clean path. Since there is a nice wire at the top, shouldn't this avoid any current to pass through R1? ... Thanks for helping
 
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ehabmozart said:
I have one BIG doubt. The answer says that (whatever the number is), there is a current through R1. We were told in class that a current would prefer a clean path. Since there is a nice wire at the top, shouldn't this avoid any current to pass through R1? ... Thanks for helping
No. That "nice wire" at the top just connects to R2. If there were two points where R1 and just a wire were in parallel, then you'd be correct.
 

FAQ: Validity of Kirrchoff's Laws in Electrical Circuits

What are Kirchhoff's laws?

Kirchhoff's laws are two fundamental principles in circuit theory that describe the behavior of electric currents and voltages in a closed circuit. These laws are used to determine the current and voltage values at different points in a circuit.

How do Kirchhoff's laws apply to real-world circuits?

Kirchhoff's laws are applicable to all types of circuits, including real-world circuits. They are based on fundamental principles of conservation of energy and charge, and can be applied to any circuit regardless of its complexity.

What is the difference between Kirchhoff's current law and Kirchhoff's voltage law?

Kirchhoff's current law, also known as the junction rule, states that the sum of all currents entering a node in a circuit must equal the sum of all currents leaving that node. Kirchhoff's voltage law, also known as the loop rule, states that the sum of all voltage drops around a closed loop in a circuit must equal the sum of all voltage rises.

How do you test the validity of Kirchhoff's laws?

Kirchhoff's laws have been extensively tested and have been found to hold true in all types of circuits. However, they can be tested by conducting experiments and comparing the results with the predicted values using Kirchhoff's laws. If the results match, then the laws are considered valid.

Are there any limitations to Kirchhoff's laws?

Kirchhoff's laws are based on certain assumptions and may not be applicable in all situations. For example, they assume that the circuit is in a steady state, there are no magnetic fields present, and all components are linear. Additionally, they may not be accurate in circuits with high-frequency AC signals or in circuits containing non-ideal components such as capacitors and inductors.

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