<^< Worksheet: Kirchoff's Current Law | Course Index | Examples: Kirchoff's Voltage Law >^>
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law states that the algebraic sum of the potential drops in a closed network (or mesh) is zero. Here again, the term "algebraic" simply indicates that the polarity of each voltage drop as you move around the closed mesh must be taken into account by giving it an appropriate sign, either positive (+) or negative (-).
Convention:
- Start at the positive terminal of the largest EMF and move clockwise around the circuit.
- Voltages acting in the same direction as you move around the circuit are positive(+).
- Voltages acting in the opposite direction as you move around the circuit are negative(-).
<^< Worksheet: Kirchoff's Current Law | Course index | Examples: Kirchoff's Voltage Law >^>
