Kirchhoff's laws
Analyse circuits with several loops using Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws.
Planned. This module is part of the plan and is not written yet.
Why it matters
Panels, batteries and loads in a real solar system form circuits with more than one loop. Kirchhoff's laws tell you which way the current flows in each branch, and how much.
Draft outline · in review- For
- Level 13–14 · A level / JUPEB / foundation year to 100 Level
- Inside
- 5 lessons and a test · about 90 minutes
- Topic
- Circuit analysis · extension, 3 of 4
Inside the module.
5 lessons in order, about 90 minutes in all, then a short test. Learners go at their own pace; the minutes are a guide, not a timetable.
Draft outline · in review
Lesson 1: Current law
The current flowing into a junction equals the current flowing out.
Explain15 min, from minute 0
Lesson 2: Voltage law
Around any closed loop, the voltage rises and drops add to zero.
Explain15 min, from minute 15
Lesson 3: Setting up the equations
Choose current directions, write junction and loop equations, and solve them together.
Worked example20 min, from minute 30
Lesson 4: Two-loop circuits
Solve circuits with two sources and three resistors, and read meaning into negative answers.
Practice30 min, from minute 50
Lesson 5: Check your skills
Check answers with power balance.
Review10 min, from minute 80
End-of-module test
Apply Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws and solve for unknown currents in two-loop circuits.
Mastered at 85% or more. Retake it until you pass; nothing is lost, and each try gives feedback.
Already know it? A Challenge Test (planned) clears the whole module: 90% overall, no objective below 75%.
Last stageafter about 90 min
Practicalities
Draft outline · in reviewBuilt to run offline
Planned to run on the Lantern's own computer, with no internet needed.
Languages
Planned first in English; every module aims to reach all of the Lantern's languages.
Try a question.
One question from the module, as a learner would meet it. Have a go, then open the worked solution a step at a time.
Draft outline · in review
Two sources feed a 4 Ω load in parallel: a 12 V source through a 2 Ω resistor, and a 6 V source through another 2 Ω resistor, both with + towards the load. Find the current in each branch.
Work it out on paper first, then show the answer and mark it yourself.
Particulars
Where it sits
What a learner can do after it
- Apply Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws.
- Solve for unknown currents in a two-loop circuit.
Needs first
We suggest first (never a lock)
Level
Level 13–14 · A level / JUPEB / foundation year to 100 Level
Level mappings are approximate. A qualified teacher or lecturer in each country must check them before they appear in the app. Levels 13–18 describe the content, not the learner: “Level 15” means material usually taught in a second-year university course, whoever chooses to learn it.
Difficulty for its level
3 of 4 · Extension
Time
About 90 minutes
Alignments
- Aligned to Typical university coursepartial · in reviewTypical first-year circuit analysis course
Alignment in review until a qualified teacher or lecturer checks it. No exam body, university or vendor endorses us; learners still sit the real exam. University-level modules give knowledge, not university credit.
Challenge Test
Planned: a Challenge Test to prove you know it and skip it. Pass at 90% overall, with no objective below 75%.
University courses it previews
Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering
On these pathways
The route here.
Everything this module builds on, drawn as a route from its foundations. Solid lanes must be mastered first, or cleared by a Challenge Test; dashed lanes are suggestions that never lock anything.
- MA-ALG-FRM-01Substituting into formulaeMaths · JSS 1 to JSS 2 (Level 7–8) · Planned · recommended
- SC-PHY-ELC-01Circuits and currentSciences · JSS 1 to JSS 2 (Level 7–8) · Planned
- SC-PHY-ELC-02Voltage, current and resistanceSciences · JSS 2 to JSS 3 (BECE) (Level 8–9) · Planned Needs Circuits and current (required), Substituting into formulae (recommended).
- MA-ALG-LIN-05Brackets and fractionsMaths · JSS 2 (Level 8) · Planned · recommended
- SC-PHY-ELC-04Series and parallel circuitsSciences · JSS 3 (BECE) to SSS 1 (Level 9–10) · Planned Needs Voltage, current and resistance (required).
- From here on: Beyond school · university levelEG-ELE-CIR-01Kirchhoff's lawsEngineering · A level / JUPEB / foundation year to 100 Level (Level 13–14) · Planned · the destination Needs Series and parallel circuits (required), Brackets and fractions (recommended).
Help light the room where this is learned.
Every route on this map starts in a classroom with 24 stations, a tutor that works offline and a facilitator upstairs. Four are planned and waiting for light.