Charge
Fundamental particles are composed of positive (protons) and negative (electrons) electric charges.
The elementary charge is measured in coulombs (C):
𝑒 = 1,6 ∙ 10()* 𝐶
Electric charge (𝑞):
𝑞 = 𝑛𝑒
Where 𝑛 is negative or positive integer.
Current
Electric current (𝑖) is the amount of charges moving per unit of time. Measured in Amperes (𝐴):
𝐶
1𝐴 = 1
𝑠
For a constant current:
𝑞
𝑖=
𝑡
For a time-varying current:
d𝑞
𝑖(𝑡) =
d𝑡
Positive direction (current flows from high potential to low potential):
- Passive element (consumes power – voltage drop).
- Active element (supplies power).
Voltage
Potential energy forces electrons to move. This is measured in Volts (𝑉):
𝐽
1𝑉 = 1
𝐶
Kirchoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Node: connecting point of two or more elements on a circuit.
Branch: element located between two nodes.
The sum of the currents in a node is zero. If a current enters a node, the
same current exits the node. This can be done in four steps:
1. Determine the currents entering the node.
2. Determine the currents leaving the node.
3. Apply KCL (the total sum of currents at the node is zero).
4. Use the set of equations to find the unknown current.
, Kirchoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
The algebraic sum of the voltages equals zero for
any loop in an electrical circuit.
Loop: a closed path that starts and ends in the
same node.
Each loop can have an arbitrary direction.
Ohm’s law
A resistor is the simplest passive element of a circuit. It reduces the flow of the current. The
relationship of the voltage and the current of a resistor is:
𝑣 =𝑖∙𝑅
Where:
𝑣 is given in Volts
𝑖 is given in Amperes
𝑅 is given in Ohms (Ω)
Independent sources
An independent voltage source generates a predetermined voltage which is independent of the
current. An “ideal” independent voltage source can generate unlimited currents which does not exist
in real life.
, Week 2: Resistors in series and parallel, nodal and mesh analysis and superposition
Resistors in parallel and series
If any two branches share only one node, these elements are in series. The current flowing through
these elements is the same. Following Ohm’s law, voltage is different:
In series, the equivalent resistance is then calculated:
𝑅OP = 𝑅) + 𝑅; + 𝑅H ⋯ + 𝑅J
When the terminals of the elements are connected to each other, the elements are in parallel. The
voltage in these elements is the same. Following Ohm’s law, current is different:
𝑣
𝑖) =
𝑅)
𝑣
𝑖; =
𝑅;
𝑣
𝑖H =
𝑅H
⋮
𝑣
𝑖J =
𝑅J
The total current is calculated:
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