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Q113EasyKirchhoff's Laws

KCL is based on the fact that

Answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: B. There cannot be an accumulation of charge at a node
Quick explanation

KCL follows from conservation of electric charge. In the lumped-circuit model, charge does not accumulate indefinitely at an ideal node, so the algebraic sum of currents entering and leaving the node is zero.

Σ i = -dq/dt dq/dt = 0 ⇒ Σ i = 0

Concept & Reasoning

Kirchhoff's Current Law is the circuit form of charge conservation. If net current flowed continuously into an ideal node, charge would accumulate and its potential would change without bound. In lumped network analysis the node has negligible storage volume, so the net rate of charge accumulation is zero and the sum of incoming currents equals the sum of outgoing currents. More generally, continuity gives Σi = -dq/dt; KCL is the dq/dt ≈ 0 lumped-node case.

How to Solve It in the Exam

KCL = conservation of charge.

Important Exam Point

Use an algebraic sign convention: all entering positive or all leaving positive.

Quick Trick

KCL = conservation of charge.

Common Mistake

Do not confuse KCL with energy conservation; KVL is more closely linked to electric-field/energy considerations.

Solution diagram – KCL is based on the fact that
Exam tipUse an algebraic sign convention: all entering positive or all leaving positive.
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