Is KVL Accurate in AC Circuits Compared to DC?

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses the accuracy of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) in AC circuits compared to DC circuits. Participants highlight that while KVL is generally applicable in lumped component circuits, the presence of time-varying magnetic fields and induced EMF complicates its straightforward application. The original form of KVL, which equates the sum of EMFs to the sum of IR products, remains valid under specific conditions, particularly when considering instantaneous voltages and currents. The conversation also touches on the need for further resources to deepen understanding of these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
  • Familiarity with AC circuit analysis
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic induction principles
  • Basic concepts of lumped components in circuit design
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Fundamentals of Electric Circuits" by Alexander and Sadiku for a comprehensive overview of KVL in AC circuits.
  • Learn about electromagnetic induction and its effects on circuit behavior through resources like "Electromagnetic Fields" by Kraus and Fleisch.
  • Explore advanced circuit analysis techniques, including phasor analysis, to better understand AC circuit dynamics.
  • Investigate the implications of time-varying magnetic fields on circuit design and performance in "Circuit Theory" by Hayt and Kemmerly.
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Electrical engineers, physics students, and circuit designers seeking to deepen their understanding of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in the context of AC circuits and its practical applications in circuit analysis.

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Hello,

Why do we use KVL in Ac circuits ?! or to be more specific is it accurate to use it in Ac circuit , just the same accuracy as using it in Dc ?!

Doesn't the current that pass through the circuit itself make it's own variable magnetic field , which crosses the loop of the circle , making ∫E.dl = -d∅/dt , so in the circuit loop we can't say that the field is conservative anymore ?!


also we have the Ac source it self , which functions by rotating into the magnetic field or by applying a time changing magnetic field , so if we expand the circuit diagram and instead of putting the famous "shape" of a sinusoidal voltage source , we but the whole device , we will see also varying magnetic field of another magnitude passing through that part of the circuit

I may think that the second thing I said is already taken into consideration , and that's why we put a voltage source "shape of a sinusoidal voltage source" I just try to get the whole picture .


so , wether we have coils or not in the circuit , doesn't the time-varying current it self make a change to KVL ?!
 
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Unfortunately most textbooks rewrite KVL in a form equating to zero.

If you use the original form of KVL

The sum of the Emfs = The sum of the IR products

Then all is well with KVL (poetry)

If a magnetic field or other agent injects an EMF into the circuit then that EMF appears on the left hand side of the equation.

If that injected EMF is time varying then KVL refers to the instantaneous circuit or to a time averaged set of voltages and currents.
 
Last edited:
You are right to ask the question as the situation is not as straightforward, as you have shown. However, as long as you are dealing with a circuit in which you can assume 'lumped components' then Kircholff's Second Law can be applied. This works for many many cases of circuit design, for instance when the value marked on the side of a components are what it says and at frequencies where the layout is not critical.
 
thank you ,

For some reason I may need to read more about this topic , can you tell me about a good source /book talking about it ?! or some lecture vedio ?furthermore , about what I said about the time varying current , we know that the (B) resulting from a current loop at the centre = u I / 2R ( providing it's circular) so the ∅ = ∏RuI/2 (( just assuming it is uniform for it will not affect too much)
) and emf = ∏Ru/2 *dI/dt
and to get considerable voltage we need the amplitude of I be a very large number
Does it happen in reality that the ∏*R*Imax equal a large number to make considerable emf ?! ( I don't know what amperes can be used , does any thing use kilo-amperes or mega-amperes in any circuit ?! ( I know ampere it self is a high value and of course that thing will not be a house-machine) .

I just now saw this " conflict :) "

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=405700

that some how relieves me as I get to know ( as you told me) that there really is something worth thinking about , and I don't know why something like this is not popular on the internet or textbooks , even if it doesn't affect circuit analysis in a dangerous way.

thanks again , and waiting for a source if there were one , and no problem for it to be more sophisticated or higher level as it doesn't have to be me who reads or watches it :)
 
Good point - why is it not taught? Well, if every slightly dodgy approximation were to be pointed out to students, lessons and lectures would end up as a list of parentheses that would never be resolved. Kirchoff works exceedingly well - just like Newton's Laws of Motion. You can usually rely (in your education) that you will not be 'tested' on situations where they run out of steam until you know enough to deal with it.

Every piece of wire is an antenna! That would be a bad way to start your day at the Audio Amplifier Design Desk or the National Grid Control Room.
 

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