<^< Kirchoff's Laws | Course Index | Examples: Kirchoff's Current Law >^>
Kirchhoff's Current Law states that the "algebraic sum of the currents present at a junction (or node) in a circuit is zero".
The term "algebraic" simply indicates that the polarity of each current (i.e. towards or away from the junction) must be taken into account by giving it an appropriate sign, either positive (+) or negative (-).
Convention:
- Current flowing towards the junction is positive (+)
- Current flowing away from the junction is negative (-)
<^< Kirchoff's Laws | Course index | Examples: Kirchoff's Current Law >^>
