Question

Kirchhoff’s junction rule is a reflection of ______.

1. conservation of current density vector.
2. conservation of charge.
3. the fact that the momentum with which a charged particle approaches a junction is unchanged (as a vector) as the charged particle leaves the junction.
4. the fact that there is no accumulation of charges at a junction.

Options

• b and c

• a and c

• b and d

• c and d

Answer 1

b and d

Explanation:

Junction rule: At any junction, the sum of the currents entering the junction is equal to the sum of currents leaving the junction.

Or

Algebraic sum of the currents flowing towards any point in an electric network is zero, i.e., charges are conserved in an electric network.

The proof of this rule follows from the fact that when currents are steady, there is no accumulation of charges at any junction or at any point in a line. Thus, the total current flowing in, (which is the rate at which charge flows into the junction), must equal the total current flowing out.

Kirchhoff's junction rule is also known as Kirchhoff’s current law.

So, Kirchhoff's junction rule is the reflection of conservation of charge

Important point: Sign convention of current from a junction: We are taking outgoing current from a junction as negative. And we are taking incoming current towards a junction as positive.