Kirchhoff 's law

noun

Physics, Electricity.

1. the law that the algebraic sum of the currents flowing toward any point in an electric network is zero.

2. the law that the algebraic sum of the products of the current and resistance in the conductors forming a closed loop in a network is equal to the algebraic sum of the electromotive forces in the loop.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kirchhoff 's law¹

First recorded in 1865–70; named after G. R. Kirchhoff

Example Sentences

Their findings modify Kirchhoff's law, which has governed current flow in electrical circuits since 1845 and is a staple in high school students' science classes.

Read more on Science Daily

Unlike electrons, ions move due to both electric fields and diffusion, and the researchers determined that their movements at pore intersections are different from what was described in Kirchhoff's law.

Read more on Science Daily

All hot bodies emit light, and a universal principle known as Kirchhoff’s law of thermal radiation states that reciprocal materials in equilibrium must absorb and emit thermal radiation at the same rate.

Read more on Scientific American

It struck Dr. Myhrvold that the albedo calculations of the Neocam team violated a basic tenet of physics known as Kirchhoff’s law of thermal radiation, which says shinier objects radiate less heat.

Read more on New York Times

The younger Dr. Harris agrees that Dr. Myhrvold has raised a valid point about Kirchhoff’s Law and that a closer look at the Neowise analysis would be fruitful.

Read more on New York Times