INTRODUCTION
In Chap. 2 we were introduced to the resistor as well as to several
types of sources. After defining a few new circuit terms. we will be
ready to begin analyzing simple circuits constructed from these
devices. The techniques we will learn are based on two relatively
simple la\‘s: Kirchhoff's current law (KCL) and Kirchhoff's
voltage law (KVL). KCL is based on the principle of conservation
of charge. and KVL is based on the principle of conservation of
energy—both fundamental physical laws. Once familiar with basic
analysis. we make further use of KCL and KVL to reduce series
and parallel combinations of resistors, voltage sources, or current
sources, and we develop the important concepts of voltage and
current division. Iii subsequent chapters, we learn additional
techniques that allow us to efficiently analyze even more complex
networks.