In a closed electrical loop, what does the sum of voltage always equal according to Kirchoff's law?

Get ready for the SIFT Mechanical Comprehension Test with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to optimize learning. Excel in your exam preparation!

The sum of the voltages in a closed electrical loop equaling zero is a fundamental principle in circuit analysis known as Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL). This law states that the total voltage around any closed loop in a circuit must equal zero. It reflects the principle of conservation of energy, which asserts that the energy supplied by voltage sources (like batteries) must equal the energy lost by the components in the circuit (like resistors, capacitors, and inductors).

In practical terms, this means that if you were to sum up all the voltage rises (from sources like batteries) and all the voltage drops (across resistive components) in a closed loop, they would balance out to zero. This is crucial for analyzing circuit configurations and designing electrical systems, ensuring that energy is conserved and that the circuit operates correctly.

The incorrect options do not capture the essence of how voltages behave in a closed circuit: they either relate to specific aspects of the circuit (like supply voltage or resistance) or misrepresent the relationship in that it should not depend on the configuration or specifics of currents alone. The clear application of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law is what leads to option B being the correct answer.

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