Applying Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL): Two currents of 4 A and 3 A enter a single junction via two paths. What is the total current leaving the junction (steady state, no storage)?

Introduction / Context:
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) is a foundational principle in circuit analysis. It states that the algebraic sum of currents entering and leaving any node (junction) in an electrical network is zero. In other words, the total current flowing into a junction must equal the total current flowing out, provided charge is not accumulating at that node.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Two currents enter the junction: 4 A and 3 A.
• Steady-state operation; no capacitive charge storage at the node.
• Conventional current direction is used (into vs. out of the junction).

Concept / Approach:

Use KCL at the node: sum of currents entering = sum of currents leaving. If 4 A and 3 A enter, their total must leave along the outgoing connection(s) from the node to satisfy charge conservation.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

If the outgoing current were not 7 A, the node would either accumulate charge (impossible in steady state) or lose charge. Hence 7 A out is the only consistent value.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

'unknown': KCL gives an exact value. '1 A': mistakenly subtracts currents. 'the larger of the two': violates KCL by ignoring one path. '0 A': implies infinite charge storage or no actual currents.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing current directions, or attempting to subtract entering currents when both are in the same direction into the node.

Final Answer:

7 A