Network Definitions

NETWORK DEFINITIONS

Network

Any arrangement of the various electrical energy sources along with the different circuit elements is called an electrical network. Figure 1.4 shows a simple electrical network.

Network Element

Any individual circuit element with two terminals which can be connected to other circuit element is called a network element.

Network elements are classified into two types i.e. active elements and passive elements.

Voltage and current sources are active elements. Resistor, capacitor and inductor are passive elements.

Branch

A part of the network which connects the various points of the network with one another is called a branch. In figure 1.4, A-C, C-E, E-F etc., are called the branches of the network.

Junction Point

A point where three or more branches meet is called a junction point. In figure 1.4, junction points are C and D.

Node

powe A point at which two or more elements are joined together is called node. The junction points are also the nodes of the network. In figure 1.4, A, B, C, D, E and F are the nodes.

Mesh or Loop

Mesh or loop is a set of branches forming a closed path in a network. In figure 1.4, paths ACDBA, ACEFDBA, CEFDC are the loops of the network.