Preparatory Electricity and Electronics Training System

Fundamentals of AC/DC

1-800-Lab-Volt
www.labvolt.com

87681-30

|3087681300000l~

Job Sheets - Instructor

Preparatory Electricity and Electronics Training System
Fundamentals of AC/DC
Job Sheets—Instructor

Edition 1
87681-30
FIRST EDITION
First Printing, December 2010
Copyright 2010 Lab-Volt Systems, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded, or otherwise, without prior written
permission from Lab-Volt Systems, Inc.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the
part of Lab-Volt Systems, Inc. The Lab-Volt® materials described in this document are furnished under a license
agreement or a nondisclosure agreement.

ISBN 978-1-60533-313-7

Lab-Volt® logos are registered trademarks of Lab-Volt Systems, Inc.

Lab-Volt recognizes product names as trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Locktronics is a trademark of Matrix Multimedia Limited.

The content of the Preparatory Electricity and Electronics Trainer course has been taken from parts of Electricity
Matters 1, Electricity Matters 2, Advanced Electrical Principles DC, and Advanced Electrical Principles AC,
by Matrix Multimedia Limited, and has been modified to conform to the PEET Training System under a
cooperative agreement.

Certain clipart and images used within these job sheets are used with permission from:
Copyright 2009 JUPITERIMAGES, and its licensors http://www.photos.com/en/company/terms

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Other trademarks and trade names may be
used in this document to refer to either the entity claiming the marks and names or their products. Lab-Volt
Systems, Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
To the Instructor

– Before a student begins a job sheet, ensure that the equipment is in good condition and does
not represent any risk when used.

– When a student has to complete a setup that is already partially mounted, ensure that the setup
corresponds to the job description.

– This guide provides you with the answers to calculations, measurements, and review questions.
Your evaluation, however, must relate to the quality of the accomplished work. Make sure that
the objectives listed in the Work Assessment Table are met.

– When the jobs are performed in teams, ensure that each student has and installs a padlock
when performing the lockout/tagout procedure.

– Make sure that the students understand the objectives of the job to do. They should have read
the appropriate pages in their textbook.

vii
Table of Contents

Job Sheet 1 Trainer Familiarization.......................................................... 1

Job Sheet 2 Symbols and Schematics...................................................... 1

Job Sheet 3 General Safety Rules........................................................... 2

Job Sheet 4 Electrical Safety Rules. ........................................................ 2

Job Sheet 5 What is Voltage?................................................................. 3

Job Sheet 6 What is Current?................................................................. 4

Job Sheet 7 What is Resistance?............................................................ 5

Job Sheet 8 Conductors and Insulators. ................................................... 6

Job Sheet 9 Basic Electrical Circuits........................................................ 8

Job Sheet 10 Switch Controlled Circuits. .................................................... 8

Job Sheet 11 Voltage in Series Circuits...................................................... 9

Job Sheet 12 Voltage in Parallel Circuits.................................................... 10

Job Sheet 13 Voltage in Series-Parallel Circuits. ......................................... 11

Job Sheet 14 Current in Series Circuits..................................................... 12

Job Sheet 15 Current in a Parallel Circuit................................................... 12

Job Sheet 16 Current in a Series-Parallel Circuit. ........................................ 13

Job Sheet 17 Ohm’s Law.... ................................................................... 14

Job Sheet 18 Resistors....... ................................................................... 15

Job Sheet 19 Resistor Color Code. .......................................................... 15

Job Sheet 20 Variable Resistor................................................................ 16

Job Sheet 21 Series Resistor Circuits....................................................... 17

Job Sheet 22 Parallel Resistor Circuits...................................................... 18

Job Sheet 23 Series-Parallel Resistor Circuits. ........................................... 19

Job Sheet 24 Electromagnetism.............................................................. 20

Job Sheet 25 The Buzzer.... ................................................................... 20

Job Sheet 26 What is AC?...................................................................... 21

ix
 Job Sheet 27 Capacitors.... .................................................................... 22

Job Sheet 28 Inductors...... .................................................................... 23

Job Sheet 29 Resistors and Inductors in Series........................................... 24

Job Sheet 30 Resistors and Capacitors in Series......................................... 25

Job Sheet 31 Resistors Inductors and Capacitors in Series............................ 26

Job Sheet 32 Resistors and Inductors in Parallel......................................... 27

Job Sheet 33 Resistors and Capacitors in Parallel....................................... 28

Job Sheet 34 Resistors Inductors and Capacitors in Parallel. ......................... 29

Job Sheet 35 Transformers. ................................................................... 30

x
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Note: Answers may vary slightly on some job sheets due to tolerances and different
instruments being used to make measurements than what were used to make answer sheet.

Job Sheet 1 Trainer Familiarization

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS
1. The purpose of checking these parts is to become familiar with the components in the kit
and to make sure the kit is complete.
2. Components or Parts
3. Resistors and Capacitors
4. You are
5. The parts are stored in foam inserts inside plastic bins.

Job Sheet 2 Symbols and Schematics

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
2. Bright
3. Dim
4. Bright
5. Buzzer
7. Lamp

Answers to Review Questions

1. Lamp
2.

3.

4. Symbols are used to represent electrical components because it makes them easy to
recognize in a schematic
5. Schematics are used to represent electrical circuits because they are easy to read and
universally accepted.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 3 General Safety Rules

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS
২  1. 1) Clowning around. 2) not wearing safety glasses or any of the other examples
presented in this exercise.

২  2. To prevent yourself from electrical shocks and accidents.

২  3. 1) Injuries due to improper use of machinery or tools. 2) Electrical shocks. 3) Eye

injuries. 4) Back injuries.

২  4. 1) Observe proper method of lifting and handling objects. 2) Do not talk to people
who are using equipment. 3) Keeping work areas clean.

২  5. 1) Turn off power. 2) Call for assistance to administer first aid. 3) Report the
injury.

Job Sheet 4 Electrical Safety Rules

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
২  1. Computer, Lights, Telephone, Pencil Sharpener, MP3 Player, etc.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. No. You can’t see a difference of potential but you can get a shock from it.
2. No. You must protect yourself from danger using the safety rules and common sense.
3. A flow of electric current through the body.
4. It could come in contact with something that could be damaged by the heat
5. You can get a shock or it could start a fire.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 5 What is Voltage?

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
9. Voltage (P)= 3 V
10. Voltage (Q)= 3 V
11. Voltage (R)= 3 V
12. Voltage (Combined)= 9 V
13. Voltage (P1)= 6 V
Voltage (Q1)= 6 V
Voltage (R1)= 6 V
Voltage (P2)= 7 V
Voltage (Q2)= 2 V
Voltage (R2)= 2 V

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. power supply
2. same
3. Voltage (A)= 4 V
Voltage (B)= 2 V
Voltage (C)= 2 V
Voltage (D)= 2 V
Voltage (E)= 4 V

3
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 6 What is Current?

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
8. Current (P) = 26 mA
10. Current (Q) = 26 mA
Current (R)= 26 mA
Current (S)= 26 mA
12. Current (P1)= 117 mA
Current (Q1)= 40 mA
Current (R1)= 40 mA
Current (S1)= 40 mA
Current (T1)= 78 mA
Current (U1)= 117 mA
Current (P2)= 42 mA
Current (Q2)= 21 mA
Current (R2)= 21 mA
Current (S2)= 42 mA

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. same
2. power supply
3. Current (A)= 20 mA
Current (B)= 20 mA
Current (C)= 20 mA
Current (D)= 80 mA
Current (E)= 80 mA
Current (F)= 40 mA
Current (G)= 20 mA
Current (H)= 40 mA

4
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 7 What is Resistance?

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
6. Resistance (A)= 10 Ω
Resistance (B)= 270 Ω
Resistance (C)= 47 Ω
Resistance (D)= 1 K Ω
Resistance (E)= 180 Ω
Resistance (F)= 2.2 K Ω
7. Yes, with a tolerance of 5%.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. Resistance is the opposition to electron movement
2. or

3. Ohms

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 8 Conductors and Insulators

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
4.

Material Light Bulb

Aluminum Foil x Lights

Does not light
Rubber band Lights
x Does not light

Paper Lights
x Does not light

Plastic Lights
x Does not light

Copper x Lights

Does not light
Air Lights
x Does not light

Lead x Lights

Does not light
Pencil Lead (graphite) x Lights

Does not light
Glass Lights
x Does not light

Wood Lights
x Does not light

Coin x Lights

Does not light
Piece of Cloth Lights
x Does not light

Plastic Pen Lights
x Does not light

Material of your choice: Lights
Does not light

6
Fundamentals of AC/DC

6.

Materials That Conduct Materials That Insulate

Aluminum Foil Rubber Band

Copper Paper

Lead Plastic or Plastic Pen

Pencil Lead Air

Coin Glass

Wood

Cloth

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. Conductors
2. Yes, because the material is most likely a metal.
3. You can use the same circuit to test the materials used in this experiment with two leads
instead of the sampler link. Pure water containing no ions will insulate, however if there are
any impurities, such as salt, the water can conduct electricity.
4. Pure water should insulate, tap water may conduct if the voltage is sufficient, and a heavy
salt water solution should conduct.

7
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 9 Basic Electrical Circuits

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS
1. For a DC powered circuit, an open circuit does not have a complete path between the
terminals of the power supply and a closed circuit does have a complete path for electrons
to flow.
2. No
3. A short circuit
4. No
5. The brighter circuit will have the bulbs connected in parallel and the dimmer circuit will have
bulbs connected in series.

Job Sheet 10 Switch Controlled Circuits

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
5.

x Toggle switch

Push switch

Toggle switch
x Push switch

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. The switch allows the flow of electricity to pass when it is closed.
2. The switch prevents the flow of electricity to pass when it is open.
3. Vacuums, Toasters, Washing machines, Dryers, Etc.
4. A switched circuit allows the user to have control over the flow of electricity without having
to turn off the power supply.
5. Float switch, circuit breakers, rotary switch, contactor, relay, latching switch, thermal switch,
time switch, etc.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 11 Voltage in Series Circuits

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
2. Voltage drop= 6 V
4. Voltage drop (Lamp1)= 3 V
Voltage drop (Lamp2)= 3 V
5. The sum of the voltage drops is equal to the applied voltage.
7. Voltage drop (Lamp1)= 2.5 V
Voltage drop (Lamp2)= 2.5 V
Voltage drop (47Ω Resistor)= 1 V
8. The circuit becomes open, therefore causing the voltage drop to be zero across all
components in the circuit.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. A circuit load is any or all parts of a circuit that consume electricity.
2. Applied voltage is the voltage appearing across the terminals of the power source.
3. Voltage drop is a measure of the voltage that appears across the terminals of each circuit
part.
4. In a series circuit voltage drop is related to the resistance of the circuit part.
5. The voltage drop of each circuit part is added together to give a total voltage drop for the
circuit. The total voltage drop equals the applied voltage.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 12 Voltage in Parallel Circuits

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
2. Voltage (Supply)= 6 V
Voltage (Lamp1)= 6V
Voltage (Lamp2)= 6V
3. Voltage (Lamp1)= 6V
Voltage (Lamp2)= 6V
Voltage (1kΩ Resistor)= 6V.
The resistor’s resistance does not change the amount of voltage drop across it
compared to the lamps. As long as it is connected in parallel the voltage drop will be
the same as all other parallel components.
4. The switch controls both lamps and the resistor.
6. The switch now controls the second lamp and the resistor.
7. A switch must be in series with the power supply to control the entire parallel circuit. A
switch in series with one load controls only that load.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. A parallel circuit has one lead of each load connected to the positive terminal of the power
source and the other lead of each load connected to the negative terminal of the power
source.
2. The full applied voltage reaches each load.
3. Removal of one load in a parallel circuit will not affect the operation of the other loads.
4. The switch is placed in series with one of the power source leads.
5. The voltage drop across each load will equal the applied voltage.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 13 Voltage in Series-Parallel Circuits

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
2. The lamps are half as bright as when the power is supplied to only one lamp.
3. There is no change to the lamps brightness when a lamp is added in parallel.
4. This is a series-parallel circuit. The lamps that are in parallel are much dimmer than
the lamp that is in series with them.
5. Voltage (Lamp1)= 1.5V
Voltage (Lamp2)= 1.5V
Voltage (Lamp3)= 4.5V
6. The voltage drops add together to equal the applied voltage.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. A circuit having parallel loads and series loads combined together.
2. Start by measuring the voltage drop across the parallel parts. Continue by measuring
voltage drop across the series parts.
3. Placing two lamps in parallel will not change their brightness. Placing two lamps in series
will cut the brightness of each lamp by about half.
4. In series with the positive power supply lead.
5. The total voltage drop will be equal to the applied voltage. Therefore, the total will be 12 V.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 14 Current in Series Circuits

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
4. Current= 27 mA
6. Current (A) = 26 mA
Current (B)= 26 mA.
The resistor increases the resistance of the circuit and reduces the current flow.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. The ammeter is inserted in series with the circuit loads and power supply. Meter polarity
must be correct.
2. A series circuit has only one current.
3. The ammeter may be inserted at any point in a series circuit for accurately measuring the
current flow through the one circuit path.
4. As in any circuit, current flows from the negative terminal of the power source through the
series circuit to the positive terminal.
5. Additional loads increase the total resistance and thus reduce the current flow through a
series circuit.

Job Sheet 15 Current in a Parallel Circuit

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
2. Lamp Current= 39 mA
4. Resistor Current = 6.5 mA
5. Total Current= 84.5 mA
?. Yes, the total current drops to 46mA

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. A parallel circuit has two or more current paths
2. The ammeter is inserted in series with each load to measure the branch currents.
3. The ammeter is inserted in series between the point where all branches join and a terminal
of the power source.
4. Additional circuit branches will result in an increase of current flow through a parallel circuit.
5. Current flow is reduced by an amount equal to that which flowed through the branch before
the open occurred.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 16 Current in a Series-Parallel Circuit

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
2. Current (A)= 29 mA
Current (B)= 29 mA
Current (C)= 57 mA
4. Current (D)= 14 mA
Current (E)= 21.5 mA
5. Calculated Total Current Flow (Parallel Branches)= 35.5 mA
Current Flow (Series Lamp)= 35.5 mA
The current through the series lamp is equal to the total parallel branch current.
7. It gets slightly dimmer due to the reduction in current.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. Current flows from negative to positive terminals of the power source. Total current is
distributed throughout the parallel branches.
2. A high load resistance in one branch will result in lower current flow.
3. Total current equals the sum of the currents in the individual parallel branches.
4. Total current in the parallel branches is equal to the series circuit current.
5. Current flow throughout the series circuit part of the circuit will be reduced.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 17 Ohm’s Law

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
2. Calculated Current = 36 mA
3. Measured Current = 35 mA
5. Total Current (I) = 21.5 mA
6. Calculated Voltage = 3.87 V
7. Measured Voltage = 3.85 V
8. Calculated Voltage (Rx) = 2.55 V
Calculated Resistance (Rx) = 118 Ω
10. Supply Voltage = 6.35 V
Current (180 Ω) = 35.3 mA.
11. Total Circuit Current (I) = 88 mA
12. Calculated Current (Rx) = 88 mA
13. Calculated Resistance (Rx) = 120.5 Ω
14. Yes

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. Current and Voltage values must be measured when using Ohm’s law to find resistance.
2. Current is equal to the voltage divided by the resistance.
3. Ohm’s law is useful for finding voltage across part in a circuit.
4. Current will decrease
5. V = 75 V

14
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 18 Resistors

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
4. Dimmer
5. The current is being reduced because resistance is being increased.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. A resistor creates resistance to the flow of electrical current reducing its strength.
2. Current decreases as resistance increases.
3. The most common type of resistors are made of carbon granules.
4. Answers can vary, use your best judgement.
5. or

Job Sheet 19 Resistor Color Code

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
3. Band 1 Color: Brown
Band 2 Color: Red
Band 3 Color: Brown
4. Band 1 Number: 1
Band 2 Number: 2
Band 3 Zeros: 0
5. 120 Ω, yes

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. It is the band on the opposite side of the tolerance band.
2. First Number, Second Number, Number of Zeros
3. 5%
4. 150000 Ω, 150 KΩ
5. 360000000 Ω, 360000 KΩ

15
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 20 Variable Resistor

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
3. This is happening because as the knob is turned the resistance is being increased
and decreased changing the amount of current going to the light bulb and therefore
making the bulb brighter and dimmer.
6. The lamp goes from being very dim to no light at all.
7. It goes from being no light to bright. This happens because when the light is out all
the current is going to the one leg of the variable resistor. When the knob is turned,
current returns to the lamp and it lights up again.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. A variable resistor
2. To control the amount of resistance and in turn the amount of current flowing in a circuit.
3. In this experiment it was controlled by a knob, but can be adjusted in several different ways.
4. Can be a range of answers. Use your best judgement.
5. By controlling the voltage being applied to a load.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 21 Series Resistor Circuits

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS

8.

Power supply voltage 4.5V 9V

Current at point A in mA 1.4 mA  2.7 mA 
Current at point B in mA 1.4 mA 2.7 mA
Current at point C in mA 1.4 mA  2.7 mA 
Current at point D in mA 1.4 mA 2.7 mA 
Voltage across R1 (270Ω resistor) 0.38 V  0.73 V 
Voltage across R2(1kΩ resistor) 1.4 V 2.7 V 
Voltage across R3(2.2kΩ resistor) 3V 5.85 V

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

2.

Power supply voltage 4.5V 9V

Average current I in mA 1.4 mA  2.7 mA
Total voltage VS across all resistors 4.78 V 9.28 V 
Total resistance RT = VS / I 3414 Ω  3437
Total resistance RT = R1 + R2 + R3 3470  3470

3. A series circuit
4. RT = R1 + R2 + R3 or RT = VS / I
5. 2,283,000 Ω or 2,283 K Ω or 2.28 M Ω

17
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 22 Parallel Resistor Circuits

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
7.

Power supply voltage 4.5V

Current at point A in mA 25 mA 
Current at point B in mA  18 mA
Current at point C in mA  5 mA
Current at point D in mA 2 mA 
Current at point E in mA 25 mA 
Voltage across R1 (270Ω resistor) 4.75 V 
Voltage across R2(1kΩ resistor) 4.8 V
Voltage across R3(2.2kΩ resistor) 4.8 V 

8.

Power supply voltage 4.5V

Average of currents at A and E in mA  25 mA
Total of currents, I, at B, C and D in mA  25 mA
Average voltage across resistors VS  4.8 V
Total resistance RT = VS / I  192 Ω
Total resistance from 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3  194 Ω

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. A parallel resistor circuit is wired with one end of each resistor connected to the negative
terminal of the power supply and the other end of each resistor connected to the positive
terminal of the power supply.
2. 1) Resistors of like value; one resistor divided by the total resistors. 2) Product over sum of
two resistors. 3) Unlike resistors: 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 … 1/RN
3. The total resistance is 5.45 Ω.
a. Method 1: (10 x 20)/(10+20)= 6.67Ω, (6.67 x 30)/(6.67+30)= 5.45 Ω
b. Method 2: 1/(1/10 + 1/20 + 1/30)= 5.45 Ω
4. (30 x 90) / (30+90) = 22.5Ω
5. The total resistance is always less than the resistor having the smallest value.

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 23 Series-Parallel Resistor Circuits

ANSWERS TO Procedure Step QUESTIONS
7.

Power supply voltage 4.5V

Current at point A in mA 6 mA 
Current at point B in mA  2 mA
Current at point C in mA  4 mA
Current at point D in mA 6 mA 
Voltage across R1 (270Ω resistor) 1 V 
Voltage across R2(1kΩ resistor) 3.8 V
Voltage across R3(2.2kΩ resistor) 4.8 V 

8.

Power supply voltage 4.5V

Average of currents at A and D in mA ( = I)  6 mA
Sum of currents at B and C in mA  6 mA
Sum of voltages across R1 and R2 ( =VS)  4.8 V
Total resistance RT = VS / I  800 Ω
Combined resistance of R1 and R2 (in series) (=RC)  1270 Ω
Total resistance of all three resistors RT = RC x R3 / RC + R3  805 Ω

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. A circuit with resistors in series with one another and others in parallel to one another
2. Rules for finding total parallel resistance are applied to the parallel circuit branches. The
parallel resistance becomes part of the calculations needed to find total resistance of the
series part of the circuit.
3. First find total resistance of the parallel branches.
4. Resistor tolerance and degree of accuracy in making measurements may result in variation
between measured and calculated values.
5. Find Parallel: 10KΩ/2 = 5 KΩ. Add this value to the last resistor, 10 KΩ= 15 KΩ

19
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 24 Electromagnetism

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS

5. The compass points in the opposite direction.
7. The compass reverses poles again pointing in the opposite direction.
8. It is turned into an electromagnet.
9. Yes
11. When the nail is in the coil a paper clip will stick to it.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. Electromagnet
2. A magnetic field
3. Core
4. By increasing the current or increasing the amount of turns of copper
5. Yes

Job Sheet 25 The Buzzer

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS

4. It lowers the volume of the buzzer because there is less current flowing to the buzzer.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. Current can no longer flow through the circuit.
2. Magnetic attraction causes the armature to pull the contacts apart to open the circuit.
3. Add a resistor or adjust the space between the contact points.
4. Current is dc that is turned on and off quickly. It will in step with the current.

20
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 26 What is AC?

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
3. Positive or negative depending on the way the power supply carrier is oriented.
5. Opposite of the reading from step 3
7. The voltage and current are alternating back and forth.

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. Direct current flows in one direction and Alternating current changes its flow from positive to
negative periodically.
2. Graphs are much like the displays shown on an oscilloscope.
3. The horizontal line represents the passing of time.
4. Positive voltage or current flow is drawn above the horizontal line. Negative voltage or
current flow is drawn below the horizontal line.
5. The bulb would light each time the time the current flowed in the circuit. Voltage polarity or
direction of current flow would not affect the light.

21
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 27 Capacitors

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
7.

Frequency Current I Voltage V

50Hz 1.8 mA  7.43 V

   

100Hz  4.2 mA  7.42 V

   

500Hz  22.1 mA  7.35 V

   
1kHz  43.5 mA  7 V

   

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. The capacitor is an open circuit to direct current power.
2. The capacitor stores and then releases electricity into the circuit on each reversal of the
current.
3. A non-conductive material that insulates capacitor plates. Can be air, glass, mica, ceramic,
paper, polystyrene, etc.
4.

Frequency Capacitive reactance Capacitive reactance

XC = V / I XC = 1 / (2 π f C)
50Hz 4127.8 3183.1 
100Hz  1766.7  1591.5
500Hz  332.6  318.3
1kHz  160.9  159.2

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Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 28 Inductors

ANSWERS TO Procedure step QUESTIONS
7.

Frequency Current I Voltage V

50Hz 73.7 mA   3.3 V

   

100Hz  71.8 mA  3.5V

   

500Hz  52 mA  5.1V

   
1kHz  23.7 mA  7.1 V

   

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. Resistors oppose electric currents. Inductors oppose changes to electric currents.
2. Inductive reactance is the measurement of opposition of an inductor to changing current.
3., 4., and 5. See table below.

Frequency Inductive reactance Inductive reactance

XL = V / I XL = 2 π f L
50Hz 44.8  14.8 
100Hz 48.8 29.5 
500Hz 98.1   147.7
1kHz  299.6  295.3

23
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 29 Resistors and Inductors in Series

ANSWERS TO procedure step QUESTIONS

8.

Measurement AC frequency = 100Hz AC frequency = 1kHz

Current at point A in mA 20 mA 14.3 mA
Supply voltage VS 6.25 V 6.81 V
Voltage VR across 270Ω resistor 5.39 V 4.08 V
Voltage VL across 47mH inductor 1.05 V 4.76 V

ANSWERS TO review QUESTIONS

1. I = 23 mA
2. VR = 6.21 V
3. VL = 0.68 V
4. The reactance increases by a factor of 10.
5. Z = 400.1 Ω
I = 17 mA
VR = 4.6 V
VL = 5 V

24
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 30 Resistors and Capacitors in Series

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
8.

Measurement AC frequency = 100Hz AC frequency = 1kHz

Current at point A in mA 4.2 mA 20.5 mA

Supply voltage VS 7.37 V 6.41 V

Voltage VR across 270Ω resistor 1.2 V 5.44 V

Voltage VC across 1µF capacitor 7.25 V 3.2 V

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. I = 4.57 mA
2. VR = 1.23 V
3. VC = 7.27 V
4. The reactance decreases by a factor of 10.
5. Z = 313.4 Ω
I = 20.5 mA
VR = 5.5 V
VC = 3.3 V

25
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 31 Resistors Inductors and Capacitors in Series

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
6.

Frequency in Hz AC Supply Voltage VS in V Current I at A in mA

100 7.41 V  4.3 mA 

200  7.33 V  9.9 mA

300  7.27 V  15 mA

400  7.1 V  22.6 mA

500  6.83 V  31.6 mA

600  6.34 V  38.1 mA

700  5.52 V  44.3 mA

800  4.85 V  49.5 mA

900  4.5 V  52.5 mA

1000  4.41 V  54 mA

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1.

Frequency in Hz AC Supply Voltage VS in V Current I at A in mA Impedance Z in kΩ

100 7.41 V  4.3 mA  1.7 kΩ 

200  7.33 V  9.9 mA 0.74 kΩ

300  7.27 V  15 mA  0.48 kΩ

400  7.1 V  22.6 mA  .27 kΩ

500  6.83 V  31.6 mA  0.22 kΩ

600  6.34 V  38.1 mA  0.17 kΩ

700  5.52 V  44.3 mA  0.12 kΩ

800  4.85 V  49.5 mA  0.10 kΩ

900  4.5 V  52.5 mA 0.086 kΩ 

1000  4.41 V  54 mA  0.082 kΩ

1100 4.5 V 53.3 mA 0.084 kΩ

1200 4.77 V 50.7 mA 0.094 kΩ

26
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 32 Resistors and Inductors in Parallel

ANSWERS TO Procedure Step QUESTIONS
9.

Measurement AC frequency = 100Hz AC frequency = 1kHz

Current at point A in mA 76.3 mA 30.8 mA

Current at point B in mA 66 mA 18.7 mA

Current at point C in mA 11.5 mA 21.8 mA

Supply voltage Vs 3.19 V 5.96 V

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. b. IC = 11.8 mA
d. IB = 108.1 mA

f. IA = 108.7 mA

2. a. XL = 295
a. XL = 295.3 Ω

b. IB = 20.2 mA

27
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 33 Resistors and Capacitors in Parallel

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
9.

Measurement AC frequency = 100Hz AC frequency = 1kHz

Current at point A in mA 22.7 mA 42.3 mA

Current at point B in mA 3.4 mA 35.7 mA

Current at point C in mA 22.4 mA 21.6 mA

Supply voltage VS 6.1 V 5.88 V

Missing Calculation section Steps 11, 13, 15

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

1. b. IC = 22.6 mA
d. IB = 3.8 mA

g. IA = 22.9 mA. Yes.

2. a. XC = 159.2 Ω
a. IB = 36.9 mA
IA = 42.8 mA

b. The current running through the capacitor is ten times larger at 1kHz than at 100 Hz.
This occurs because of the decrease in reactance.

28
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 34 Resistors Inductors and Capacitors in Parallel

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS
6.

Frequency in Hz AC Supply Voltage VS in V Current I at A in mA

100  3.47 V 71 mA 

200  3.93 V  64.2 mA

300  4.22 V  57.9 mA

400  4.69 V  49.7 mA

500  5.16 V  40.7 mA

600  5.64 V  32.3 mA

700  6.05 V  25 mA

800  6.49 V  16.3 mA

900  6.99 V  10.5 mA

1000  7.12 V  20 mA

ANSWERS TO Review QUESTIONS

2.

Frequency in Hz AC Supply Voltage VS in V Current I at A in mA Impedance Z in kΩ

100  3.47 V 71 mA  0.0489 kΩ

200  3.93 V  64.2 mA  0.0612 kΩ

300  4.22 V  57.9 mA 0.0729 kΩ 

400  4.69 V  49.7 mA  0.0944 kΩ

500  5.16 V  40.7 mA  0.127 kΩ

600  5.64 V  32.3 mA  0.175 kΩ

700  6.05 V  25 mA  0.242 kΩ

800  6.49 V  16.3 mA  0.398 kΩ

900  6.99 V  10.5 mA  0.666 kΩ

1000  7.12 V  20 mA  0.356 kΩ

4. 900 Hz

29
Fundamentals of AC/DC

Job Sheet 35 Transformers

ANSWERS TO Procedure Step QUESTIONS
3. VS = 7.32 V
5. 3.61 V. The voltage is half of the supply voltage
6. 14.1 V. The voltage is double the supply voltage.

ANSWERS TO PROCEDURE STEP QUESTIONS

1. The purpose of using a transformer is to increase or decrease the amount of voltage in a
circuit.
2. The greater the number of turns in a transformer winding the greater the voltage will be.
3. Alternating Current
4. A step-up transformer increases voltage in a circuit and a step-down transformer decreases
the amount of voltage in a circuit.
5. Less than or equal to 40 V.

30
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