Scribd
Upload
12 views

DCExpt 4

This document describes an experiment on voltage divider circuits using resistors in series. The objectives are to demonstrate that the sum of individual voltage drops equals the source voltage, current is constant in a series circuit, and equivalent resistance equals total resistance. The procedure involves simulating and building a circuit with different resistors. Voltages, currents, powers, and equivalent resistance will be measured and compared to calculations. Questions address why series circuits are called voltage dividers and how measurements would change if voltages or resistances were altered.

Uploaded by

Eya Cedilla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views

DCExpt 4

This document describes an experiment on voltage divider circuits using resistors in series. The objectives are to demonstrate that the sum of individual voltage drops equals the source voltage, current is constant in a series circuit, and equivalent resistance equals total resistance. The procedure involves simulating and building a circuit with different resistors. Voltages, currents, powers, and equivalent resistance will be measured and compared to calculations. Questions address why series circuits are called voltage dividers and how measurements would change if voltages or resistances were altered.

Uploaded by

Eya Cedilla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

EXPERIMENT NO.

4
Voltage Divider Circuits

OBJECTIVES

1. Demonstrate that the sum of the individual voltage drops around a series circuit
is equal to the source voltage.
2. Demonstrate that current in a series circuit is constant.
3. Demonstrate that the equivalent resistance in a series circuit is equal to the sum
of the individual resistances.

INSTRUMENTS AND MATERIALS

PC installed with Multisim


1-DC Power Supply
Multimeter
Resistors of different values (TBA)

INTRODUCTION

Electrical components are connected in series if the same current flows through
each one of them. A series circuit has only one path for current to flow through, hence
the current is constant. The total voltage is equal to the voltage across each component,
this is why a series circuit is also known as a voltage divider circuit.

For N resistors connected in series, the voltage divider formula is

𝑉𝑇 𝑅𝑁
𝑉𝑁 =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2 + ⋯ + 𝑅𝑁

PROCEDURE

Part I – Simulation

1. From the simulation software, build the circuit as shown in Figure 4.1. Insert the
ammeters in the specified parts of the circuit as shown. Observe correct polarities. Set
the dc power supply 6 V and run the simulation. Record the currents in Table 4.1 under
the Simulated Current Values.

2. Calculate the required quantities as shown in Table 4.1.


3. To measure the voltage drops, connect the voltmeters across each resistor as shown
in Figure 4.2. Observe correct polarities. Record the voltages under the Simulated Voltage
Values in Table 4.1.

4. Calculate the power dissipated by each resistor and the total power using the formula

𝑃 = 𝑉𝐼

5. Disconnect the resistors from the power supply.

6. Disconnect the power supply from the circuit as shown in Figure 4.3 and connect the
ohmmeter to measure the equivalent resistance of the circuit. Polarity is not important
when measuring resistance. Record the equivalent resistance under the Simulated Value
in Table 4.1.

Figure 4.1 Measuring Currents at Different Points in a Series Circuit


Figure 4.2 Measuring Total Voltage and Voltages Drops in a Series Circuit

Figure 4.3 Measuring Equivalent Resistance in a Series Circuit


Part 2 – Hardwired Experiment

7. Repeat Procedure 1 – 6 with the hardwired components. Before switching on the DC


power supply, set its voltage to 0V.

8. Turn the power supply on. Increase the supply voltage to 6 V. Record the currents,
voltages, powers, and equivalent resistance under the Experimental Values.

9. Calculate the % deviation for each quantity in Table 4.1.

10. Compare and comment on the results of the simulation with the hardwired
experiment.

Table 4.1 Results Table

Simulated Measured
Quantities % Deviation
Values Values
I1
I2
I3
I4
I5
IT
V1
V2
V3
V4
V5
VT
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
PT
RT
CONCLUSION
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS

1. Why is a series circuit called a voltage divider circuit?


_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

2. What would happen to the voltages and the currents if the power supply or voltage
source were doubled?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

3. What would happen to the voltages and the currents if the value of each resistor were
doubled?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

4. Is the Voltage Divider Formula verified for the voltage drops obtained from the
simulated and experimental values? Justify your answer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

5. A circuit consisting of three resistors in series is connected across a power supply of 24


V. If the resistors have resistances of 3 Ω, 4 Ω, and 5 Ω, calculate the individual voltages
and power dissipations of each.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

You might also like