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18 views

lab 16

Uploaded by

destineehernandez2615
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lab #: 16

Title: Series Circuits

Aim

The aim of this experiment is to determine the resistance of a single resistor by using a series of
similar resistors in a circuit.

Hypothesis

In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. By measuring the
current and using Ohm's Law, we can calculate the resistance of a single resistor from a series of
similar resistors.

Variables

 Manipulated Variable: The number of resistors in the circuit.


 Responding Variable: The current flowing through the circuit.
 Constant Variable: The voltage supplied by the power supply (3 Volts).

Apparatus/Materials

 Power supply (3 Volts)


 5 resistors of the same resistance
 Ammeter
 Connecting wires
 Switch
 Ruler (to measure resistors if necessary)
 Voltmeter (optional for verification of voltage)

Circuit Diagram:
Method

1. The circuit was set up as shown in the diagram, with the switch open and the ammeter
connected in series with the resistors.
2. The teacher checked the circuit before it was turned on to ensure all connections were
correct.
3. The switch was closed, and the power supply was adjusted to provide a constant 3 Volts
across the circuit.
4. The current was measured at different values of n (number of resistors in the circuit). The
measurements started with 1 resistor, and additional resistors were added to measure the
current for each configuration.
5. The current for each value of n was recorded.
6. A graph of 1/I (reciprocal of current) on the y-axis versus n (number of resistors) on the
x-axis was plotted.
7. The slope of the line was calculated, and the formula was used to find the resistance of a
single resistor.

Results:

Number of Resistors (n) Current (I) (A) 1/I (A^-1)


1 0.16 6.25
2 0.18 5.56
3 0.24 4.17
4 0.34 2.94
5 0.54 1.85

Calculations

 Find Gradient
Using Ohm’s Law:
V = IR V = IR

Ohm's Law states:


V=IR
Where:
 Vis the voltage (in volts),
 I is the current (in amperes),
 R is the resistance (in ohms).

 Calculating Total Resistance

RT = nR𝑹𝑻 = 𝒏𝑹
Our total resistance would be given by:

Where:
 n is the number of resistors (5 similar resistors)
 R is the resistance of one resistor.

 Finding Current
Since the voltage (V) is constant at 3 volts, we can express the current (III) using the total
resistance:

I = VRT = VnR𝑰 = 𝑽𝑹𝑻 = 𝑽𝒏𝑹

Taking the reciprocal, we get:

1I = nRV𝟏𝑰 = 𝒏𝑹𝑽

= RV = 𝑹𝑽
The slope of the line:

slope = y2(6.10)-y1(2.10)
x2(4.90)-x1(1.20)

=1.08 A−1
 Determining resistance

If slope =R/V

Rearranging gives:
R=slope *V

R=1.08 *3
R of resistor =3.24 Ω

Graph:

Discussion

The graph of 1/I vs. n should ideally form a straight line, indicating that the current inversely
relates to the number of resistors in the circuit. The slope of the graph gives us the resistance per
resistor when multiplied by the voltage (3V). This experimental data should be in close
agreement with the theoretical calculation for the resistance of each resistor.

However, some errors may arise in the experiment. For instance, the contact resistance at wire
connections may cause slight variations in current readings. The small tolerance in resistor
values (since resistors are not always perfectly identical) could also affect the results.
Furthermore, the precision of the ammeter may introduce small errors in the current
measurements.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that the total resistance of a series circuit is the sum of the individual resistances
was supported by the experiment. The calculated resistance from the graph is consistent with the
expected values. The experiment demonstrates that the current in a series circuit inversely
depends on the total resistance, which increases as more resistors are added

Reflection:

The experiment confirmed that the total resistance in a series circuit is the sum of individual
resistances. By measuring the current at different resistor values and plotting 1/I against the
number of resistors, we observed an inverse relationship, as expected. The calculated resistance
of a single resistor was 3.24 Ω, which aligned with the hypothesis.
However, small errors may have affected the results, such as contact resistance, variations in
resistor values, and the precision of the ammeter. Despite these factors, the experiment
successfully demonstrated the relationship between resistance and current in a series circuit.

Precautions

 Ask the teacher to check the circuit before turning on the switch to ensure proper
connections.
 Do not exceed the rated current of the resistors to prevent overheating and damage.
 Ensure the ammeter is connected in series to get accurate current readings.

Sources of Error

 Contact resistance at wire connections could lead to inaccurate measurements of current.


 Variations in the resistance values of the resistors may affect the accuracy of the results.
 The ammeter’s precision limits may cause slight errors in measuring small currents.

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