Student’s Name: Radhika Ojha Subject: Physics DP Year: DP Level: HL

1
Unit title: B.5 Electricity Ongoing FA

Time assigned: 60 Min Time Taken: M. Marks: 25

Objective:
To compare the total resistance of unknown resistors when connected in series and parallel and verify the
theoretical relationships for these configurations.

Practical Setup Apparatus:

• Power supply (DC)

• Two unknown resistors

• Voltmeter

• Ammeter

• Connecting wires

• Switch

1. Hypothesis:

I think that if resistors are connected in series, the total resistance will
increase, while if they are connected in parallel, the total resistance will
decrease. This is because, according to the laws of electrical resistance, in
a series circuit, resistances add up directly, increasing total resistance,
whereas in a parallel circuit, the reciprocal sum results in a lower [2]
equivalent resistance than the smallest resistor in the network. As a result,
the current behaves differently in each configuration due to the overall
resistance affecting it.

2. Variables [4]

Independent Variable (IV):

Voltage applied across the circuit

Dependent Variable (DV):

Current flowing through the circuit

Controlled Variables (CVs):

- Resistor
- consistent wire connections
- power supply
- stable temperature

3. Experimental Steps

Part 1: Series Circuit

1. Connect the two unknown resistors in series with the power supply.

2. Measure the total voltage across both resistors using the voltmeter.

3. Record the total current using the ammeter in series.

4. Calculate the total resistance using Ohm's Law

Part 2: Parallel Circuit

1. Connect the two unknown resistors in parallel with the power supply.

2. Measure the total voltage across both branches (should be the same for both).

3. Record the total current using the ammeter in series with the power supply.

4. Calculate the total resistance using Ohm's Law

4. Data Collection [6]

Create separate tables for series and parallel configurations.

Series Circuit Data Table –

Voltage (V) Current (A) Resistance ()

2V 0.017 A 117.65 
 4V 0.03 A 133.33 

6V 0.0455 A 131.87 

8V 0.06 A 133.33 

10 V 0.0775 A 129.03 

12 V 0.09 A 133.33 

Graph:

Parallel Circuit Data Table –

 Voltage (V) Current (A) Resistance ()

2V 0.0185 A 108.11 

4V 0.034 A 117.65 

6V 0.0515 A 116.50 

8V 0.0695 A 115.11 

10 V 0.089 A 112.36 

12 V 0.11 A 109.09 

Graph:
5. Data Analysis [6]

The current in the series circuit is lower than in the parallel circuit for the same applied voltage,
following theoretical predictions. However, the current values fluctuate slightly due to experimental
uncertainties.

Verifying the theoretical relationships:

For Series Circuit:

The total resistance in a series circuit is given by:

Rtotal=R 1+ R 2

- Estimating individual resistances:

Assuming two equal resistors, we take the average resistance from all the calculated resistance
values; as Rtotal ≈ 129.75Ω

129.75
Thus, R1≈ R2≈ ≈ 64.8Ω
2

The calculated resistances confirm the theoretical formula for series circuits.

For Parallel Circuit:

The total resistance in a parallel circuit is given by:

1 1 1
= +
R total R1 R 2

- Using the same calculated R1≈ 64.8Ω,

1 1 1
= +
R total 64.8 64.8

2
¿ =0.0308
64.8

Therefore , Rtotal ≈32.47

We will get same value if we take the average of all the resistance values in the parallel circuit. If
there is any difference in the theoretical value and the calculated value, it’s because of either a
systematic error in measurement or variations in resistor values.

6. Conclusion [2]

• Summarize the findings:

 - The experiment successfully demonstrated that the total current in a parallel circuit is higher than in
a series circuit for the same applied voltage.

Series Circuit: The measured total resistance aligns well with R1 + R2, verifying the theoretical
prediction.
Parallel Circuit: The expected resistance is lower than measured, indicating possible experimental
errors such as connection resistance or instrument inaccuracies.

 The experimental values closely align with theoretical predictions, confirming Ohm's Law.

7. Evaluation [5]

Sources of Error:

• Fluctuations in power supply output.

• Inaccuracies in ammeter or voltmeter readings.
• Loose connections causing variations in measurements.

Suggestions for Improvement:

 Use of a more precise ammeter for measurements.

 Ensuring all connections are secure to minimize errors.
 Conducting multiple trials to average out random errors.

Strengths:

 The experiment effectively demonstrated theoretical concepts of resistance.

 The data collection process was systematic and well-structured.
 The analysis supported the theoretical expectations.