Lab 4: Series and Parallel DC Circuits

1) Introduction In this experiment we explore the nature of parallel and series DC (Direct Current) circuits. The main objective is to test the predictions for current, voltage, and resistance relationships for series and parallel circuits. Some practical applications of these types of circuits are observable in our daily lives. An example of series circuit can be viewed in Christmas lights. If any one of the bulbs is missing or burned out, no current will flow and none of the lights will go on. On the other hand, an example of parallel circuits is the wiring system in our houses. If one of the lights burns out, current can still flow through the rest of the lights and appliances. This experiment will require the understanding of several theories:

Resistors for Series RT = R1 + R2 + R3 IT = I1 = I2 VT = V1 + V2

| Resistors for Parallel | RT = 1R1+ 1R2+ 1R3 | IT = I1 + I2 | | VT = V1 = V2 |

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2) Methods and Results The experiment was performed by measuring the corresponding currents, voltages, and resistances in a circuit that has three resistors connected in series and then in parallel. Afterwards the measurements are compared to the predicted results. The results are then combined with the error propagation formulas in order to determine accuracy of readings. 2.1) Measuring the Resistance of the resistors and Series Current Measurements. When measuring the resistance of R1, R2, and R3 resistors, the expected result was to be a series of resistance close to 100, 330, and 560 Ohms. The actual data collected held figures

of 104.8, 326.2, and 553.9 Ohms respectively. The uncertainty in the data collected was 0.4, 1.0, and 1.7 respectively. Once the DC series circuit was assembled, the currents were measured for R1, R1 and R2, R2 and R3, and R3 and found to possess currents of 3.88, 3.84, 3.84, 3.84 MilliAmps respectively with all measurements possessing uncertainties of 0.2. 2.2) Measuring Series Voltage For these measurements, the Fluke meter was set up as a DC voltmeter and recorded voltages for V1 (voltage# 1) parallel with R1, V2 parallel with R2, V3 parallel with R3. The figures collected were as follows: 0.405 V, 1.261 V, and 2.141 V respectfully with a sum all voltages being 3.809 V. The uncertainties for these figures are 0.002, 0.004, 0.007, and 0.012 for the sum total of the voltage with the series being parallel to all resistance. 2.3) Measuring Equivalent Resistance With the Fluke meter still connected, the ends of the test loop were removed leaving the resistors still connected. The Fluke meter was switched to an ohmmeter and the equivalent resistance, Req, was recorded to be 981.0 Ohms and 984.9 Ohms when using equation 4.3 in the lab manual. Uncertainty was recorded to be 3.0 and 2.0 respectively. 3.1) Measuring Currents After rewiring the circuit so that the resistors are in parallel, we measured the currents in milliAmps (mA) for the I-in, I-out, I1 with R1, I2 with R2, and I3 with R3. The results were as follows: 51.20mA, 51.15mA, 34.11mA, 11.06mA, and 6.52mA respectively.

. 3.2) Measuring Voltages The Fluke meter was adjusted to DC voltmeter and voltages were measured for R1 and V1, R1 and V2, R3 and V3: 3.626 V, 3.627V, 3.630V respectively with uncertainty measurements of .012 for each reading. 3.3) Measuring Equivalent Resistance The Fluke meter is now set up as an ohmmeter with the ends of the test loop disconnected from the rheostat. This leaves the resistors still connected to each other. The measurements were taken for the equivalent resistance and calculated to find its one-sigma accuracy uncertainty. The findings were as such: All resistances in parallel had a total reading of 69.4 Ohms with an uncertainty of 0.3. The measure of R in parallel using the equation {1/Req =1/R1+1/R2} was found to be the same, 69.4 Ohms but with a uncertainty of 0.2. 3) Discussion 4-1) Discussion Point (Current-Series Circuit) By studying the graphs there is a no significant statistical difference between the currents at any point in the circuit. The first measurement however, was slightly higher than the other measurements most likely due to loss in the wires. According to the graph below, current in is approximately equal to current out in a series circuit. Based on our data, it is confirmed that; Iin = I12 = I23 = Iout.

Position & Current

4-2) Discussion Point (Potential-Series Circuit) When comparing the measured equivalent voltage (3.809 volts) and the sum of the voltages in the series (3.807 volts), the consensus is that the results collected are fairly accurate and support the predicted measurement. According to the graph below, there is no statistical difference between Veq and Vsum. This is consistent with the prediction Veq =

V1+V2+V3.

Veq & Vsum

4-3) Discussion Point (Resistance-Series Circuit) After analyzing and charting the data collected from the measured resistance (Req) and the sum of the resistance (Rsum), there is a small significant statistical difference between the two values. Req equals 981.0 Ohms and Rsum equals 984.9 Ohms. If the values are rounded to two significant figures, the values are the same. The difference could be as a result of old equipment and wires or perhaps user error. The results are consistent with the prediction because the two values are so close; Req = R1 + R2 + R3 = Rsum

Req & Rsum

4-4) Discussion Point (Current-Parallel Circuit) Statistically there are some significant differences with the data in this section. Theoretically, the current in is supposed to equal the current out. The data supports this prediction; however, the sum of the currents is slightly higher than the current in/out values. This could have been caused by bad equipment and wiring or user error.

Isum & Iout & Iin

4-5) Discussion Point (Potential-Parallel Circuit) There are very few statistically significant differences in the measure of the voltages in this section. All measurements were very close to each other while maintaining identical uncertainties. Based on the data, our values are consistent with the prediction; Veq = V1 =

V2 = V3

Comparison of Voltage Values

V1, parallel with R1 V2, parallel with R2 V3, parallel with R3 Veq parallel with group

4-6) Discussion Point (Resistance-Parallel Circuit) The Parallel Req and the Parallel Rsum showed a large significant statistical difference. This is consistent with the predication because the parallel resistance should be much smaller than the sum of the resistance to all the resistors. For parallel circuits, the equation;

Req = (1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3)-1; is confirmed.

Req-parallel & Rsum-parallel