Lab 1 Manual
Lab 1 Manual
Lab 1 Manual
5. Safety Precautions
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives
The objective of this laboratory manual is to familiarize students with the operation and use
of common electrical measurement instruments, specifically ammeters, voltmeters, and
multimeters. By the end of this lab, students should be able to:
Ammeter:
An ammeter is an instrument used to measure electric current in a circuit. It is always
connected in series with the circuit under test and has very low resistance to minimize any
voltage drop. Ammeters are typically calibrated in amperes (A).
Voltmeter:
A voltmeter is used to measure the voltage difference between two points in an electrical
circuit. It is always connected in parallel with the component or circuit whose voltage you
want to measure. Voltmeters have a very high resistance to prevent drawing significant
current and altering the circuit's behavior. Voltmeters are typically calibrated in volts (V).
Multimeter:
A multimeter is a versatile instrument that can be used as an ammeter, voltmeter, and often
as an ohmmeter. It can measure current, voltage, and resistance. Multimeters are available
in both analog and digital forms. Modern digital multimeters (DMMs) are more common due
to their accuracy and ease of use.
2.1 Procedure
1. Set up a simple DC circuit on the breadboard. This circuit should consist of a power
supply (e.g., battery), an ammeter, and a resistor in series. Ensure that the ammeter is
connected in series and correctly polarized.
2. Gradually increase the voltage from the power supply, and record the ammeter readings
at different voltage levels.
2.2 Observations
Record your observations of the ammeter readings and the corresponding voltage levels in
the table below:
Voltage (V) Ammeter Reading (A)
2
4
6
8
10
2.3 Calculations
Perform calculations to determine the current in the circuit at each recorded voltage level.
Example Calculation:
Suppose the voltage (V) across the circuit is 10 volts and the resistance (R) of the circuit is 5
ohms.
2.4 Conclusion
Draw conclusions based on your observations and calculations. Discuss the behavior of the
ammeter in the circuit and whether it affects the circuit's current.
3.1 Procedure
1. Modify the circuit setup from Experiment 1 by replacing the ammeter with a voltmeter.
Connect the voltmeter in parallel across the resistor.
2. Gradually increase the voltage from the power supply and record the voltmeter readings
at different voltage levels.
3.2 Observations
Record your observations of the voltmeter readings and the corresponding voltage levels in
the table below:
3.3 Calculations
Perform calculations to determine the voltage across the resistor at each recorded voltage
level.
Example Calculation:
Suppose the voltmeter reads 8 volts when connected to the circuit.
So, the voltage (V) across the resistor is 8 volts.
3.4 Conclusion
Draw conclusions based on your observations and calculations. Discuss the behaviour of the
voltmeter in the circuit and how it measures voltage.
4.1 Procedure
2. Connect a digital multimeter in series to measure current (ammeter mode). Record the
current readings.
3. Connect the same multimeter in parallel to measure voltage (voltmeter mode). Record the
voltage readings.
4. Change the range or function of the multimeter (if applicable) to measure resistance
(ohmmeter mode). Measure the resistance of various resistors.
4.2 Observations
Record your observations of the current, voltage, and resistance measurements taken using
the multimeter in the tables below:
4.3 Calculations
4.4 Conclusion
Summarize your findings regarding the functionality of the multi meter and its use in
measuring current, voltage, and resistance.
5. Safety Precautions
2. Follow circuit diagrams: Ensure that your circuits are connected as per the provided
instructions.
3. Avoid touching live wires: Ensure the power supply is off when making connections or
adjustments.
4. Use appropriate voltage and current limits: Do not exceed the rated limits of the
instruments.
5. Keep the work area clean: Avoid clutter and organize wires and components neatly.
6. Turn off power before making changes: Always disconnect the power supply before
modifying the circuit.