EXPERIMENT -1

OHM’S LAW
NOTE :

1. TEXT IN RED COLOUR IS NOT TO BE WRITTEN IN THE JOURNAL. THEY ARE

INSTRUCTIONS.
2. GRAPH WILL BE DRAWN LATER IN SCHOOL WHEN THE EXPERIMENT WILL
BE DONE IN LAB AND READINGS WILL BE TAKEN.
3. IN ALL EXPERIMENTS TABLE OF OBSERVATION IS TO BE DRAWN ON
RULED SIDE OF THE JOURNAL IN THE ORDER GIVEN IN THE WRITUP.

Aim :
To study the dependence of potential difference (V) across a resistor on the current (I)

passing through it and to determine its resistance by plotting a graph between V and I.

Apparatus :
An unknown resistance, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a variable voltage supply (battery eliminator),
a plug key and connecting wires.

Theory:
Ohm’s law states that current (I) passing through a conductor is directly proportional to the
potential difference (V) across its ends provided the temperature of the conductor remains
constant.

𝑣∝𝐼

𝑣 = 𝐼𝑅
𝑉
Where, R is the resistance of the conductor and is constant for a given material (𝑅 = )
𝐼

Procedure ;
1. Set the apparatus on the table as shown in the circuit diagram and connect those using
wires.
2. Note down the range and least count of ammeter and voltmeter.
3. Insert the plug key and allow a small current to flow through the circuit using the knob of
variable voltage supply.
4. Note down the voltmeter and ammeter reading.

Page 1 of 20
 𝑉
5. Calculate 𝑅 = 𝐼
6. Vary the voltage at the supply and repeat steps 4 and 5.
7. Record as many readings you get until the pointer of ammeter or voltmeter goes out of
range.
8. Calculate mean R.
9. Plot a graph taking I along the x axis and voltage along the y axis. Determine the
resistance of the conductor by finding the slope of the graph.
∆𝑉
𝑅 = 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 =
∆𝐼

Observations :
Range of the ammeter =_____________________mA

Least count of ammeter =____________________mA

Range of voltmeter = _____________________V

Least count of voltmeter = _________________V

Observation Voltmeter reading Ammeter reading Resistance

No. V (volts) I (mA) R = V/I (Ω)
1
2
3
4
5
6
(Convert current reading from mA to A when calculating R, 1 mA = 10-3 A)

Calculations :
𝑅1+𝑅2+𝑅3+⋯..+𝑅𝑛
Mean R = = ___________________Ω
𝑛

Conclusion
1. Graph of V/I is a straight line passing through the origin.
2. Resistance of the given resistor

Page 2 of 20
  Mean resistance = _________Ω
 From graph, R = slope of V/I graph = __________Ω

Precautions
1. Before proceeding get the circuit diagram checked by the teacher.
2. Make clear, neat and tight connections.
3. Connect the ammeter in series and voltmeter in parallel with the resistor.
4. Close the key only when you are taking the reading.
5. Do not pass a large current through the resistor for a long time otherwise due to large
heating its resistance may increase.
6. Voltmeter should be of large internal resistance and ammeter should have least internal
resistance.
7. If the pointer of any device shows below zero deflection on passing the current, then
check the connections at the positive and negative terminals of these devices and the
battery.

1. Draw the circuit diagram with ruler and pencil on the blank side of journal.
2. Caption and labeling should be done with pencil only.

Page 3 of 20
Graph

Note ;

1. Use the readings from your observation to plot the graph.

2. Write the scale for x axis and y axis on the graph at top right corner.
3. Show the steps of calculation of slope on graph paper.
4. Stick the graph paper on the blank side of journal neatly.
5. You will need two blank sides of the journal page in this experiment, one for circuit
diagram and other for graph.

Page 4 of 20
 EXPERIMENT – 2

RESISTANCE IN SERIES

Aim :
To find the combined resistance of resistors connected in series combination.

Apparatus :
Unknown resistance (R1 &R2), an ammeter, a voltmeter, a variable voltage supply (battery
eliminator), a plug key and connecting wires.

Formula
RS = R1 + R2

Procedure ;
10. Arrange and connect the given apparatus with resistor R1 according to the circuit diagram
for Ohms Law. (first diagram)
11. Note down the range and least count of ammeter and voltmeter.
12. Insert the plug key and allow a small current to flow through the circuit using the knob of
variable voltage supply.
13. Varying the supply voltage from the eliminator box, observe and record the reading on
voltmeter and ammeter.
14. Record as many readings you get until the pointer of ammeter or voltmeter goes out of
range.
15. Calculate resistance of each observation and then calculate mean R 1.
16. Repeat steps 1 to 5 by connecting R2 in the circuit and calculate mean R2
17. Now connect both resistors in series as shown in the second circuit diagram.
18. Repeat steps 2 to 5 and find mean Rs
19. Verify your result by using formula.

Observations :
Range of the ammeter =_____________________mA

Least count of ammeter =____________________mA

Range of voltmeter = _____________________V

Least count of voltmeter = _________________V

Page 5 of 20
Observation Table :
Resistor Observation Voltmeter Ammeter Resistance Mean R
No. reading reading
R = V/I (Ω)
V (volts) I (mA)

R1 3

R2 3

RS 3

(Convert current reading from mA to A when calculating R, 1 mA = 10 -3 A)

Calculations
RS = ________________Ω

R1 + R2 = ____________Ω

Page 6 of 20
Conclusions ;
1. From above experiment and calculations it is verified that combined resistance in series is
the algebraic sum of individual resistor values.
2. In series combination, the overall resistance of the circuit is high and is greater than the
value of highest individual resistor.
Precautions
8. Before proceeding get the circuit diagram checked by the teacher.
9. Make clear, neat and tight connections.
10. Connect the ammeter in series and voltmeter in parallel with the resistor.
11. Close the key only when you are taking the reading.
12. Do not pass a large current through the resistor for a long time otherwise due to large
heating its resistance may rise.
13. Voltmeter should be of large internal resistance and ammeter should have least internal
resistance.
Instruction : diagrams should be drawn on blank side

Page 7 of 20
Page 8 of 20
 EXPERIMENT – 3

RESISTANCE IN PARALLEL
Aim :

To find the combined resistance of resistors connected in parallel combination.

Apparatus :

Unknown resistors (R1 &R2), an ammeter, a voltmeter, a variable voltage supply (battery
eliminator), a plug key and connecting wires.

Formula :

𝑅1 × 𝑅2
RP =
𝑅1 + 𝑅2

Procedure :

20. Arrange and connect the given apparatus with resistor R1 according to the circuit diagram
for Ohms Law. (first diagram)
21. Note down the range and least count of ammeter and voltmeter.
22. Insert the plug key and allow a small current to flow through the circuit using the knob of
variable voltage supply.
23. Varying the supply voltage from the eliminator box, observe and record the reading on
voltmeter and ammeter.
24. Record as many readings you get until the pointer of ammeter or voltmeter goes out of
range.
25. Calculate resistance of each observation and then calculate mean R 1.
26. Repeat steps 1 to 5 by connecting R2 in the circuit and calculate mean R2
27. Now connect both resistors in parallel as shown in the second circuit diagram.
28. Repeat steps 2 to 5 and find mean RP
29. Verify your result by using formula.
Observations :
Range of the ammeter =_____________________mA

Least count of ammeter =____________________mA

Range of voltmeter = _____________________V

Least count of voltmeter = _________________V

Page 9 of 20
Observation Table :
Resistor Observation Voltmeter Ammeter Resistance Mean R
No. reading reading R = V/I (Ω)
V (volts) I (mA)
1
2
R1 3
4
5
1
2
R2 3
4
5
1
2
RP 3
4
5
(Convert current I from mA to amps while calculating R, 1 mA = 10 -3 A)

Calculations :
RP = ________________Ω

𝑅1 × 𝑅2
= ____________Ω
𝑅1 + 𝑅2

LEAVE 4 LINES TO SHOW THE CALCULATIONS

Conclusions ;
3. From above experiment and calculations it is verified that combined resistance in parallel
is reciprocal of the sum of reciprocals of individual resistors.
4. In parallel combination, the overall resistance of the circuit is low and is smaller than the
least value of individual resistor.
Precautions
14. Before proceeding get the circuit diagram checked by the teacher.
15. Make clear, neat and tight connections.
16. Connect the ammeter in series and voltmeter in parallel with the resistor.
17. Close the key only when you are taking the reading.

Page 10 of 20
 18. Do not pass a large current through the resistor for a long time otherwise due to large
heating its resistance may rise.
19. Voltmeter should be of large internal resistance and ammeter should have least internal
resistance.
Note : diagrams should be drawn on blank side with pencil and ruler.

Page 11 of 20