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Current and Voltage

The document outlines an experiment conducted by Shane Stewart on the behavior of current and voltage in series and parallel circuits. It details the setup, methodology, results, analysis, and conclusions drawn from the experiment, confirming the variations of resistance in different circuit configurations. The experiment utilized various apparatus to measure voltage and current across resistors, adhering to Ohm's Law.

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Shane Stewart
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23 views5 pages

Current and Voltage

The document outlines an experiment conducted by Shane Stewart on the behavior of current and voltage in series and parallel circuits. It details the setup, methodology, results, analysis, and conclusions drawn from the experiment, confirming the variations of resistance in different circuit configurations. The experiment utilized various apparatus to measure voltage and current across resistors, adhering to Ohm's Law.

Uploaded by

Shane Stewart
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: Shane Stewart

Date: 20/02/2025

Lab #

Title: Current and Voltage in Series and Parallel Circuits

Aim: To study how current and voltage vary across resistors placed in series and in parallel

Apparatus:

- Wires

- Resistors

- Switch

- Variable power supply

- Voltmeter

- Ammeter

Diagram

DIAGRAM SHOWING EXPERIMENTAL SETUP


Method

Part 1: Series Circuit

1. A series circuit was set up with three resistors connected in series with the variable power

supply.

2. Voltmeters were connected in parallel with each resistor and one voltmeter was placed in

parallel with the power supply.

3. The voltage of the power supply was set to 2 volts.

4. The voltage across each resistor, as well as across the power supply, was measured and

recorded.

5. Steps 3 and 4 were repeated for the remaining voltage values.

Part 2: Parallel Circuit

1. A parallel circuit was set up with three resistors connected in parallel with the variable

power supply.

2. Ammeters were connected in series with each resistor, and one ammeter was placed in

series with the power supply.

3. The voltage of the power supply was set to 2 volts.

4. The current flowing through each resistor, as well as through the power supply, was

measured and recorded.

5. Steps 3 and 4 were repeated for the remaining voltage values.


Variables:

Dependent: Voltage, Current across resistors

Independent: Circuit configuration

Controlled: Voltage, Current from supply, Resistance of resistors

RESULTS:
Analysis:

A series circuit consists of components linked sequentially in one path which results in identical
current flow through each component yet distributes the voltage across them.

The essential design of a parallel circuit connects multiple components to the same two points
thus offering various current paths. The total voltage stays constant across every part with the
overall current spreading out between different paths.

Continued use of both series and parallel configurations defines a series-parallel circuit. The
circuit includes components that are connected in series together with components connected in
parallel which enables combined current and voltage behavior.

In a Series Circuit:
The same current flows through all components in the circuit.
The distributed voltage within a power supply matches the resistance values of each resistor.

In a Parallel Circuit:
Each circuit branch receives its current division based on the respective resistance values with
lower resistance leading to higher current flow.
Each branch of power in parallel circuits experiences an equal voltage value which equals the
full voltage supplied to the circuit.
Discussion:
Ohm’s Law demonstrates that current (I) which passes through a conductive material between
two points depends directly on voltage (V) across the points and inversely on resistance (R) of
the material.
V=I×R
Where:
• V = Voltage (volts, V)
• I = Current (amperes, A)
• R = Resistance (ohms, Ω)

Precautions:
The user needs to check that all terminal connections are correct.
Check if the equipment operates without defects.

Limitations:
The test instruments measured with precision up to a single decimal point accuracy.
Sources Of Error:
The ammeter along with the voltmeter could have possible calibration issues.

Conclusion:
The observations confirmed the variation of resistance in both series and parallel arrangements
for current and voltage resistors.

References:
Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2020). University Physics with Modern Physics (15th ed.). Pearson
Education.

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