Series and Parallel Circuits - Laboratory-1
Series and Parallel Circuits - Laboratory-1
Name: Year&Sec:
Objective:
To investigate the properties of series and parallel circuits, including voltage, current, and
resistance, using inexpensive materials.
Materials Required:
• Batteries (AA or 9V) with holders
• Miniature light bulbs (e.g., 3V or 6V bulbs) with holders
• Insulated copper wires with alligator clips
• Multimeter (cheap digital or analog model)
• Resistors (e.g., 10Ω, 100Ω, or other low-cost options)
• Breadboard or cardboard (for mounting)
• Electrical tape (optional)
• Scissors or wire strippers
Procedure:
• Set Up the Circuit: Connect the battery to one terminal of the first light bulb. Connect
the second terminal of the light bulb to one terminal of the next light bulb. Continue this
pattern until all bulbs are connected in a single loop. Complete the circuit by connecting
the last bulb back to the other terminal of the battery.
• Observe the Circuit: Note the brightness of each bulb. Measure the total voltage across
the circuit and the voltage drop across each bulb using a multimeter. Measure the
current in the circuit using the multimeter.
• Record Observations: Compare the brightness of the bulbs and the voltage readings.
• Experiment with Resistors: Replace one of the bulbs with a resistor and observe the
changes in current and voltage.
Expected Results:
• The current is the same through all components.
• The total voltage is the sum of the voltage drops across each component.
• The bulbs may dim as more are added, due to increased total resistance.
Procedure:
• Set Up the Circuit: Connect the positive terminal of the battery to one terminal of all
the light bulbs using separate wires (in parallel). Connect the other terminal of all the
light bulbs to the negative terminal of the battery.
• Observe the Circuit: Note the brightness of each bulb. Measure the total voltage across
the circuit and the voltage drop across each bulb using a multimeter. Measure the
current in the circuit using the multimeter.
• Record Observations: Compare the brightness of the bulbs and the voltage readings.
• Experiment with Resistors: Replace one of the bulbs with a resistor and observe the
changes in current and voltage.
Expected Results:
• The voltage across each bulb is the same and equal to the battery's voltage.
• The current divides among the branches, depending on the resistance of each branch.
• Adding more branches will increase the total current drawn from the battery.
Safety Tips:
• Use low-voltage batteries to avoid any hazards.
• Ensure connections are secure to prevent short circuits.
• Disconnect the battery when not in use to conserve energy and prevent overheating.