Class Group : E26

Lab Group’s Number : GROUP 3

CENTER OF FOUNDATION STUDIES

FOUNDATION PHYSICS II
LABORATORY REPORT

Experiment Electrical Resistance in Series and Parallel

Name Aina Yasmin Binti Abd Aziz

Student ID 2024665926

Lab Instructor’s Name Dr. Nur Asyikin Binti Ahmad Nazri

Date of Experiment 20 January 2025

Member 1 Hana Adeeleya binti Hasanul Ariff

Member 2 Umi Adriena Jasmine Binti Mohamed

Omar Khan

Marks

Comments
 ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this experiment is to determine the equivalent resistance for
resistors that are connected in series and parallel. First and foremost, we conduct an
experiment to determine the relationship between the voltage, V across the circuit
and the current, I that flows through it. We conduct a few series of experiments with
different voltages, V. We measured the reading of the current, I using ammeter and
the reading of the voltage, V using voltmeter.The resistance of the both parallel and
series circuit was calculated by using the formula R = V / I.
 INTRODUCTION

An electric circuit is a complete path for transmitting electric current from

positive terminal to negative terminal of a power source which is a battery. There are
two ways to connect a resistor which is series and parallel. To form a series circuit,
the electrical components of the circuit are arranged in such a way that only one path
exists for current to flow and it is connecting the components one by one
sequentially. Furthermore, to form a parallel circuit, the electrical components of the
circuit are arranged so that current can flow along two or more paths. The value of
the resistance in a series circuit is greater than the equivalent resistance for resistors
that are connected in a parallel circuit because all of the current must pass through
each resistor which causes it to experience resistance of each resistor, and
resistance in series circuits simply add up. In contrast, the value of resistance in a
parallel circuit is less than the smallest of the individual resistance. This is because
parallel sets that are set up in parallel do not each get the total current and they
divide it. To sum up, the value of current, I, is dependent on the value of each
resistor and the number of total resistors in a circuit. In order to calculate the value of
resistance in series circuit and parallel circuit, we can use Ohm’s Law equation.
Ohm’s Law states that the current, I in a circuit is directly proportional to the voltage,
V and inversely proportional to the resistance, R of the conductors.

I=V/R
 METHODOLOGY

In this experiment, many apparatus have been used such as connecting

wires, three resistors which have the same value of resistance which is 68Ω, a power
supply, digital ammeter to measure the value of current, I and digital voltmeter to
measure the value of voltage, V.

In the series circuit, the digital ammeter is placed between the resistors. The
value of current, I, which was displayed by the ammeter, is measured and recorded.
The value of voltage, V is adjusted from the power supply starting with the value of
2.0V. The experiment is repeated by changing the value of voltage, V to 4.0V, 6.0V,
8.0V and 10.0V. The circuit is set up as shown below.

In the parallel circuit, the resistors were set up across each other. The digital
ammeter and digital voltmeter were connected in parallel with the resistors but
connected in series with each other. The value of current, I and voltage,V is
measured and recorded. The value of voltage, V is adjusted from the power supply
starting with the value of 2.0V. The experiment is repeated by changing the value of
voltage, V to 4.0V, 6.0V, 8.0V and 10.0V. The circuit is set up as shown below.
 RESULT & ANALYSIS

A. Serius Circuit

Table 1

Experiment Voltage (V) Current (I) Resistance (Ω)

1 0 0 0

2 2.00 0.01 200.00

3 4.00 0.02 200.00

4 6.00 0.03 200.00

5 8.00 0.04 200.00

6 10.00 0.05 200.00

B. Parallel Circuit

Table 2

Experiment Voltage (V) Current (I) Resistance (Ω)

0 0 0 0

1 2.00 0.10 20.00

2 4.00 0.19 21.05

3 6.00 0.28 21.43

4 8.00 0.37 21.62

5 10.00 0.45 22.22

A. Serius Circuit

Graph 1
B. Parallel Circuit

Graph 2
 CALCULATIONS

A. Serius Circuit

Theoretical Calculations

Total Resistance = R1 + R2 + R3
= 68 + 68 + 68
= 204 Ω

Actual Calculations

Gradient = ∆y / ∆x
= ( 0.05 - 0.01 ) / ( 10 - 2 )
= 0.005

I = V/R
Gradient = 1 / R

R = 1 / gradient
= 1/ 0.005
= 200 Ω

Percentage Error

Percentage error = | (measured value - actual value) / actual value | × 100%

= | ( 200 - 204) / (204) | × 100%

= 1.96 %
B. Parallel Circuit

Theoretical Calculations

Total resistance = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + 1 / R3
= 1/68 + 1/68 + 1/ 68
= 22.67 Ω

Actual Calculations

Gradient = ∆y / ∆x
= ( 0.37 - 0.10 ) / ( 8 − 2 )
= 0.045

I = V/R
Gradient = 1/R

R = 1 /gradient
= 1 / 0.045
= 22.22 Ω

Percentage Error

Percentage error = | (measured value - actual value) / actual value | × 100%

= | ( 22.22 - 22.67 ) / 22.67 | × 100%

= 1.98 %
 DISCUSSION

In this experiment, we determined the resistance for the resistors that are
connected in series and parallel by using two methods. The first method is by
calculating the resistance using Ohm’s Law using the values from the experiment, to
get the theoretical value. The second method is by plotting a graph of current versus
voltage and using the gradient as the experimental value.

Based on the result, we are able to identify that when the voltage increases, the
value of current also increases. This can be proven by Ohm’s Law, since it is stated
the formula is
V = IR, which means that the voltage is directly proportional to the current. The value
of resistance would be decreased since resistance is inversely proportional to the
current.

A graph of current, A versus voltage, V resulted in a straight line for both parallel
and series circuits in the range of current obtained and is consistent with Ohm's Law.
The slope of the graph for the series circuit which indicates R, results in 0.005 and its
R is 200 Ω. Meanwhile, the slope of the graph for the parallel circuit that indicates R,
is 0.045 and its equivalent resistance is 22.22 Ω. The intercept for the best-fit straight
line intersects close to its origin which is consistent with Ohm's Law.

There are a few sources of error thet can affect the accuracy of the results. One
of them is from the inaccuracies in the measurement instruments used to get the
readings for voltage, current, or resistance. To combat this, we should calibrate these
instruments before using them. Next, human error includes misreading tools,
incorrectly entering data, and making calculations incorrectly. To avoid this error, we
need to be more attentive and thorough when reading the instruments, recording
data and calculating. Another potential source of errors is when the resistance of the
connecting wires is used between components. Longer thinner wires may introduce
more significant resistance, which should be accounted for by either using shorter
and thicker wires or subtracting the wire resistance from measured values. Lastly,
poor electrical contact, characterized by loose or corroded connections, can add
extra resistance at contact points.

Ensuring secure and clean connections between components, along with periodic
inspection and cleaning of contacts, can help mitigate this issue. Overall, by
identifying and addressing these sources of error, we can enhance the accuracy and
validity of our findings in resistance measurement experiments.
 CONCLUSION

Both of the graphs of current, A versus Voltage, V have shown that they are
directly proportional, Ohm’s Law is confirmed. We can conclude that the electrical
resistance in the series experiment was successful because the graph that was
obtained was linear . We were able to determine the resistance value, 200 Ω, with a
percentage error of 1.96 % by computing the graph's gradient. To sum up, current
and voltage are directly proportional.

Since a linear graph of current, A vs voltage,V was obtained in the parallel

electrical resistance experiment, we can conclude that the graph is successful. The
resistance value,22.22 Ω, with a 1.98 % percentage error, was determined by
computing the graph's gradient. In summary, the relationship between current and
voltage is directly proportional.
 PRE-LAB QUESTIONS

1. Describe the correct way to connect an ammeter and voltmeter in a

circuit

First, the positive terminal of the ammeter is connected to the positive terminal
of the power supply. Next, the negative terminal of the ammeter is connected
to one end of a resistor. The ammeter is connected in a series. Then, the
other side of the resistor is connected to the negative terminal of the power
supply. Lastly, the voltmeter is connected in a parallel.

2. “ Magnitude of current in a circuit containing resistors connected in a

series is greater than the magnitude of current in the circuit containing
resistors connected in parallel”

The above statement is FALSE

3. Describe the relationship between current and voltage if the resistance

of a conductor is kept constant

The current is directly proportional to the voltage. If the current increases, the
voltage would also increase.

4. From the graph of current versus voltage, what does the value of the
gradient indicate?

Magnitude of resistance
 POST-LAB QUESTIONS

1. Explain the importance of connecting the ammeter in series to the

circuit

So that there is no change in resistance. Since the current in a series

stays constant, the resistance in the ammeter would be relatively
small. So it has no effect when tye current is being measured.

2. Briefly explain the significance of calculating the percentage error

or percentage difference in this experiment

To make sure the experimental value does not differ

too much with the theoretical value. we can make sure that
the experiment was conducted correctly.

3. Explain the effect of resistance towards current in a parallel

circuit.

The total resistance would decrease in the current.

 REFERENCE

1) College Physics Twelfth Edition, “2013, 2018, 2024”, by Raymond A. Serway,

Chris Vuille, John Hughes by Lumina Datamics Ltd.mb.

2) Foundation Physics I PHY098, “2025”, by A’bir Wardati Abd Latif, Ahmad

Fuzairi Ahmad Faizal, Aida Fazliza Mat Fadzil (Dr.), Aishah Zarzali Shah,
Ernee Sazlinayati Othman, Fadiatul Hasinah Muhammad (Dr.), Hartini Ahmad
Rafaie (Dr.), Haslizamri Md Shariff (Ir.), Hasnorhafiza Husni, Ikhwan Naim Md
Nawi (Dr.), Ku Siti Syahidah Ku Mohd Noh, Mas Fiza Mustafa, Masnita MAt
Jusoh (Dr.), Megat Mohd Izhar Sapeli (Dr.), Noor ‘Aisyah Johari (Dr.), Noor
Arda Adrina Daud, Noorakmar Hidayah Mohamed Hashini, Nor Faridah
Hanim Mat Junit, Norjuliyati Hamzah (Dr.), Nur Asyikin Ahmad Nazri (Dr.),
Nur’Ain Hamdan, Nurkhaizan Zulkepli (Dr.), Nurul HUda Mohd Shuib (Dr.),
Puteri Noor Safura Megat Mahmud, Rabiatuladawiyah Akhbar, Siti Aisyah
Zawawi (Dr.), Siti Irma Yuana Sheikh Mohd Saaid, Siti Khadijah Deraman
(Dr.), Siti Rudhziah Che Balinan (Dr.), Syazuan Abdul Latip.