>

In this lab, you will investigate a series and a parallel
circuit in order to further your understanding of each type of circuit.

** Please use only the resistors provided for this lab so
that you do not damage any of the equipment **

Part A Series Circuit

1. Set up the series circuit as shown below.

R1

R2

R3

R4

2 batteries

Ammeter

Leave this connection until ready to take readings

2. Write down the color bands for each resistor in
the data table. Find the values for each resistor using the color code
chart. Check each resistors resistance using the Multimeter.

3. Connect the circuit
and take your reading from the ammeter (or galvanometer). Record this
in the data table.

4. Use the Multimeter to
find the voltage drop across each resistor as well as across the whole
circuit. Record these in the data table.

5. Disconnect the circuit quickly! Please do not miss this step.

Data Table

Resistor
#

1<sup>st Color

2<sup>nd Color

Multiplier

Tolerance

Resistance

Voltage drop

Current

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total for Circuit

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. Calculate a theoretical
voltage drop for each resistor, using what we learned about Ohms Law
and series circuits in class. Compare this to the actual voltage drops
(experimental) to compute a percent error. Record these in the results
table below.

Results
Table

 

R1

R2

R3

R4

Theoretical Voltage
drop

 
 
 
 

Actual Voltage Drop

 
 
 
 

Percent Error

 
 
 
 

Part B Parallel Circuit

1. Set up the parallel
circuit as shown below.

R1

R2

R3

R4

2 batteries

Leave this connection until ready to take readings

Ammeter

2. Write down the color
bands for each resistor in the data table. Find the values for each
resistor using the color code chart. Check each resistors resistance
using the Multimeter.

3. Connect the circuit
and take your reading from the ammeter (or galvanometer). Record this
in the data table. Move the Ammeter to the next branch, and take your
reading there. Continue until you have a reading for each resistor.

4. Use the Multimeter to
find the voltage drop across the whole circuit.

5. Record the currents
and voltage in the data table.

6. Disconnect the circuit quickly! Please do not miss this step.

Data Table

Resistor
#

1<sup>st Color

2<sup>nd Color

Multiplier

Tolerance

Resistance

Voltage drop

Current

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total for Circuit

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. Calculate a theoretical current for each resistor, using what we
learned about Ohms Law and parallel circuits in class. Compare this
to the actual currents (experimental) to compute a percent error. Record
these in the results table below.

Results
Table

 

R1

R2

R3

R4

Theoretical Current

 
 
 
 

Actual Current

 
 
 
 

Percent Error

 
 
 
 

Questions

Why should you check the
resistance with the Multimeter? Which method (color bands or Multimeter)
do you think is more accurate? More reliable?


What errors are present in this lab (please do not say human error!)?


How could you make this lab better?


Which setup best represents the electrical system in your house, parallel
or series?


Give 3 examples of series circuits in your every</span><span class="Normal--Char" style=" font-size: 14pt;
">day experience.

Group Reports are due.

For a 3 Fill out tables, answer questions correctly, and hand in
with everyones name on it.

For a 4 Typed, full lab report format.