Procedure:
Run the Circuit Construction Kit (DC Only) Simulation. Note: this simulation opens in a new window. The link to that is here: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/circuit-constr…
Series Circuit: Record all data into this table:
Steps:
- Make a series circuit using a power source and at least three bulbs of different resistance. (You can change the resistance by selecting the bulb.) Record the resistance of each bulb.
- Place the non-contact ammeter at either the tip or threaded section of the bulb. Record the current values.
- Use Ohm’s law to calculate the voltage across each bulb.
- Use the voltmeter to confirm the voltage, by placing the red probe and the black probe on the tip and the threaded section of the bulb. Record the values.
- Once you have confirmed the voltage of your circuit using Ohm’s law, calculate the power for each bulb.
- Finally, take a screen shot or save the circuit file to your computer. (To create a screenshot on a PC, press Alt-PrintScreen (Alt-PrtScrn) on your computer keyboard, and then paste the captured image into a document file; if you use a Mac, then pressing Command-Shift-3 will capture a screenshot).
Table 1: Series
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Resistance (ohms)
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Current (amps)
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Voltage calculated (Volts)
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Voltage measured (Volts)
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Power (Watts)
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1
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parallel Circuit: Record all data in this table:
- Make a parallel circuit using a power source and at least three bulbs of different resistance. (You can change the resistance by selecting the bulb.) Record the resistance of each bulb.
- Place the non-contact ammeter at either the tip or threaded section of the bulb. Record the current values.
- Use Ohm’s law to calculate the voltage across each bulb.
- Use the voltmeter to confirm the voltage, by placing the red probe and the black probe on the tip and the threaded section of the bulb. Record the values.
- Once you have confirmed the voltage of your circuit using Ohm’s law, calculate the power for each bulb.
- Finally, take a screen shot or save the circuit file to your computer. (To create a screenshot on a PC, press Alt-PrintScreen (Alt-PrtScrn) on your computer keyboard, and then paste the captured image into a document file; if you use a Mac, then pressing Command-Shift-3 will capture a screenshot).
Table 2: Parallel
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Resistance (ohms)
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Current (amps)
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Voltage calculated (Volts)
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Voltage measured (Volts)
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Power (Watts)
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|