Analysis

Series circuits

1. Examine the results of Series experiment. What is the relationship between the three voltage readings: V₁  V₂  and V_TOT?

2. Using the measurements you have made above and your knowledge of Ohm's law, calculate the equivalent resistance (Req) of the circuit for each of the three series circuits you tested.

3. Study the equivalent resistance readings for the series circuits. Can you come up with a rule for the equivalent resistance (Req) of a series circuit with two resistors?

4. For each of the three series circuits, compare the experimental results with the resistance calculated using your rule. In evaluating your results, consider the tolerance of each resistor by using the minimum and maximum values in your calculations.

Parallel circuits

5. Using the measurements you have made above and your knowledge of Ohm's law, calculate the equivalent resistance (Req) of the circuit for each of the three parallel circuits you tested.

6. Study the equivalent resistance readings for the parallel circuits. Devise a rule for the equivalent resistance of a parallel circuit of two resistors.

Currents in series & parallel circuits

7. Examine the results of the Currents experiment. What do you notice about the relationship between the three voltage readings V₁  V₂  and V_TOT in parallel circuits.

8. What did you discover about the current flow in a series circuit in the Currents experiment?

9. What did you discover about the current flow in a parallel circuit in the Currents experiment?

10. If the two measured currents in your parallel circuit were not the same, which resistor had the larger current going through it? Why?

Light bulb

11. Determine the resistance of the light bulb at the three voltages.