Equivalent Resistance in a Series Circuit
N
Naam
mee::
To investigate resistance in a parallel circuit.
Pre-lab 1. Explain what is meant by the term equivalent resistance?
Questions ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
2. What is the symbol for equivalent resistance?
__________
To reveal the list of the exhibits, click on the Hand.
Click the circle beside Equivalent resistance in series circuit.
Then click the OK button.
Activity 1 The Hand will build a very simple series circuit.
To determine a specified value, click on the component indicated.
1. What is the resistance of:
A. the blue resistor ?
B. the purple resistor ?
__________
__________
2. What is the potential difference of the circuit?
__________
3. Where should an ammeter be inserted in order to determine the
total current of the circuit?
____________________________________________________________
4. Insert the ammeter. What is the total current of the circuit?
__________
Equivalent Resistance in a Series Circuit
1
By Heather McPherson
5. What is the equivalent resistance of the circuit (click on the power
source)?
____________________
6. What is the formula used to calculate the equivalent resistance in
a series circuit?
____________________________________________________________
7. Using this formula, calculate the Req of this circuit.
____________________________________________________________
8. How does the calculated Req compare with the given value of Req ?
____________________________________________________________
9. Did you find a difference between the two values? Account for any
differences. (Hint: look at the screen!).
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Turn the current direction on using the VISUALIZE button.
10. Draw the circuit diagram.
Activity 2 Click on clear, and build a series circuit using one blue, one purple, one
yellow, and one green resistor, as well as one lightbulb. Use as many
wires as you need.
1. What is the resistance of:
A.
B.
C.
D.
the
the
the
the
blue resistor?
purple resistor?
yellow resistor?
green resistor?
Equivalent Resistance in a Series Circuit
__________
__________
__________
__________
2
By Heather McPherson
The light can be turned on or off by clicking the right side of the
mouse. Have fun!
E. the light?
__________
F. one wire x number of wires used? ____________________
2. Calculate the Req.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
3. What is the given Req ? Were you right?
•
•
__________
__________
4. Insert the ammeter. What is the total current in the circuit?
__________
5. What is the potential difference of the circuit?
__________
6. Using Ohm’s Law, calculate Req.
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
7. How does your calculated value compare with the given value?
____________________________________________________________
8. Draw a circuit diagram of the circuit.
Clear the circuit.
Equivalent Resistance in a Series Circuit
3
By Heather McPherson
Activity 3 Design the most complicated circuit using as many of the circuit
elements that you can. Bonus if you use everything provided!
1. Write down the resistance of every component used.
2. Calculate the Req.
3. Compare to the Req given.
____________________________________________________________
4. Draw a circuit diagram of the circuit.
5. Verify the value of Req using Ohm’s Law.
Equivalent Resistance in a Series Circuit
4
By Heather McPherson