Name:_________________________________
Circuit Lab
On your iPad, go to https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/circuit-construction-kit-dc-virtuallab/latest/circuit-construction-kit-dc-virtual-lab_en.html (or search on Google: “PhET Physics
Simulations” and follow the link).
You will be using “Circuit Construction Kit: DC – Virtual Lab”. Follow the instructions below to complete
the lab. The completed lab will be evaluated as part of your portfolio.
Part 1:
Purpose: To test the conductivity of different materials
On the simulator, put together a circuit that looks like this:
Proceed by replacing the section in the box by different potential conductors. Make sure to predict the
results BEFORE testing the material.
Material
Prediction (good, bad,
medium conductor)
Results (did it work?)
Ammeter Reading
Wire
Resistor
Dollar Bill
Paper Clip
Coin
Eraser
Hand
Dog
Pencil
Conclusion: Which conductors were the best? Which were the worst? Explain your results.
Name:_________________________________
Part 2:
Purpose: To explore the concept of current in various circuit situations.
Procedure: Construct series and parallel circuits with two batteries and one or two bulbs as indicated in
the tables below. Measure the current and record in the table below.
Table 1: Current readings in various simple series circuit arrangements.
Load
Location of the ammeter
one bulb
between bulb and negative battery terminal
one bulb
between bulb and positive battery terminal
two bulbs
between bulb and positive battery terminal
two bulbs
between bulb and negative battery terminal
two bulbs
between the two bulbs
Current (A)
Table 2: Current readings in various simple parallel circuit arrangements.
Load
Location of the ammeter
two bulbs
between bulbs and negative battery terminal
two bulbs
between bulbs and positive battery terminal
two bulbs
in the first branch
two bulbs
In the second branch
Current (A)
Name:_________________________________
Conclusion:
1. Write a statement explaining why the current reading was the same no matter where the ammeter
was placed in a one bulb circuit.
2. Explain how and why the current changes between the parallel circuit with two bulbs and the series
circuits with 2 bulbs.
3. How did the current flow in a circuit with two bulbs in series compare with the current flow in a circuit
with only one bulb?
4. Draw circuit diagrams to represent the following set ups you created (7 diagrams total):
a) Circuit with two bulbs in series (x3)
b) Circuit with two bulbs in parallel (x4)
BONUS! If you have extra time check out the “Balloons & Static Electricity” & “John Travoltage”
simulations and jot down some qualitative observations you made while using them.