AcP Bilash
Chapter 6 Section 6 Lab
Objective: Analyze series and parallel circuits in terms of current,
voltage and resistance.
Assemble the following materials
 3 (three) 1.5 volt D cell batteries & holder
 3 identical light bulbs & sockets
 8 patch cords with alligator clips
 1 multi meter
Part 1] Testing your batteries
Batteries can become depleted, so it’s important that you verify if the batteries you
are using are in working order. Use a multi meter to verify that your battery is
at least 1.3 volts. If it is less, please give the “dead” battery to Mr. Bilash in
exchange for a new one. Each partner should record the data in his/her notebook.
Part 2] Measure the Resistance of each light bulb
Using your understanding of Ohm’s Law and your understanding of using a multi
meter and determine the resistance of each light bulb. Keep your method simple
(there is no need to graph, nor is there a need for more than one battery).
Summarize the data in a table (Table 1) that has the following columns. Light bulb
#, voltage, current, calculated resistance. Each partner should record the data in
his/her notebook.
Part 3] Measure I & V in a Series Circuit
1. Construct a circuit with a three light bulbs connected in series connected to a
battery pack made of three 1.5 D cells. (The batteries should be connected in
series).
2. Sketch a circuit diagram of your circuit.
3. Measure the current and voltage through each resistor (ie: light bulb).
Summarize the data in a data table (Table 2) having the following columns:
light bulb #, voltage, current, Calculated Resistance of light bulb. Each
partner should record the data in his/her notebook.
4. Use Ohm’s law, along with the current and voltage reading to verify the
resistance of each light bulb. Record this data in Table 2. Each partner
should record the calculations in his/her notebook.
5. Compare the resistance you measured using the technique summarized in
Table 1 with the technique summarized in table 2. Discuss with your group
and then state how do the resistances compare? Each partner should record
the data in his/her notebook.
6. Calculate the total voltage in the series circuit two ways:
a) Use the Total Voltage equation for a series circuit: VT(series) = V1 + V2 + … Vn
Each partner should record the data in his/her notebook.
b) Measure the VT of the battery pack directly using the multi meter. Be sure to
measure VT with the circuit operating (the light bulbs lit-up). Each partner
should record the data in his/her notebook.
7. How do the two methods compare? When would you use the first method
and when would it be useful to use the second method? Each partner should
record the data in his/her notebook.
8. Calculate the total resistance in this circuit two ways:
a) Use the Total Resistance formula for a series circuit: RT = R1 + R2 + … Rn.
Each partner should record the data in his/her notebook.
b) Use Ohm’s Law, RT = VT/IT (You will need to measure IT first) Each partner
should record the data in his/her notebook.
9. How do the two methods compare? When would you use the first method
and when would it be useful to use the second method? Each partner should
record the data in his/her notebook.
Part 3] Measure I & V in a Parallel Circuit
1. Construct a circuit with a three light bulbs connected in parallel connected to
a battery pack made of three 1.5 D cells. (The batteries should be connected
in series).
2. Sketch a circuit diagram of your circuit.
3. Measure the current and voltage through each resistor (ie: light bulb).
Summarize the data in a data table (Table 2) having the following columns:
light bulb #, voltage, current, Calculated Resistance of light bulb. Each
partner should record the data in his/her notebook.
4. Use Ohm’s law, along with the current and voltage reading to verify the
resistance of each light bulb. Record this data in Table 2. Each partner
should record the calculations in his/her notebook.
5. Compare the resistance you measured using the technique summarized in
Table 1 with the technique summarized in table 2. Discuss with your group
and then state how do the resistances compare? Each partner should record
the data in his/her notebook.
6. Calculate the total voltage in this circuit two ways:
a) Use the Total Voltage equation for a parallel circuit:
VT(parallel) = V1 = V2 = … Vn
Each partner should record the data in his/her notebook.
b) Measure the VT of the battery pack directly using the multi meter. Be sure to
measure VT with the circuit operating (the light bulbs lit-up). Each partner
should record the data in his/her notebook.
7. How do the two methods compare? When would you use the first method
and when would it be useful to use the second method? Each partner should
record the data in his/her notebook.
8. Calculate the total resistance in this circuit two ways:
a) Use the Total Resistance formula for a parallel circuit:
1/RT (parallel) = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + … 1/Rn.
Each partner should record the data in his/her notebook.
b) Use Ohm’s Law, RT = VT/IT (You will need to measure IT first). Each partner
should record the data in his/her notebook.
9. How do the two methods compare? When would you use the first method
and when would it be useful to use the second method? Each partner should
record the data in his/her notebook.