Series Parallel Lab
Name__________________________
Objective: The purpose of this lab is to:
1) Familiarize yourself with a breadboard.
2) Experimentally verify the current and voltage readings of a series / parallel combination circuit.
Materials: Calculator, 9 V Battery, 2 Alligator Clip Wires, 5 jumper wires, Multimeter
Resistors: R1 = 330 Ω
R2 = 1000 Ω
R3 = 560 Ω
Procedure:
1. Measure the voltage of your battery.
Vbat = __________________
2. Look at the schematics below. DO NOT BUILD THE CIRCUIT YET. Label the battery in the schematic with the voltage you
found in step 1. Find out (theoretically using the properties of series, parallel and the fact that V = IR) what the Total Resistance,
Total Current, A1 , A2 , A3 , V1, V2, and V3 would read. Use 330, 1000, and 560 for resistance. Assume 3 significant figures for
each. Label the current readings into mA (milliamps)
Total Resistance____________
Total Current_______________
A1______________mA
A2______________mA
A3______________mA
V1_________________
V2_________________
V3_________________
3. Build the circuit on your breadboard. Clip the alligator clips to the pos. and neg. of the battery. Clip the other ends of the
alligator clips to two jumper wires. Insert the other ends of the jumper wires into the pos. and neg. power buss of the breadboard.
See the example at the first lab station if you are confused.
4. Measure the voltage drop across R1, R2, and R3. Record your readings at the right. Remember to try and get positive
readings on the first try.
V1________________
V2________________
V3________________
5. Insert your meter into the circuit as shown to measure the current through R1, R2, and R3. Record your readings. Remember
how to measure current. You must break the circuit and insert your meter into the break. In the red, out the black.
A1________________
A2________________
A3________________
6. What is your percent error of V1 and A3?
% Error 
actual  theoretical
actual
A3 % ______________
V1 % ______________
9. Suppose you only had 4 resistors. Each of them was labeled 10 Ω.
A) How would you wire them to draw 675 mA from a 9 V battery? Draw a schematic for such a wiring below.
B) How would you wire them to draw 225 mA from a 9 V battery? Draw a schematic for such a wiring below.
10. What does A1 read?