9

9.04 Circuit Simulation Lab

Purpose

Explore the relationships between voltage, current and resistance in both series and parallel circuits. You will also compare the concepts learned to an experimental set of data.

Background

Ohm’s Law is the relationship that ties voltage, current and resistance together. In a series circuit the resistance will just add and the current will remain the same in all parts. The sum of the voltage drops in each resistor will be equal to the total voltage of the circuit. In a parallel circuit the total resistance is the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each resistor and the voltage is the same down each branch of the circuit. The current is split down each branch so that the sum will be equal to the total current.

A multimeter is a device that will measure voltage, current and resistance. In this simulation we will be using a voltmeter and an ammeter. To measure voltage the leads need to be connected to a resistor in parallel. To measure current the leads to be in series with the resistor. To measure the resistance the leads need to be attached to the resistor out of a circuit.

Click here to open the assignment.

INSTRUCTIONS: Make a copy of the Google Document and fill it out while you are completing the activity.

When you are done, within your Google Doc go to File -> Download as ... PDF