PhysicsLAB: Series and Parallel Circuits

For this experiment you will need an assortment of wires with alligator connectors and banana connectors. You will also need access to a power supply (set at 6 volts), a multimeter, as well as 50, 100, and and 500 ohm resistors.

Set up each circuit and then measure the current and volage across each resistor. Then calculate the power consumed in each resistor. Compare this value with the power delivered by the power supply by recording the voltage and current on the power supply. Place your answers in the tables provided.

Circuit #1

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

100

50

Power supply

Circuit #2

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

50

100

Power supply

Circuit #3

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

100 (upper)

50 (upper)

100 (lower)

Power supply

Circuit #4

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

500 (upper)

500 (lower)

100

Power supply