Physics 2 Labs

Lab 5 Series and Parallel Circuit

(Using PhET Simulation Tool)

Objective

1. Learn to build up series circuit and a parallel circuit with three resisters.

2. Use PhET interactive simulation tool (Circuit Construction Kit AC Prototype) to build the circuits and Verify Ohm’s Law

Theory

The relations for two resisters in series and parallel circuits are the following:

Series Circuit	Parallel Circuit
Figure 1 Two resister in series	Figure 2 Two resister in parallel

Equipment

PhET interactive simulation tool (Circuit Construction Kit: DC - Virtual Lab)

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/circuit-construction-kit-dc-virtual-lab

Procedures

Build the circuit as shown in Figure 1 by using PhET Simulation Tool

1. Click the above http link, you will see

2. Click ▲, you will see

3. Now you build your circuit by using “wire”, “Battery” and “Resistor”

4. You can tap the circuit elements to change it value by adjust

5. You can also toggle between the battery and the battery symbol as shown above.

6. Use the circuit board, build the series circuit by using three resisters as shown in the following figure 3: set up , , ,

Figure 3

7. Measure the voltage across each resister, the voltage across over the two and (resister) and the voltage across over all the resisters (). Record the values on the table 1.

How to use the circuit board tool Voltmeter to measure the voltage

Simple drag the Voltmeter to the necessary location as shown in the following figure.

8. Using Ohm’s law calculate the currents for each resister and put the values on table 1.

9. Using circuit board tool Ammeters measure the current passing through each resister and record the values on the table 1. Note that the Ammeters should be in series with the resister. (The figure below show you how to cut a circuit open and then put the Ammeters)

10. Compare the current in table 1, and find the percentage difference.

11. Use the circuit board, build the parallel circuit by using three resisters as shown in the following figure 4.

Figure 4

12. Repeat procedures from 7 to 10, record the data in table 1, and find the percentage difference.

Data Table 1

Resistance:

:___________

:____________

:____________

	Series	Parallel
	Measured Voltage	(Ohm law)	Measured Current	% difference	Measured Voltage	(Ohm law)	Measured Current	% difference

Your Lab Report Should Include the Following

1. Lab theory

2. Your build circuit photo

3. Procedures

4. Your circuit setup photo which shows voltage [across the two and (resister)] measurement; and circuit setup photo which shows current [pass through the two resistor and (resister)] measurement.

5. Data Table 1

6. Conclusion