1Analyzing circuits

Create a circuit with a battery, light bulb and resistor in series. -->

Click on the components of the circuit to change their values and explore the relationship between voltage, current and resistance. Fill in the missing values in the table. Add a voltmeter and ammeter to measure voltage and current.


Voltage

Resistance of LightBulb

Resistance of resistor

Total Resistance

Current

Results

9 V

10 Ohms

10 Ohms

 

 

Add the resistances in a series circuit to get the total resistance

9 V

5 Ohms

0 Ohms

 

 

When the total resistance goes down the current goes ____

12 V

10 Ohms

60 Ohms

70 Ohms

 

When the total resistance goes up the current goes ____

 

10 Ohms

10 Ohms

20 Ohms

1.00 Amp

You need ___ volts with 20 ohms of resistance for 1 Amp of current

 

10 Ohms

10 Ohms

20 Ohms

2.00 Amps

You need ___ volts with 20 ohms of resistance for 2 Amps of current
Describe the relationship between volts, ohms and Amps

Create 2 circuits side by side: a parallel and series circuit


2
Parallel


3
Series


Each lightbulb should have a resistance of 10 Ohms to start with


Each lightbulb should have a resistance of 10 Ohms to start with

With a 9 V battery, how many volts are passing through each lightbulb in the parallel circuit?

 

With a 9 V battery, how many volts are passing through each lightbulb in the series circuit?

If you disconnect one lightbulb, what happens to the other lightbulb in the parallel circuit?

 

If you disconnect one lightbulb, what happens to the other lightbulb in the series circuit?
What is the current in the parallel circuit between the light bulbs? What is the current in the series circuit between the light bulbs?

What is the current in the parallel circuit between the battery and a light bulb?

What is the current in the series circuit between the battery and a light bulb?

Is the current the same on every wire?

Is the current the same on every wire?

 

Change the battery to 10V, did the current change by much?

Change the battery to 10V, did the current change by much?

Change 1 lightbulb to 30 Ohms resistance. Are the bulbs equally bright?

Change 1 lightbulb to 30 Ohms resistance. Are the bulbs equally bright?

Label the diagrams of the circuits above with how much voltage there is across each lightbulb and how much current is in each wire with a 10V battery, one 10 Ohm bulb and one 30 Ohm bulb.

45Replace the resistor, with an item from the grab bag. Find out if it's possible to light the light bulb without causing a fire and if so, how many volts will be needed.
Test at least 4 of the unusual items that are offered. Describe your results below.

 

 

Which of the odd items has the most resistance?______________
How do you know? _____________________________________