Basic Circuits




Pre-Lab Checklist

  1. In your own words, describe the system to be studied in this experiment andthe methods which will be used to take data.









  2. List and define all parameters which will be measured directly.







  3. List and define any quantities which will be calculated.







  4. List any graphs which will be created in your analysis of this experiment.






Safety Warnings for Basic Circuits

Experiment Notes

  1. We will not be performing the first section, Meters, in lab this week asits activities are a repetition of Introduction to Electric Measurement.

  2. Ammeters MUST be connected in series. If the ammeter is connected inparallel with the resistor, a large current will pass through the meter'sinternal resistance - burning out the circuit. Make sure that your ammeter isconnected in series and that it is set to its highest setting, 20A.

  3. The lightbulbs in this experiment are rated to 3V (screw base) or 6V (plugbase). If an individual bulb is connected to a potential difference greater than its rating, the bulb will no longer be useful. You need three bulbs to complete this experiment. You will be given four. Ifyou blow more than one bulb because you were careless, you will have to accepta grade of zero points for those portions of the experiment that you wereunable to complete because you didn't have enough bulbs. If you make sure that the power supply is off when connecting the bulbsor meters AND if you turn the power up from zero very slowly, you shouldn'thave problems blowing the bulbs.

  4. Make sure all connections are tight. Jiggling of loose connections willaffect the electrical connection and can affect the current by 10%.

  5. Take note of the orientation of the meter leads to determine the direction of the current flow.



Analysis Notes

  1. Complete and concise records of your observations are very important. Answer any questions in the lab manual while you are in lab, then use thoseobservations when writing your report. Part of your grade will be the clarityand completeness of your observations.

  2. Analyzing your observations means summarizing what you saw and discussingany conclusions you draw from those observations. Make sure to support your conclusions by refering to your data. For example, if you conclude that the voltage a parallel circuit is the same for each bulb in parallel, you should support that conclusion using your data. Remember to use proper paragraph formfor your discussions.

  3. Series Circuits: What conclusions can you draw as to the current andvoltage behavior in series circuits? Be thorough and be specific in yourdiscussion.

  4. Parallel Circuits: What conclusionss can you drraw as to the currentand voltage behavior in parallel circuits? Be thorough and be specific in yourdiscussion.

  5. Based on your observations in the laboratory, would you say that the lightsin your home are connected in series or in parallel? Explain the reasoningbehind your answer.


Grading Breakdown

SectionPoints
Purpose1
Results3
Observations8
Conclusions8


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