INVESTIGATION: the Distribution of Current and Potential Difference (Voltage) in Series

INVESTIGATION: The Distribution of Current and Potential Difference (Voltage) in

Series and Parallel Circuits.

In this investigation, you will determine the way current and voltage are distributed among resistors connected in series and in parallel.

MATERIALS: power supply

Ammeter

Voltmeter

2 resistors

Connecting wires

switch

PROCEDURE:

Build a circuit with the two resistors connected in series with respect to each other. Draw a diagram of the circuit.
Keep the switch open until you are ready to take a reading.
Connect the ammeter in different positions around the “loop”. At each different position read and record the current in the table. (Itot, I1, and I2)
Measure and record the voltage drop across each resistor separately. (V1 and V2)
Read and record the voltage drop across the power supply. This is the total voltage (Vtot)
Turn the power supply OFF.
Now, rearrange the circuit so that the two resistors are connected in parallel with respect to each other. Draw a diagram of the circuit.
Place the ammeter in one branch of the circuit to measure the current running through resistor 1. Record the result. (I1)
Place the ammeter in the other branch to measure the current running through resistor 2. Record the result. (I2)
Place the ammeter in the circuit such that it in series with the power supply (not in either branch).
Read and record the current at this point. This is the total current (Itot)
Measure and record the voltage drop across each resistor in your parallel circuit. (V1 and V2)
Read and record the voltage of the power supply. (Vtot)

DATA TABLES:

TABLE 1: Distribution of Current in Series and Parallel Circuits

Itot (A) / I1 (A) / I2 (A)
SERIES
PARALLEL

TABLE 2: Distribution of Voltage in Series and Parallel Circuits

Vtot (V) / V1 (V) / V2 (V)
SERIES
PARALLEL

ANALYSIS QUESTIONS: