Physics 132 Lab 2

Rian Garland

Section 02

Monday 10:10am

Hasbrouck 212

October 6, 2015

In this experiment, we we worked to better understand Ohm’s Law through the use of electrical circuits containing resistors. We also attempted to determine the different mathematical patterns and trends that affect series or parallel circuits. These comparisons allowed us to compare the different types of circuits, as well as explore their applicability in real life situations, as well as how we would determine when one should be chosen over the other. We tried to understand Ohm’s law by comparing qualities of Ohmic devices with those of non-ohmic devices, so that we were able to see how relationships between variables could affect one another. Through this experiment, it became clear that a parallel circuit has a lower resistance in comparison to a series circuit, and that there are advantages to the selection of different types of circuits.

The mathematical equation of Ohm’s law is: I = V/R. I is the current (has unit amperes) , V is the potential difference (has unit volts), and R is the resistance (has unit Ohms). Amperes, the unit of I, our current, is equivalent to a coulomb/second.

The current did change when we varied the contact position (x). This is because the resistance was changed when we moved the sliding contact relative to the fixed point. According to Ohm’s law, if the resistance is increasing or decreasing then the current is also increasing or decreasing.

The resistance as calculated from the slope of the line is equal to 50 ohms. This is not exactly what the manufacturer stated with the color code which indicated that the resistance would be 47 ohms, but it is relatively close and within the +/- 10% the manufacturer specified as a possible difference, and would therefore be considered acceptable.

According to the color code, Resistor 1 and Resistor 2 both had a resistance of 47 ohms. R1 = 47 ohms, R2 = 47 ohms. According to the equation Rseries = R1+R2,...