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"DC Circuits": Lab #6 Lab: 10/17/2016 Due: 10/24/2016 Mondays 1:30-3:30PM
"DC Circuits": Lab #6 Lab: 10/17/2016 Due: 10/24/2016 Mondays 1:30-3:30PM
"DC Circuits": Lab #6 Lab: 10/17/2016 Due: 10/24/2016 Mondays 1:30-3:30PM
Lab #6
Lab: 10/17/2016 Due: 10/24/2016
Mondays 1:30-3:30PM
Abstract:
The purpose of this lab is to explain direct current circuits (DC). In this lab, DCs will be
simplified and more easily understood through testing connections through light bulbs. Using
voltage, resistance, and current, data can be analyzed and understood.
Introduction:
Circuits are continuous loops which pass energy along through wires and switches. The three
measurements of the electrons passed through circuits are: voltage, resistance, and current. The
following equations for each are:
Current > I = q/t
Units used in resistance are ohms (1 W = 1 V/A), voltage is volts, and current is amps (1 A = 1
C/s). Other equations used to analyze the current and how the DC is working are:
Power > P = E/t
or
P = (V)(I)
Procedure:
Put a numbered label on each of the bulbs to be used in the lab. Measure the resistance of each,
and record. Record the voltage of the battery. Build all six circuits shown in the lab manual and
do the following: record the voltage drop from the two batteries, the fuse, as well as all the light
bulbs used in the circuit. Document whether or not the light bulb is lit, not lit, or dim.
Data Lab:
Circuit
Brightness
(V)
(A)
(ohms)
(W)
(mW)
Batt
2.81
0.166
Fuse
0.165
0.178
760
0.029
B1
2.25
0.172
2.2
0.387
Batt
2.81
0.165
Fuse
0.165
0.167
760
0.028
B1
2.25
0.169
2.2
0.380
LIT
B2
0.104
0.169
1.1
0.018
NOT LIT
Batt
2.81
0.080
Fuse
0.110
0.082
760
0.009
B1
0.450
0.081
2.2
0.036
NOT LIT
B2
0.050
0.081
1.1
0.004
NOT LIT
B3
2.01
0.081
3.8
0.163
LIT
Batt
2.81
0.700
Fuse
0.280
0.725
760
0.203
B1
1.53
0.700
2.2
1.071
LIT
B2
1.44
0.590
1.1
0.850
LIT
Batt
2.81
0.758
Fuse
0.380
0.755
760
0.287
B1
1.25
0.760
2.2
0.950
DIM
B2
1.17
0.647
1.1
0.757
DIM
B3
1.06
0.060
3.8
0.064
DIM
Batt
2.81
0.170
Fuse
0.078
0.169
760
0.013
B1
2.06
0.170
2.2
0.350
LIT
B2
0.086
0.171
1.1
0.015
NOT LIT
B3
0.081
0.015
3.8
0.001
NOT LIT
0.466
0.464
0.225
1.970
2.130
0.478
Voltage Difference
-0.395
-0.291
-0.19
0.44
1.05
-0.505
Q3. The power of the battery should equal that of the light bulbs and fuse combined if energy is
conserved. Below are the data totals. The closest circuit to conserving energy was circuit three.
There was likely experimental error with connection to the circuit. Some materials were difficult
to connect as well as not very tolerable to the circuit.
Circuit #
Battery Output P
Fuse/Bulb Output P
Difference
0.466
0.416
0.05
0.464
0.426
0.038
0.225
0.212
0.013
1.970
2.124
0.154
2.130
2.058
0.072
0.478
0.379
0.099
Conclusion:
In this lab, 6 different circuits were set up to help better explain the source of power, and how
resistance, voltages and current affected the transference of power to a single light bulb. There
were several experimental errors in this lab relating to material and difficulty retrieving a power
source. Batteries died and materials did not record properly sometimes. This could be the reason
for the lack of energy conserved (despite circuit 3). It would also explain Kirchoffs Junction
Rule and how the data was not equal. However, all circuits were set up and delivered power,
voltage, and current across the system. Light bulbs lit up when the energy was passed and not
blocked, and they were dim when the power and voltage was reduced. Data was close to what
was expected but did suffer in areas explained prior.