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Sample Experiment Physics
Sample Experiment Physics
Ohm's Law
Purpose:
to perform an experimental check of Ohm's Law
to practice constructing electric circuits
to practice using an ammeter and a voltmeter
Discussion:
In this lab, you will construct a simple circuit using a single known resistance, R.
Then you will use an ammeter to measure the current, I, through the resistance and a
voltmeter to measure the potential difference, V, across the resistance. With this data,
you can check the validity of Ohm's Law (V = IR) in the circuit.
Equipment:
1.5/2 V power supply "knife" switch 3 , 5 Watt resistor
5 , 5 Watt resistor 10 , 5 Watt resistor 25 , 5 Watt resistor
0-1 A ammeter 0-3 V voltmeter 5 connecting wires
Procedure:
IMPORTANT: In this lab you will use ONLY the "COMMON" and "1.5/2
VDC" terminals on the power supply. Connecting the circuit to any other terminals
will certainly result in destruction of equipment and might well be hazardous to you
and your lab partner. This will NOT be treated as a "harmless prank". Disciplinary
action will be taken, and you will be responsible for damaged equipment.
STOP!! Have your teacher check your circuit before you close the switch!
2. Construct a data table similar to the sample data table shown above.
3. Close the switch.
4. Carefully read the voltage across the resistor, R, and the current through the
resistor, I, and record them in your data table.
5. Replace the 3 resistor with the 5 resistor, 10 resistor, and finally the 25
resistor and record the voltage and current in the circuit for each resistance.
Results:
1. For each trial, calculate the expected current based on the resistance and measured
voltage using Ohm's Law. Record your results in your data table, and be sure to show
a sample calculation.
2. For each trial, calculate the percent of difference between the calculated and
measured current in the circuit. Record your results in the data table. Show a sample
calculation.
Conclusions:
1. When the resistance in the circuit went up, what happened to the current in the
circuit?
2. Do you think that your circuit follows Ohm's Law? Why or why not?