Experiment no: 1

Experiment Name: Determination of resistor value using color coding.

Objective

To determine the value of resistors using

(i) color coding and

(ii) ohm meter, comparing thereafter.

Theory:

(i) Color Coding of resistor: Resistors are too small to have numbers printed on them, so a system
of color coding is used. For the thin-film resistor, four, five, or six bands may be used. The
four-band scheme will be described in this experiment.

For the four-band scheme, the bands are always read from the end that has a band closest to
it. The bands are numbered as shown.
• The first two bands represent the first and second digits, respectively. They are the
actual first two numbers that define the numerical value of the resistor.
• The third band determines the power of ten multipliers for the first two digits (the
number of zeros that follow the second digit for resistors greater than 10 Ω).
• The fourth band is the manufacturer’s tolerance, which is an indication of the
precision by which the resistor was made.

Table for corresponding numerical values of different colors:

 (ii) Series Resistor: One, and only one, connection between adjoining resistors establish a series
connection. The total resistance of a series configuration is the sum of the resistance levels.
For N number of resistors which are in series, the total resistance is:
RT = R1 + R2 + R3 + R4 + … + RN.
Parallel Resistor: Two elements, branches, or circuits are in parallel if they have two points in
common. For N number of resistors which are in parallel, the total resistance is:

𝑅𝑇 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 𝑅4 𝑅𝑁
𝑅1 𝑅2
*For two resistors (R1 and R2) in parallel, we can write, 𝑅𝑇 =
𝑅1+ 𝑅2
Circuit Diagram:

2000 3000 4000

2000 3000 4000

(i) Series resistance, RS (ii) Parallel resistance, Rp

Figure: Circuit arrangement to obtain

Required Components

1. Trainer board.
2. Resistors: 3pc.
3. Connecting wires.
4. Multi meter.

Procedures

(part 1)

1. At first lets mark resistors as R1, R2, R3.

2. After that we used color coding to determine the values of the resistance. This is the theoretical
value.
3. We placed the resistors in bread board. Use ohm meter to determine value of each resistor. This
was experimental value.
4. After that we compared the values from procedure 2 and procedure 3.
 (part: 2)

5. Then we calculated R S and RP using the theoretical equations. We used values found from
procedure 3.
6. We connected the R1, R2, R3 resistors as shown in the figure (ii). Place them on as left as possible.
7. Then we used ohm meter to determine the equivalent resistance of the series combination. This
is the experimental value for part 2.
8. We compared data found in procedure 5 and procedure 7.

(part: 3)

9. Connect the R1, R2, R3 resistors as shown in the figure (iii). Place them on as left as possible.
10. Use ohm meter to determine the equivalent resistance of the parallel combination. This is the
experimental value for part 3.
11. Compare data found in procedure 9 and procedure 11.
12. Make sure to power off the multi meter, trainer board, DC/AC power supply (if used) and proper
return of other parts (resistor, diode, connecting wires etc.) before you leave the lab.

Procedure : (software simulator) :

Series combination parallel combination

 (part 1)

1.At first took 3 resistors (2kΩ,4kΩ,6kΩ),one breadboard, one multimeter.

2. As we knew the value ,no need to check the values.

3. Then we calculated RS and RP using the theoretical equations.

(part 2)

4. then took these 3 resistors & arranged them in series & parallel combination

5. After that check the value of resistors (series combination & parallel combination) with the help of
multimeter.

6. Now compared the values with we calculated RS. and RP using the theoretical equations .

Calculation:

(i) Color Coding of resistor:

For resistor 1, color of the bands (from 1 to 4): Brown black red golden
Value of the resistor is: 2 0 × 102 ± 5% Ω
5
= (20×102) ± {(20×102) × 100} = (20×102) ± 100 Ω
Maximum value of the resistance is: 20×102 + 100 = 2100Ω / 2.1k Ω
Minimum value of the resistor is: 20×102 – 100 = 1900Ω /1.9k Ω
Therefore, the resistor value may vary from 1800Ω to 2200Ω. (Theoretical value, R 1=2000Ω).

Repeat for resistor 2 and resistor 3. (Say, R2=4000Ω and R3=6000Ω) (ii)
Equivalent resistor:

Series resistor: RS = R1+R2+R3 = (2000+4000+6000)Ω = 12000Ω (Theoretical value)

1 1 1 −1 1 1 1
Parallel resistor: RP = ( + + ) Ω =( + + )=1090 Ω (Theoretical value)
𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3 2000 4000 6000
Data Table
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Resistor values (using Resistor values Equivalent resistance Equivalent resistance

color coding) (using ohm meter)
Series combination Parallel combination

R1 Ω R2 Ω R3 Ω R1 Ω R2 Ω R3 Ω Rs Ω Rs Ω Rp Ω Rp Ω
(calculated) (measured) (calculated) (measured)

2000 4000 6000 2000 4000 6000 12000Ω 12000 Ω 1090Ω 1090 Ω

Discussion:

In practical, variation occurs because perfect measurement and perfect environment is difficult to
establish. Resistors should be placed in bread board while mearing resistor values using ohm meter in
order to minimize the error. But in simulator there is no such problems. As a results theoretical answer &
simulator answer become same.