Name/s: ___________________________________________ Section: 8D/8E

Q2 - Activity 2: Simulation of Series Circuit January 11 – 16, 2021

Instructions:
1. Explore the Phet simulation for Electricty/Circuits in the Intro Menu.
2. Build simple circuits using the materials indicated. Place the switch adjacent to or near the positive terminal of the
battery/ies.
Circuit A: Circuit B: Circuit C:
1 battery, 2 bulbs, 1 switch 1 battery, 3 bulbs, 1 switch 2 batteries, 3 bulbs, 1 switch

Adjust the resistance of the bulbs by clicking on the bulb. This option shall appear below the
screen. For bulb 1, let its resistance be 2 ohms, bulb 2 → 4.5 ohms, and bulb 3 → 7 ohms.

3. Using the voltmeter, measure the voltage across the following components of each circuit. Be sure to connect the
voltmeter in parallel across the component of interest. Record the readings in the table below. Then, using the
ammeter, measure the current after the specified components/locations. Position the ammeter JUST BEFORE the
component of interest. Again, record the readings in the table below. When measuring, see to it that the switch is ON.

Voltage Current
Circuit
Bulb 1 Bulb 2 Bulb 3 All bulbs Battery/ies Bulb 1 Bulb 2 Bulb 3 Battery/ies
A xxx xxx
B
C

4. When you click on the Conventional under Show Current, what is the direction of the flow of electrons? Use the
terminals of the battery as your reference points.

5. What happens to the bulb when you OFF the switch? Why?

6. What can you say about the amount of current throughout circuit A? Is this the case for circuits B and C?

7. What can you say about the voltage across the bulbs? How does this relate to the voltage measured across the
battery/ies?

8. What do you think is the connection between the voltage and resistance across each bulb?

9. Compare the current in circuit A and circuit B. What would account for your observation?

10. Compare the current in circuit B and circuit C. What would account for your observation?

11. Attach a screenshot/printscreen of your circuits in the next page.