Investigating Resistance

Name:Jess
Partners: Maddy Will Jacob
Aim: To observe and compare the flow of electrical energy through objects with varied resistance and explore the
relationship between voltage and resistance.

Materials:
DC power supply (6V); 2 x 6V light globes; 2 x 6V globe holders; connecting leads (alligator clips); small piece of
cylindrical plastic; small piece of cylindrical carbon; standard iron or steel nail; ammeter; voltmeter.

Method:
In this experiment, you will be setting up various circuits as shown in the following diagrams. Draw each circuit diagram
in the results section.

Record your observations of the relative brightness of globes in your results table.

1. Set up circuit 1. Record the brightness of the globe.

2. Set up circuit 2. Place the plastic, carbon and then the iron nail in turn at the position labeled x.
3. Record the brightness of the globe for each material and compare the brightness of the globe with that
produced in circuit 1.
4. Set up circuit 3. Set your power source to 2V. Connect the ammeter and voltmeter as shown in the 3 rd circuit.
5. Record the brightness of the globe and the readings from the ammeter and voltmeter in your results table.
6. Repeat step 5 for 4V and 6V, recording the current and voltage in your results table for each voltage.
Results:

Brightness of Globe Current (A) Voltage (V)

Circuit 1 Full brightness
Circuit 2 with nail. Full Brightness
Circuit 2 with plastic No Brightness
Circuit 2 with carbon Full Brightness
Circuit 3 2V Low Brightness 20ma 2v
Circuit 3 4V Med Brightness 40ma 4v
Circuit 3 6V Med Brightness 60ma 6v

Evaluation:

1. Describe how the brightness of the globe changed between circuits.

It went up and down depending on the conductor

2. Explain the reason for difference in globe brightness for the nail and the plastic.

The nail is made of metals which is a conductor whereas the plastic is an insulator.

3. Describe the relationship between the number of volts and amps for each of the conditions in circuit 3

It’s always the Voltage number times 10

Conclusion:

1. Make a claim from this experiment regarding voltage and resistance. Support the statement by using your
observations (include potential sources of error). Explain how your observations support your claim.

When you have a conductor, the light stays on but when you have an insulator the currents can not go through the
insulator making the power stop. We saw this in the circuit 2 with plastic and nails. And in circuit 3 the smaller voltage
makes less light whereas the bigger voltage gives off a brighter light.