Date: Mar 1, 2023

Title: I-V characteristics

Aim: To determine the I-V characteristics of a resistor

Apparatus: Battery, Ammeter, Voltmeter, Rheostat, Switch, connecting wire, diode

Diagram:
DIAGRAM SHOWING THE SETUP OF THE CIRCUIT

Method:
1. The circuit was set up as shown in the diagram with the switch off.
2. The switch was turned on and the current, I, on the ammeter and the voltage, V on the
voltmeter were recorded.
3. The rheostat (variable resistor) was adjusted to obtain at least 5 more current and voltage
readings, which covered the full range of the rheostat.
4. A graph of current against voltage was plotted.
Voltage /V Current /A

0.10 0.020

0.15 0.032

0.20 0.042

0.25 0.055

0.30 0.062

0.35 0.072
 0.40 0.084

0.50 0.100

Data Analysis:
Gradient: ��2−��1
��2−��1
0.092−0.020
=
0.45−0.10
0.072
=
0.35
m=0.206 A/V
The slope, =0.206 A/V 1��

Resistance is calculated by dividing voltage by current (R= V/I), However, the gradient of this
graph is the current divided by the voltage I/V. Hence, the gradient of the graph, , represents
1
�� the inverse of the resistance in the circuit.

R, the resistance:
1

�� = 0. 206
0. 206��=1
�� =1
0.206
R= 4.854 Ω

Therefore, the conductor is an ohmic conductor because it obeys Ohm’s law which states that
provided that the temperature and other physical conditions remain constant, the current, I,
through the conductor is directly proportional to the voltage (p.d) between its ends. A linear
graph was produced, showing the directly proportional relationship between the current and the
voltage.

Assumptions:
Circuit components are not affected by magnetic fields.
The circuit is not affected by external electrical fields.
Limitations:
The circuit components are affected by magnetic or electrical fields.

Precautions:
Ensure that all circuit components are working properly by checking for breaks in wires and
other components.
Ensure that all readings on the ammeter and voltmeter are taken at eye level. Check
for zero errors and a well-calibrated scale on both the voltmeter and ammeter.
Ensure that all components are connected correctly.

Sources of Error:
The input and output ports of the ammeter and voltmeter were not connected correctly.
Readings were not taken at eye level.

Conclusion: In a resistor, the current, I, is directly proportional to the voltage, V.