Ohm’s Law

Find the PhET Simulations. Open up the Circuits DC

simulation and set up the circuit as shown below.

1. Choose any value for the variable resistor.

2. Measure the voltage across the fixed resistor (10Ω one) using
the voltmeter (in parallel).
3. Measure the current passing through the fixed resistor (10Ω
one) using the ammeter (in series).
4. Repeat steps 1 - 3 for five other values of the variable
resistor.
5. Draw up a table of V (in V) and I (in A).
6. Plot a graph of V (y axis) against I (on graph paper  ).

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7. Comment on the shape of your graph – what is the relationship
between V and I? Use scientific terminology to explain the
relationship.
8. Find the gradient (slope) of your graph. What information
does the gradient give you? Use this in your discussion.

For the lab report use the Experiment Guidelines:

 Apparatus – list the components needed for the circuit

 Diagram – draw the circuit diagram using symbols
 Discussion – refer to your answers to question 8, 9. Include any
precautions you would take in a lab. Write up some theory on
Ohm’s law.
 Discussion - Does Ohm’s law refer to ALL components? Give
some examples

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