Université La sagesse

Faculté d’Ingénierie
Polytech – Beirut

LAB # 1:
Electric Circuit Lab

PHY 205
Nancy El-Hajj: 202300390
Charbel Makhlouf: 202301225

Dr. Fouad Farah

Feb-5-2024

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Université La sagesse
Faculté d’Ingénierie
Polytech – Beirut

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Materials and equipement: .................................................................................................... 3
II. Objectifs: ................................................................................................................................. 3
III. Abstarct: .................................................................................................................................. 3
IV. Introduction: ........................................................................................................................... 3
V. Part I- Resistor color code and measurement of resistance ................................................. 4
1.1.Theorical basics: .................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.Experiment results: ............................................................................................................... 5
VI. Part II- Measurements of DC voltage and Direct Current ..................................................... 7
2.1.Theorical basics: .................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.Experiment results: ............................................................................................................... 7
VII. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 8

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1:Resistor color chart ........................................................................................................... 4

LIST OF TABLES:
Table 1:EXp1-The value of the resistors ......................................................................................... 5
Table 2:Exp1-The color of the bands of the resistor ...................................................................... 6
Table 3:Exp1-The equivalent value of the resistors........................................................................ 6
Table 4:The voltage and the current values ................................................................................... 7

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Université La sagesse
Faculté d’Ingénierie
Polytech – Beirut
I. MATERIALS AND EQUIPEMENT :
1. Resistors
2. DMM
3. Breadboard
4. DC power supply
5. Wires

II. OBJECTIFS:
1. Acquaint yourself with the DC power supply, resistors, breadboard, and digital
multimeter (DMM).
2. Determine a resistor's resistance by looking at its color code.
3. Use a DMM to measure resistance, voltage, and current.
4. Check the accuracy of Ohm's law.

III. ABSTARCT:
The aim of this session was to learn how to use a digital multimeter (DMM), resistors, DC power
supply, and breadboard. Then to calculate the resistance of a real resistor between our hands,
using the color codes of resistors, then doing a little experiment and measure each resistor’s
resistance with a digital multimeter, and finally arrange the resistors in both series and parallel,
measure the voltage and current values, and compare them with the figures that were calculated.

IV. INTRODUCTION :
In this introductory circuit lab, we'll explore fundamental components essential to electronic
circuitry. We'll start by acquainting ourselves with the breadboard, a versatile tool for
prototyping circuits. Using the color code, we'll decipher the resistance of resistors, a crucial skill
in electronics. Then, with a DC power supply and a digital multimeter (DMM), we'll measure
voltage, current, and resistance, gaining practical insights into circuit behavior. Finally, we'll
validate Ohm's law, demonstrating its applicability in real-world scenarios.

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Université La sagesse
Faculté d’Ingénierie
Polytech – Beirut
V. PART I- RESISTOR COLOR CODE AND MEASUREMENT OF RESISTANCE
1.1.THEORICAL BASICS:
In the lab session, we learned how to measure resistors and use DMM for measurements when
the resistors are in series and parallels. We can determine the resistance and tolerance of a
resistor from the resistor color chart which are bands of colors on the resistor that we read form
left to right (the increased space between band 3 and 4 indicates the reading direction), the one
on the right indicates the tolerance of the resistor (ie: ±5%), the one right before the tolerance
band indicates the multiplying factor (ie: 23x100 ohm), and the other left will indicate the digits
of the value (first band: 1st significant value, second band: 2nd significant value) for example: let
the first band be green and the second blue, according to the color chart green stands for 5 and
blue for 6, that means that the value of this resistor is 56Ω.

In addition, when we put multiple resistors in series, the total resistance is their sum: R=ΣRI

However, when the resistors are in parallel, the total resistance is 1/R=Σ 1/R

We can also calculate the value of a resistor by using the DMM, we can determine the voltage of
the circuit as well as the current intensity, and by using ohm’s law V=Ri we can find the resistance.
The voltmeter is parallel to the resistor and ammeter is in series with the resistor.

FIGURE 1:RESISTOR COLOR CHART

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Université La sagesse
Faculté d’Ingénierie
Polytech – Beirut
1.2.EXPERIMENT RESULTS :
To conduct the resistor analysis experiment, begin by arranging the 10 given resistors on the
breadboard, ensuring each resistor occupies a single row and each leg is placed in separate rows.
Then, record the color bands of each resistor in a table. Next, employ the color codes to calculate
the theoretical resistance of each component. Power on the multimeter, configuring it to
measure resistance, and connect the leads appropriately. Utilize the multimeter to measure the
actual resistance values of the resistors and document these readings. Finally, complete the table
by computing the acceptable range for the measured resistance values using the provided
formulas.

TABLE 1:EXP1-THE VALUE OF THE RESISTORS

First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Calculated Resistance Measured

band band band band band band value 𝛀 range 𝛀 value𝛀
brown green brown Gold 150 142.5- 150
157.5
orange orange black Gold 33 31.35- 33
34.65
yellow violet Black Gold 47 44.65- 47.8
49.35
white brown Black Gold 91 86.45- 91.8
95.55
Brown black Black black brown 100 99-101 100

1) In comparing the actual resistance measurements to their coded values indicated by the
color codes, it's essential to assess whether the measured values fall within the specified
tolerance range. The tolerance range indicates the acceptable deviation from the
theoretical value. If the measured resistance values lie within this range, it implies that
the resistors conform to the specified tolerance levels. However, if the measured values
fall outside this range, it suggests deviation from the expected resistance and potentially
indicates a defective component or measurement error. Therefore, by evaluating
whether the measured values align with the tolerance range, we can determine the
accuracy and reliability of the resistors.

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Université La sagesse
Faculté d’Ingénierie
Polytech – Beirut
2) We should avoid holding the resistor while measuring its resistance because doing so can
introduce additional resistance into the circuit through our bodies. Our skin naturally has
some resistance, which could interfere with the accurate measurement of the resistor's
resistance. Holding the resistor creates a parallel path for current flow through our
bodies, affecting the measurement results. To ensure precise readings, it's important to
securely connect the resistor to the measurement device without introducing any
additional interference from external sources like our bodies.
3)

TABLE 2:EXP1-THE COLOR OF THE BANDS OF THE RESISTOR

Resistors Coded Tolerance First Second Third Fourth

value in 𝛀 % color color color color
band band band band
1 1 5 brown Black Gold Gold
2 0.12 10 Brown Red Silver Silver
3 0.27 5 Red Violet Silver Gold
4 2.2M 10 Red Red Green Silver
5 820 20 grey red brown No color

4) We will place the given resistors both in series and in parallel configurations to measure
their equivalent values. By doing so, we can directly compare these measured values with
the calculated ones. This experiment allows us to assess the practical application of series
and parallel resistor arrangements and evaluate how closely they align with theoretical
predictions. Through this comparative analysis, we aim to gain insights into the behavior
of resistors in different circuit configurations and validate the principles of series and
parallel resistor calculations in real-world scenarios.

TABLE 3:EXP1-THE EQUIVALENT VALUE OF THE RESISTORS

Resistors Measured Measured Calculated Calculated

resistance value resistance value resistance value resistance value
(series) (parallel) (Series) (parallel)
R1,R2,R3,R4,R5 400.5 27 422,6 12.69

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Université La sagesse
Faculté d’Ingénierie
Polytech – Beirut
VI. PART II- MEASUREMENTS OF DC VOLTAGE AND DIRECT CURRENT
2.1.THEORICAL BASICS:
In Part I of the experiment, we focused on measuring resistor values with an ohmmeter,
emphasizing their independence from circuit connections. Similarly, voltage from a source like a
battery can be measured independently using a voltmeter. However, electric current requires a
complete circuit to flow, depending on both the applied voltage and the conductive path. When
using a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure voltage, it's essential to connect it in parallel with
the device under test, selecting the appropriate voltage range and ensuring the red probe aligns
with the higher potential side. For current measurement, the DMM is inserted into the circuit,
with the red probe typically positioned for current flow into the DMM. However, both voltmeters
and ammeters possess non-ideal resistances, affecting their readings, with typical values ranging
from millions to tenths or hundredths of an ohm for voltmeters and ammeters, respectively.
Therefore, precautions such as gradually increasing voltage and avoiding circuit changes while
powered are crucial to prevent damage and ensure accurate measurements.

2.2.EXPERIMENT RESULTS :
To conduct the experiment, first, assemble the circuit using a 3.3 KΩ resistor. Set the voltage
source to 2V and ensure the ammeter is connected in series to measure the current flowing
through the resistor. Connect the voltmeter in parallel across the resistor to measure the
potential difference. Proceed to record the measured current and voltage values in the provided
table. Repeat the steps for different power supply voltage settings: 2V, 4V, 6V, 8V, and 10V.
Adhere to precise assembly and measurement techniques to guarantee accurate data collection.
Systematically record all readings to facilitate thorough analysis and comparison across varying
voltage levels.

TABLE 4:THE VOLTAGE AND THE CURRENT VALUES

(Calculated voltage based on ohm’s law : V=R.I with R=2.7x103 Ω)

V(V) Measure I(A) flowing Measure voltage Calculated voltage

in the resistor across resistor based on ohm’s law
2 7.2x10−3 2 19.44
4 15 x10−3 3.9 40.5
6 22.3 x10−3 6.05 60.21
8 29.8 x10−3 8 80.46
10 38 x10−3 9.99 102.6

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Université La sagesse
Faculté d’Ingénierie
Polytech – Beirut
5. measured voltage across the resistor vs the
current y = 262.68x + 0.0882
12
Measured voltage (V)
10

0
0 0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 0.035 0.04
Measured Measured I(A)

6. Yes, the experiment follows Ohm's Law. This conclusion is reached by observing that the
relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) remains consistent across
different voltage settings. As we varied the voltage and measured the resulting current,
the data points formed a straight line when plotted on a graph of voltage against current.
This linear relationship confirms that the circuit's behavior conforms to Ohm's Law, where
the voltage across the resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it,
as dictated by the equation V = I * R.

7. R=V/I=9.99/(39x10-3) = 256.15 Ω and the measured value was 262.68 Ω which is slightly
bigger than 256.15 Ω .

VII. CONCLUSION
In this lab session, we learned well and practiced how to read the colors of the resistors and
determine the value of the resistor. We also learned how the breadboard works and practiced
using it by putting resistors and DMM on it. We were able to prove ohm’s law by measuring the
resistance and changing the voltage that goes through it.

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