Jovell Mae Bongon

Princess Yesha Llanes

Experiment #17
Parallel Circuit

Objective: The objective of the parallel circuit bulb project is to design and construct a parallel
circuit to demonstrate its key principles and advantages. Participants will learn how parallel
circuits maintain the same voltage across each bulb and allow bulbs to operate independently. The
project will include measuring current distribution to verify Ohm's Law and understanding real-
world applications, such as household wiring. Through step-by-step construction and
troubleshooting, participants will develop practical skills and ensure safe handling of electrical
components. By the end, they will have a comprehensive understanding of parallel circuits and
their benefits.
Apparatus: Battery, Wire, Bulb, Bulb Receptacle

Procedure:

1. Prepare the Components: Insert the battery into the battery holder if using one. Attach
the light bulbs to their respective holders. Ensure all wires are stripped at the ends for
proper connections.
2. Connect the Battery to the Switch: Take one wire and connect one end to the positive
terminal of the battery. Connect the other end of this wire to one terminal of the switch.
3. Connect the Switch to the Bulbs: Take another wire and connect one end to the other
terminal of the switch. Connect the other end of this wire to a common point where you
will connect the positive terminals of all the bulbs. You can use a wire nut or simply twist
the wires together and secure with electrical tape.
4. Wire the Bulbs in Parallel: For each bulb, connect a wire from its positive terminal to the
common point where the switch wire is connected. This forms the parallel connection for
the positive side. Take another wire for each bulb and connect one end to the negative
terminal of each bulb.
5. Connect the Negative Terminals to the Battery: Join all the wires coming from the
negative terminals of the bulbs to a single wire. This can be done by twisting them together
and securing them with electrical tape or a wire nut. Connect this single wire to the negative
terminal of the battery.
6. Check the Connections: Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and
correct. Ensure there are no exposed wires that could cause a short circuit.
7. Test the Circuit: Turn on the switch. All bulbs should light up simultaneously,
demonstrating the parallel connection. If any bulb does not light up, check the connections
to that particular bulb and ensure it is properly connected.
 8. Troubleshoot if Necessary: If the circuit does not work, check for any loose connections,
ensure the battery is charged, and verify that all components are functioning properly.

Results and Discussion:

The experiment successfully demonstrated the principles and advantages of parallel circuits by
constructing a circuit with multiple bulbs, a battery, and a switch. All bulbs illuminated
simultaneously, maintaining consistent voltage, which confirmed that each branch in a parallel
circuit receives the full voltage of the power source. The total current increased with the addition
of more bulbs, and each bulb operated independently, highlighting a key advantage of parallel
circuits: the failure of one component does not affect others. This reliability is crucial in practical
applications like household wiring. The hands-on experience of constructing and troubleshooting
the circuit reinforced theoretical knowledge and emphasized the importance of secure
connections and practical skills in electrical engineering.

Conclusion:

The experiment involving the construction and analysis of a parallel circuit with bulbs, a battery,
and a switch successfully demonstrated the fundamental principles and practical advantages of
parallel circuits. The consistent illumination of all bulbs upon activating the switch confirmed
that each branch in the parallel circuit receives the full voltage of the power source.
Measurements verified that the total current in the circuit increases with the addition of more
bulbs, while each bulb operates independently, highlighting the resilience of parallel circuits to
individual component failures.

These findings emphasize the reliability and efficiency of parallel circuits, particularly in real-
world applications such as household electrical systems, where maintaining consistent operation
despite the failure of individual components is crucial. The hands-on construction and
troubleshooting of the circuit provided valuable practical experience, reinforcing theoretical
knowledge and underscoring the importance of secure connections and meticulous circuit
assembly. Overall, this experiment underscored the critical role of parallel circuits in ensuring
reliable and safe electrical systems, both in educational contexts and everyday applications.