Resistors in Series and Parallel Name: ( ) Class: Date:

Learning objectives Recognise that the resistance of a circuit can be varied by arranging resistors in series or parallel Activity 1) Series Circuit (1 Resistor) a) Start the Circuit Construction Kit simulation. b) Make a series circuit using the following components as shown in the diagram. i. Battery ii. Light bulb iii. Ammeter c) Turn on Show Values so you see the resistor values

Diagram 1 d) e) f) g) Change the voltage of the battery to 18 V (Right click on the battery, select Change Voltage) Measure the potential difference across the resistor, i.e across AB. Record the potential difference, current in the table in page 4 Calculate the resistance across AB of the circuit and record it in the table in page 4.

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Activity 2) Series Circuit (2 Resistors in series) a) Add a resistor in series to the circuit as shown in the diagram below. Observe what happens to the brightness of the bulb. Observation: The bulb becomes brighter / dimmer / remain the same (circle the correct answer)

Diagram 2 b) c) d) e) Measure the potential difference across the resistors, i.e across AB. Record the potential difference and current in the table in page 4 Calculate the resistance across AB of the circuit and record in in the table in page 4. Compare the resistance across AB, current and brightness of the bulb. We can conclude that by adding another resistor in series to the circuit, i. ii. iii. the resistance across AB increases / decreases / remain the same the current increases / decreases / remain the same The bulb becomes brighter / dimmer / remain the same

(Optional) f) Remove one of the resistors. DO NOT CONNECT ANYTHING What happens to the bulb? The bulb becomes brighter / dimmer/ remains the same/ did not light up
(circle the correct answer)

This is because there is a

in the circuit.

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2) Parallel Circuit (2 Resistors in Parallel) a) Set up the circuit in diagram 1 again. b) Add a resistor in parallel to the circuit, as shown in diagram below

Diagram 3 c) Observe what happens to the brightness of the bulb. Observation: The bulb becomes brighter / dimmer / remain the same (circle the correct answer) d) Measure the potential difference across the resistors, i.e across AB e) Record the potential difference and current in the table below and calculate the resistance across AB of the circuit. f) Compare the resistance across AB, current and brightness of the bulb. We can conclude that by adding another resistor in parallel to the circuit, i. ii. iii. the resistance across AB increases / decreases / remain the same the current increases / decreases / remain the same The bulb becomes brighter / dimmer / remain the same

(Optional) g) Remove one of the resistors. What happens to the bulb? The bulb becomes brighter / dimmer/ remains the same/ did not light up
(circle the correct answer)

This is because there is still a c

path in the circuit for current to flow.

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Potential Difference, V (V) 1 resistors 2 resistors in series 2 resistors in parallel

Resistance across AB, Current, I (A)

R( ) = V I

Questions
1) When placing a voltmeter in a circuit, does it go in series or parallel?

2) When placing an ammeter in a circuit, does it go in series or parallel?

3) Light bulbs and motors have resistance. When light bulb blows, it is the same as removing a resistor. What are the advantages of placing lights and motors in parallel?

4) Arrange the following in order of i. Increasing overall resistance ii. Increasing current, assuming voltage is constant.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(optional) 5) You are supplied with the following components: batteries, resistors, switches, wires and a light bulb. With the help of a diagram, describe how you will design a circuit such the brightness of the light bulb can be set to any of these 3 brightness level: dim, bright, brightest.

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