DC Circuits

Lab #6
Lab: 10/17/2016 Due: 10/24/2016
Mondays 1:30-3:30PM

Abstract:
The purpose of this lab is to explain direct current circuits (DC). In this lab, DCs will be
simplified and more easily understood through testing connections through light bulbs. Using
voltage, resistance, and current, data can be analyzed and understood.
Introduction:
Circuits are continuous loops which pass energy along through wires and switches. The three
measurements of the electrons passed through circuits are: voltage, resistance, and current. The
following equations for each are:
Current > I = q/t

Voltage > V = PE/q

Resistance > R = V/I

Units used in resistance are ohms (1 W = 1 V/A), voltage is volts, and current is amps (1 A = 1
C/s). Other equations used to analyze the current and how the DC is working are:
Power > P = E/t

or

P = (V)(I)

Procedure:
Put a numbered label on each of the bulbs to be used in the lab. Measure the resistance of each,
and record. Record the voltage of the battery. Build all six circuits shown in the lab manual and
do the following: record the voltage drop from the two batteries, the fuse, as well as all the light
bulbs used in the circuit. Document whether or not the light bulb is lit, not lit, or dim.

Data Lab:
Circuit

Brightness

(V)

(A)

(ohms)

(W)

(mW)

Batt

2.81

0.166

Fuse

0.165

0.178

760

0.029

B1

2.25

0.172

2.2

0.387

Batt

2.81

0.165

Fuse

0.165

0.167

760

0.028

B1

2.25

0.169

2.2

0.380

LIT

B2

0.104

0.169

1.1

0.018

NOT LIT

Batt

2.81

0.080

Fuse

0.110

0.082

760

0.009

B1

0.450

0.081

2.2

0.036

NOT LIT

B2

0.050

0.081

1.1

0.004

NOT LIT

B3

2.01

0.081

3.8

0.163

LIT

Batt

2.81

0.700

Fuse

0.280

0.725

760

0.203

B1

1.53

0.700

2.2

1.071

LIT

B2

1.44

0.590

1.1

0.850

LIT

Batt

2.81

0.758

Fuse

0.380

0.755

760

0.287

B1

1.25

0.760

2.2

0.950

DIM

B2

1.17

0.647

1.1

0.757

DIM

B3

1.06

0.060

3.8

0.064

DIM

Batt

2.81

0.170

Fuse

0.078

0.169

760

0.013

B1

2.06

0.170

2.2

0.350

LIT

B2

0.086

0.171

1.1

0.015

NOT LIT

B3

0.081

0.015

3.8

0.001

NOT LIT

0.466

0.464

0.225

1.970

2.130

0.478

Discussion (Questions 1,2,3 answer for 4,5,6 also):

Q1. According to Kirchoffs Junction Rule, every element should have the same current. The lab
data does not verify this. The currents documented range from 0.015 - 0.760. This could be due
to experimental error in measurement, connection of the circuit, or failures in the lab equipment.
Q2. Using the equation for Korchoffs Loop Rule, the sum of all voltage differences around the
circuit should be zero. Below are the voltage differences. The only near perfect agreement was in
the third circuit.
Circuit #

Voltage Difference

-0.395

-0.291

-0.19

0.44

1.05

-0.505

Q3. The power of the battery should equal that of the light bulbs and fuse combined if energy is
conserved. Below are the data totals. The closest circuit to conserving energy was circuit three.
There was likely experimental error with connection to the circuit. Some materials were difficult
to connect as well as not very tolerable to the circuit.
Circuit #

Battery Output P

Fuse/Bulb Output P

Difference

0.466

0.416

0.05

0.464

0.426

0.038

0.225

0.212

0.013

1.970

2.124

0.154

2.130

2.058

0.072

0.478

0.379

0.099

Conclusion:
In this lab, 6 different circuits were set up to help better explain the source of power, and how
resistance, voltages and current affected the transference of power to a single light bulb. There
were several experimental errors in this lab relating to material and difficulty retrieving a power
source. Batteries died and materials did not record properly sometimes. This could be the reason
for the lack of energy conserved (despite circuit 3). It would also explain Kirchoffs Junction
Rule and how the data was not equal. However, all circuits were set up and delivered power,
voltage, and current across the system. Light bulbs lit up when the energy was passed and not
blocked, and they were dim when the power and voltage was reduced. Data was close to what
was expected but did suffer in areas explained prior.