Activity 1.2.

4 Circuit Calculations
Introduction

Regardless of circuit complexity, circuit designers as well as users need to be able to

apply basic electrical theories to circuits in order to verify safe operation and
troubleshoot unexpected circuit failure. In this activity you will gain experience
applying Ohms law and Kirchhoffs voltage and current laws to circuits in order to
gain understanding of circuit requirements and relationships between voltage,
current, and resistance.
.

Equipment

Engineering notebook
Pencil
Calculator

Procedure
1. For each of the resistors shown below, use Ohms law to calculate the unknown
quantity. Be sure to put your answer in proper engineering notation and use the
correct units.

3.5/470=7.4 miliamps

3.5/15.5=.226 ohms

22x1.4=30.8 v

2. For each of the circuits shown below, calculate the value for R T. Be sure to put
your answer in proper engineering notation and use the correct units.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

POE Activity 1.2.4 Circuit Calculations Page 1

820+150+1200 = 2170 ohms

5.6+680+8200 =8885.6 ohms

3. Using the laws of circuit theory, solve for RT, IT, V1, V2, and V3. Be sure to put your
answer in proper engineering notation and use the correct units.

RT=270+470+1200

V/R=I

RT=1940 ohms

9/1940=4.63 milliamps

V1= 4.63mAx 470

V2=4.63mAx1200

V3=4.63x270

V1=2.17v
V2=5.56v
V3=1.25v
Using the data from problem (3), verify your results using Kirchhoffs voltage law.
All of the added voltage drops equal the total voltage.
4. Using the laws of circuit theory, solve for RT, IT, I1, I2, and I3. Be sure to put your
answer in proper engineering notation and use the correct units.

RT=8200+6800+4700
RT=19.7 kiliohms

IT=V/R
I=12/19700
I=.609 kA

I1
Using the calculated results from problem (5), verify your results using Kirchhoffs
current law.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

POE Activity 1.2.4 Circuit Calculations Page 2

 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

POE Activity 1.2.4 Circuit Calculations Page 3