FAKULTI PENDIDIKAN TEKNIKAL

JABATAN PENDIDIKAN KEJURUTERAAN

KOD MATAPELAJARAN

BBT3623

NAMA MATAPELAJARAN

TEKNOLOGI ELEKTRIK

TAJUK UJIKAJI

RESISTANCE IN SERIES,
PARALLEL AND SERIESPARALLEL

NO. UJIKAJI

Experiment 3
Resistance in series, parallel and series-parallel
Objectives
1. To calculate and measure the equivalent resistance of
resistors connected in series.
2. To calculate and measure the equivalent resistance of
resistors connected in series-parallel.
3. To learn how to hook up more complex electrical circuit from a
schematic diagram.
Equipment and component list
1.
2.
3.
4.

Resistors (1k,1.5k,2k)
Multimeter
Bread board
Wires

Discussion
Electrical drawing showing circuit diagrams (schematics)
normally accompany electrical equipment. These diagrams are
usually clear and neatly laid out but takes practices to be able to
relate them to be the actual physical layout. This laboratory
experiment will permit you to make a connection from a wiring
diagram and the first step in tackling further complicated step-ups.
Series circuits and parallel circuit are quite easy to calculate
as far as equivalent is concerned. Series-parallel need not be any
more difficult the secret lies in reducing the various circuit
elements to series and parallel equivalent value, until the entire
circuit has been reduced to one single equivalent resistance. You
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made certain calculations of equivalent resistance based entirely on

theory. Subsequently, measurements were made in laboratory on
actual physical equipment, and comparisons were made between
theory and the experimental results. The experimental method is
the best proof of the correctness of the theory, and the laboratory
work is so important.
It is, of course, unlikely that the theoretically and the
experimental results will check exactly. There will usually be a
difference or error between the two: attributable to various factors
such as the accuracy of measuring instrument, the tolerance of
components, the human error in reading the instrument scales or in
setting the exacts voltages, etc.
The difference between the theoretical and experimental
values is usually expressed as a percent:
Percentage

Error =

Theoretica l Value Experiment

Theoretica l Value

al Re sult

X 100

For example, if a theoretical value is calculated to be 30 ohms, and

the experimental result yields a value of 27 ohms, the percentage
error is:
Percentage Error =

30 27
X 100 =10 %
30

In the lab experiments carried on so far, an error of 10 % is

acceptable.
Experiment procedure
1. Calculate the value of equivalent resistance for each of the
circuits shown in procedure 4 to 14. Show your calculation and
enter your result in the space provided. Do not proceed to
procedure 2 before completing your calculation.
2. Hook up each circuit as shown in the diagram, and measure
the equivalent resistance with your multi meter. Be sure to
zero adjust your multi meter. Record your measurement in the
space provided.
3. Calculate the percentage error for each case, and state
whether it is acceptable or not.
4. See fig 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9,3-10, 3-11, 312, 3-13 and 3-14.

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= ______%

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= ______%

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= ______%

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= _____ %

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= ______%

R equivalent (calculated)
= ______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= ______%

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= ______%

R equivalent (calculated)
= ______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= _____ %

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= _____ %

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= _____ %

R equivalent (calculated) =
______
R equivalent (measured) =
______
Percentage error

= _____ %

Test your knowledge

1. Connect the resistor, shown in Fig.3-12, in series to terminal A
and B

2. Calculate the equivalent resistance of the series circuit shown in

fig. 3-12.

Requivalent = ____________
3. Connect the resistors, shown in 3-13, in parallel to terminal A and
B.

4. Calculate the equivalent resistance of the series circuit shown in

fig. 3-13.

Requivalent = ____________
5. Connect the 20 resistor in series with the remaining resistors
connected in parallel to terminal A and B of the circuit shown in Fig.
3-14.

6. Calculate the equivalent resistance of the series-parallel circuit

shown in fig. 3-14.

Requivalent = ____________
Summary
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