Analysis of Resistive

Networks
Experiment 1

Objectives
To demonstrate the characteristics of series-parallel
circuits by measuring and verifying the calculations of
the resistance, voltage and current associated with the
different resistive components of a series parallel circuit.
To demonstrate the principle of basic electric circuit
laws.
To demonstrate the use of basic principles involved in
series, parallel and series-parallel circuits.

Sample Circuit

Final Data Sheet

MEASURED
VALUES

R1

R2

R3

R4

R5

RT

987

679

985

985

982

2328

V1

V2

V3

V4

V5

VT

6.42 V

4.41 V

4.26 V

2.14 V

2.14 V

15.20 V

I1

I2

I3

I4

I5

IT

6.5 mA

6.5 mA

4.2 mA

2.4 mA

2.4 mA

6.5 mA

Final Data Sheet

CALCULATE
D
VALUES

R1

R2

R3

R4

R5

988

680

1014

892

892

RT

I at C

2338

-0.1

V
ACDBA

CEFDC

ACEFDBA

0.1

-0.02

0.08

Summary of Analysis
The total current flowing across the resistors which are connected in series connection is equal. On
the other hand, the total voltage is equivalent to the summation of the voltages across each
resistor because the voltage on a series connection is not equal.
The total voltage flowing across the resistors which are connected in parallel is equal. In addition,
the total current in a parallel circuit is equivalent to the summation of current across each resistor
primarily for the reason that the current along the parallel circuit is not equal.
Using the principle of Kirchhoffs Current Law, the summation of all currents in a certain node
should be equal to zero.
Using the principle of Kirchhoffs Voltage Law, we could say that the summation of the voltages
across a certain closed loop should be equal to zero.
The total resistance of a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of each resistances
of the resistor which is in parallel which could be expressed by using the formula respectively.
On a series circuit, the total resistance is equal to the sum of the resistances of each resistor.
On a series and parallel circuit the formula for the total resistance in series and in parallel should
be combined.

Conclusion
On the entire course of the experiment, we determined the characteristics of a
series-parallel circuit. On this type of circuit, we wont be able to apply a single
set of rules on the entire circuit. We must identify which part of the circuit is with
series or with parallel with each other.
We conclude that the theories presented such as the KCL, KVL and Ohms Law
were proven through the data gathered and the theoretical values. On using KVL
on ABCDA loop, There is a slight difference because of the internal resistance
present on the VOM affected the reading. Meanwhile by utilizing KCL at node C,
there is also a slight discrepancy because we opt to use the analog ammeter
rather than the electronic VOM. Ohms Law is utilized to get the total current on
the circuit or the total resistance present on the circuit. We also used this law to
calculate the individual resistance on the resistors.
When the resistors are in series, we could easily get the equivalent resistance by
getting their sum, meanwhile the current of a component on the circuit is equal
all throughout the circuit. On the other hand, the total current of a parallel circuit
is equal to the sum of the current on each branch and the voltage on the
separate braches must be equal to each other.