Experiment 3: Ohm’s Law / Series and Parallel Circuits

Kirk Patrick D. Doloroso, Godwin Ivandale G. Mabazza, Mary Julia N. Mercado,

Charles Rainier R. Morcila, Yuan Miguel E. Naraga, Ethan G. Roxas and
Angelica Nala T. Yap∗
PHY06P, A25 (Group 1)
Date of Experiment: March 21, 2019
Corresponding author: Angelica Nala T. Yap

1. Introduction

Electric circuit is a path or line where the electric current is transmitted. An electric circuit
consists of a device that gives off energy to charge the particles to establish the current; devices that
uses the current; and the connecting wires used for transmission [1]. Moreover, electric circuits can
be classified into two different types in terms of its connection; namely: series and parallel circuits.
Series circuits contain a path that can transmit the whole current to each electronic component in
an electric circuit. Meanwhile, parallel circuits divide the current flow in a circuit; wherein, only
parts can flow to a specific branch [1]. In some cases, combination circuits are also used; wherein,
an electric circuit can be in a series-parallel connection [2].

Furthermore, the electric current transmitted throughout the circuit are made up of electrons
that move continuously from one region to another. Its standard unit of measurement is in ampere,
with a unit symbol A, named after Andre Marie Ampere [3]. Voltage, meanwhile, is the electric
pressure from the power source to force the charged electrons to flow continuously. The greater
amount of voltage yields to the greater flow of electrical current in a circuit. In addition, voltage
is expressed in volt or V, named after Alessandro Volta [4].

On the other hand, electrons travelling through wires and load encounters an opposition to its
movement which is also referred as the electrical resistance. It is a hindrance to the flow of charge
of the electrons; wherein, a more collisions of electrons inside a wire mean more resistance on the
electrons [5]. Moreover, resistance is measured in ohm (Ω) which is named after Georg Simon Ohm
[3].

With the concept of voltage, resistance and current, Georg Simon Ohm discovered its relation-
ship which is known as “Ohm’s Law”. The law states that “the current flowing in a circuit is directly
proportional to the applied potential difference (voltage) and inversely proportional to the resis-
tance in the circuit” which is denoted by an equation that can be manipulated or interchangeable
[5]

V = IR (1)

V
I= (2)
R
V
R= (3)
I
where V is the voltage or applied potential difference across the conductor of the electric circuit, I
is the electrical current through the conductor, and R is the resistance of the conductor.

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 In relation to the application of Ohm’s Law, resistance should be kept regulated to avoid any
deficiencies or excess of current in an electric circuit. As a result, resistors are used to limit the
current flow in the circuit [7]. In electronic circuitry, carbon-type resistors are used often; wherein,
it is cylindrical in shape, relatively small with wire on its terminals, and has a specific value of
resistance. A certain resistance is presented most commonly in four bands; in which, the values are
based on the standard color code scheme shown in Figure 1 [2].

Figure 1: Resistor Color Code Chart (Digi-Key Electronics, 2011).

With that being said, the experiment makes use of the concept of Ohm’s Law to analyze the
relationship between the current and voltage under constant resistance as well as the relationship
between current and resistance under constant voltage. Likewise, the relationships of total resis-
tance, conductance and equivalent resistance in series, parallel, and series-parallel connections will
be calculated and explained using the resistor color code scheme and Ohm’s Law.

2. Methodology

Shown in Figure 2 is the materials and equipment which will be used for the entire duration of
the experiment: (1) ammeter which is used to measure the current in an electric circuit; (2) volt-
meter which is used to measure the voltage in an electric circuit; (3) power supply that provides
the power source needed by the electric circuit to work; (4) connecting wires that serve as connec-
tors for the electrical energy to flow within the circuit; (5) variable resistance box that generates
different values of electrical resistance; (6) breadboard which is used in testing circuit designs; (7)
resistors that limit or regulate the flow of electrical current in a circuit; and, (8) alligator clips or
the metal clips used to create temporary electrical connections.

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 Figure 2: Materials and equipment used in the experiment (Mabazza, 2019).

The following are the set of procedures which will be done in order to achieve the following
objectives set for this experiment:

Part A: Ohm’s Law

Variation of Current and Voltage under Constant Resistance

For this portion of the experiment, position the circuit as shown in Figure 3; wherein, the am-
meter is in a series connection with the power supply and the resistance box, while the voltmeter
is connected parallel with the resistance box.

Figure 3: Materials and equipment used in the experiment (Mabazza, 2019).

Moreover, a resistance value of 100 Ω is set in the resistance box as the constant value for the
whole seven trials. The relationships among voltage, current and resistance will be analyzed based
on the results that will be obtained as well as in the graph that will be plotted. Likewise, com-
parison between the average/theoretical value of “Voltage / Current” and the fixed/experimental
value of resistance will be provided using the percentage difference formula.

ExperimentalV alue − T heoreticalV alue

%dif f erence = | | ×100% (4)
AverageV alue

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Variation of Current and Resistance under Constant Voltage

Using the similar experimental setup in the first part of the experiment, a fixed value of 9 V
is set as the constant value for voltage; while, a value of 100 Ω will be used as the initial value
for resistance. Furthermore, increase the resistance value for each of the seven trials in order to
determine the relationship of the values of current and resistance under a constant voltage. Aside
from the results obtained, a graph will be also used to show the relationship of the said variables
and a percentage difference will be obtained to identify if there are any discrepancies between the
experimental and theoretical values.

Part B: Series and Parallel Circuits

Determination of Resistance of Each Resistor using Color Code

For this part of the experiment, the resistance values of the three resistors, R1, R2, and R3
will be determined using the resistor color codes shown in Figure 1. Moreover, in determining the
resistance value, the reading should start in the portion of the resistors with the most bands. In a
4-band resistor, the first and second band indicates the significant figures of the resistance value.
The third band indicates the multiplier. And lastly, the final band shows the tolerance or the
percentage of error in the resistor’s resistance.

Determination of Resistance using Ohm’s Law

Position the circuit according to the setup shown in Figure 4; wherein, the ammeter is con-
nected in series at maximum range with the power supply set at 9 V and the breadboard that holds
the resistor.

Figure 4: Determination of resistance using Ohm’s Law experimental setup (Doloroso, 2019).

Using Ohm’s Law, compute the values of resistance for the three resistors. Furthermore, com-
parison of the total resistance in the former and present portion of the experiment can be obtained
using the percentage difference formula.

Determination of Equivalent Resistance using Different Types of Connection of Resistors

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 For the first portion, the breadboard that holds the resistors should be in a series connection
with the ammeter and power supply. The voltage should be set to 9 V to measure the currents in
the circuit for five trials. The total resistance in the series circuit is computed using Ohm’s Law.
To compute the equivalent resistance of the resistors and percentage difference, the Equation 3b-2
is used. Repeat the setup for parallel connection with the resistors should be in parallel to each
other, and for series-parallel connection; wherein, R1 is in series connection with R2 and R3, while
R2 is in parallel connection with R3.

3. Results and Discussion

Part A: Ohm’s Law

Table 1: A Variation of Current and Voltage under Constant 100-Ω Resistance.

Trial Voltage (in volt) Current (in ampere) Voltage/Current (in Ω)
1 9.0 V 0.08 A 112.5000 Ω
2 7.5 V 0.07 A 107.1429 Ω
3 6.0 V 0.05 A 120.0000 Ω
4 5.5 V 0.05 A 110.0000 Ω
5 4.0 V 0.03 A 133.3333 Ω
6 3.5 V 0.03 A 116.6667 Ω
7 1.5 V 0.01 A 150.0000 Ω

For the first portion of the experiment, the observers determine the relationship between the
current and voltage with a constant resistance of 100 Ω. From the materials and procedures given,
the group was able to obtain seven trials; wherein, it is observed that with a fixed value of resis-
tance, electric current and voltage are in a direct relationship with another. As shown in Table 1,
once the voltage output goes smaller, it yields to a lower amount of electric current produced in
the circuit [7]. Likewise, it is also visible that a lower electric current produces a higher opposition
of force or resistance to the electrons in the circuit. With that being said, the statement of Ohm’s
Law regarding the relationship between current and voltage was proved to be true in this setup.

On the other hand, percentage difference was also obtained using the fixed value of resistance
as the experimental value and the average resistance from the seven trials as the theoretical value.
It was found out that a 19.3132% of discrepancy was obtained for the experiment. Most likely, the
factors that lead to the differences between the experimental and theoretical values are the estima-
tions of the measurements since there are occurrences that the pointer is in between the measuring
lines; the calibration of the gauge of both ammeter and voltmeter; and the digital display provided
in the power supply since it only shows up to two decimal places which can still produce imprecise
final measurements for each variable.

Beside from the calculated resistance, theoretical and experimental conductance was analyzed
as well through graphing. Based from the plotted values between current and voltage, a regres-
sion value of 9.5911×10−3 Ω was produced for the seven trials; meanwhile, a value of 0.01 Ω was
gained after taking the reciprocal of the constant resistance. Hence, there was a 4.1743% differ-
ence between the values of theoretical and experimental conductance. With the two values used as
theoretical resistance, the theoretical resistance using the average value of current times resistance

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is more reliable than the value obtained using the regression formula. This is due to the fact that
the values gathered using current times resistance is supported by the concept of Ohm’s Law which
is the fundamental principle in the study of electronic circuits. Despite that using the regression
formula gives a lower percentage difference, the formula itself is formed experimentally; in which,
the graphical values of current and voltage was used to represent the slope and there has no really
basis from any theory about the regression formula used in the experiment.

Table 2: A Variation of Current and Resistance under Constant 9.0 Voltage.

Trial Current (in ampere) Resistance (in Ω) Current × Resistance (in volt)
1 0.0900 A 100 Ω 9.00 V
2 0.0450 A 200 Ω 9.00 V
3 0.0300 A 300 Ω 9.00 V
4 0.0225 A 400 Ω 9.00 V
5 0.0175 A 500 Ω 8.75 V
6 0.0150 A 600 Ω 9.00 V
7 0.0100 A 700 Ω 7.00 V

The second portion of the experiment determines the relationship between the current and
resistance with a constant voltage of 9.0 V. After seven trials, it was clearly seen that electric cur-
rent and resistance has an inverse relationship with one another as shown in Table 2. As the value
of current decreases, the resistance, on the other hand, increases its value. Moreover, the trend
shown in this experiment can be proved to be correct by Ohm’s Law; in which, it explains that
having a low current flow in an electric circuit is due to the higher opposition of force that hinders
the current to flow around a circuit. Hence, current flow around a circuit is inversel proportion to
resistance as if resistance is high, the current around a circuit is low, vice versa [8].

Meanwhile, the experimental setup used in this second part is similar to those in the first part;
wherein, the ammeter is in series connection with the power supply and resistor, while the voltmeter
is in parallel connection with the resistance box. The reason why the ammeter is supposed to be
connected in series while voltmeter should be in parallel is because the electric current will flow
unequally if the ammeter were in parallel connection. Furthermore, a voltmeter is used to measure
the potential difference between two points and its resistance of the voltmeter is very high. If the
voltmeter is connected in series, then there would be no flow of current due to the high resistance
present in the circuit [9]. As a result, ammeter is kept in a series connection, while the voltmeter
is in a parallel connection in order to regulate the flow of current so that the electric circuit would
function at its maximum peak.

However, if the resistance box would be replaced with a light bulb in case and use the sequence
from the seven trials. The result will be if the volt and resistance is getting higher as the trial goes,
the bulb will glow much brighter than the previous trials [10]. Looking at the trials from one to
seven, the resistance starts at 100 Ω and another hundred added each trial would make the bulb
glow brighter especially having a constant 9.0 voltage.

The relationship between current and resistance was also analyzed through the use of a graph;
in which, the indirect relationship of current and resistance was evident. In relation to resistance,
conductance is its reciprocal value and it tells us how easy for a current to flow through something
[11]. If a graph was done to show the relationship between current and conductance, the appear-

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ance of the graph would be in a positive manner. This is because current would be in a direct
relationship with conductance; wherein, a higher current yields to a higher value of conductance,
vice versa [11]. As a result, current would now be equal to voltage times resistance if conductance
is incorporated to the Ohm’s Law.

Part B: Series and Parallel Circuits

Table 3: Determination of Resistance of Each Resistor using Color Code.

Resistor First Two Bands Third Band Fourth Band Resistance Value (in Ω)
1 16 (Brown-Blue) 1000 (Red) + 5% (Gold) 1.6 kΩ + 5%
2 75 (Violet-Green) 10 (Brown) + 5% (Gold) 750 Ω + 5%
3 15 (Brown-Green) 1000 (Red) + 10% (Silver) 1.5 kΩ + 10%

Based on Table 3, the resistance value of the three 4-band resistors was based using the color
code scheme. Moreover, it is observed that at each resistance value there is a + 5% or + 10% at
the end. This value is constituted by the fourth band which signifies the percent tolerance of a
resistor. Percent tolerance is the error of the resistor’s resistance. Likewise, it is the value that
adds up or lowers down the actual resistance of the resistor from the stated resistance [12]. The
tolerance band is a useful indication of which resistor can give a more accurate resistance reading
and determine whether the resistor is defective once it exceeds or does not meet the actual tolerance
of the resistor.
Table 4: Determination of Resistance of Each Resistor using Ohm’s Law.
Resistor Voltage (V) Current(A) Resistance Value (Ω)
1 9.00 V 0.005 A 1800 Ω
2 9.00 V 0.015 A 600 Ω
3 9.00 V 0.005 A 1800 Ω

On the other hand, the other method of determining the resistance value was also gathered
through the use of Ohm’s Law. Similar to the first method, the R1 (brown-blue-red-gold) had the
highest resistance value, followed by R3 (brown-green-red-silver) and R2 (violet-green-brown-gold).
At the end, a percentage difference of 8.6957% was obtained when the resistance values from the
color code scheme and Ohm’s Law were compared with each other. Furthermore, in determining
the value of each resistor, there is a difference between the values calculated by using the color
code scheme and Ohm’s Law. In the color code scheme, resistor values can be seen onto the body
of the resistor using a series of colored bands wherein there are particular values for each band
depending on its position. While in Ohm’s Law, it states that in a resistor, the voltage (v) is
directly proportional to the current (i) flowing through it. The results of this experiment showed
that solving for the resistance using Ohm’s Law gave a higher value as compared to the color code.
This is because there is a specific voltage and current being used to determine the resistance (for
the Ohm’s Law); on the other hand, it only follows a standardized value for each band (for the
color code).

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 Table 5: Determination of Equivalent Resistance in Series Connection of Resistors.
Trial Voltage (V) Current(A) Resistance Value (Ω)
1 9.00 V 0.0020 A 4500.0000 Ω
2 9.00 V 0.0020 A 4500.0000 Ω
3 9.00 V 0.0020 A 4500.0000 Ω
4 9.00 V 0.0019 A 4736.8421 Ω
5 9.00 V 0.0019 A 4736.8421 Ω

Based from the Table 5 presented above, the equivalent resistance in series connection of re-
sistors was sustained for the first three trials; in which, it produced 4500.0000 Ω. While, a decrease
on the electric current led the fourth and fifth trials to obtain a value of 4736.8421 Ω. In addition,
an average of 4594.7368 Ω was obtained in this procedure and a percent difference of 13.2194%
when the average equivalent resistance from this procedure was compared with the equivalent re-
sistance using the average values from the first and second procedures of getting the resistance value.

In series circuits, the current remains constant all throughout based on the application of
Ohm’s Law in series circuits. The electrons flow continously and follow a single passage way;
wherein, each resistor have common current that passes through. As a result, if one resistor fails
in the circuit, the current will not flow; in which, it will lead to the stoppage of connection to the
other components involved in the electric circuit [13].

Table 6: Determination of Equivalent Resistance in Parallel Connection of Resistors.

Trial Voltage (V) Current(A) Resistance Value (Ω)
1 9.00 V 0.0220 A 409.0909 Ω
2 9.00 V 0.0220 A 409.0909 Ω
3 9.00 V 0.0220 A 409.0909 Ω
4 9.00 V 0.0220 A 409.0909 Ω
5 9.00 V 0.0230 A 391.3043 Ω

As shown in Table 6, resistance values from trials one to four were similar as it obtained
409.0909 Ω; while, the current in the final trial increased by 0.0010 A which results to the resis-
tance value of 391.3043 Ω. Moreover, 8.1843% was the resulted percent difference when the average
resistance obtained in this process was compared with the average value of equivalent resistance
using the first and second procedures of getting the resistance value.

By comparing the value of thr equivalent resistance of the three resistors when arranged in
series and in parallel connection, the equivalent resistances obtained in the former had the greater
value than the latter. Series circuit forms a single path for the current to flow in the circuit;
unlike, in parallel circuits where the current splits into multiple paths [14]. As a result, it would
require a much higher amount of resistance to oppose the electric current in a series connection,
since the value of the current is constant in the said circuit. Meanwhile, the amount of resistance in
a parallel circuit decreases when more resistors are added to new branches of the electric circuit [14].

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 Table 7: Determination of Equivalent Resistance in Series-Parallel Connection of Resistors.
Trial Voltage (V) Current(A) Resistance Value (Ω)
1 9.00 V 0.0035 A 2571.4286 Ω
2 9.00 V 0.0035 A 2571.4286 Ω
3 9.00 V 0.0040 A 2250.0000 Ω
4 9.00 V 0.0040 A 2250.0000 Ω
5 9.00 V 0.0039 A 2307.6923 Ω

In the data presented in Table 7, resistance values have differ in the given five trials. For
the first and second trial, the resistance was able to manage at 2571.4286 Ω. While, a resistance
value of 2250.0000 Ω was obtained in the third and fourth trial. Lastly, the fifth trial resulted to
a 2307.6923 Ω of resistance. Despite the distinction in the trials, the percentage difference gained
in this procedure is at 9.2393%; wherein, there is only a small discrepancy in the comparision be-
tween the equivalent resistances obtained in the series-parallel connection and in the average value
resulted in the first and second procedures.

In the experiment done, series-parallel connection was encountered by the observers; wherein,
R2 and R3 are parallel with one another; while, R1 is in a series connection with R3. With that be-
ing said, resistance values of R2 and R3 were obtained first so that the resistance will be converted
with respect to the series connection with R1. Furthermore, even if the R3 is disconnected to the
circuit, it can be still possible to read the values of current and voltage because there is still a con-
tinuance flow of energy. Since R2 is still connected to the voltage source, energy can still circulate
within it. However, R2 should not be removed from the circuit since the current from R1 will flow
onto it, making it as an important component of the loop, If R2, is also removed, then there will be
no flow of energy occur. In short, as long as there is a series connection from a series-parallel cir-
cuit, energy can still flow and can still be able to read the current and voltage produced in the circuit

4. Conclusions and Recommendations

Overall, there are various types of relationship were seen in this study that are proved using
the concepts of Ohm’s Law. In the relationship of current and voltage, there is a direct connection
between these two variables; in which, as the voltage decreases, the current value decreases as well.
On the other hand, there is an inverse relationship in both electric current and resistance; whereas,
the current decreases its value as the resistance increases.

There are also different relationships occurred in series and parallel circuits. In terms of the
resistance value, Ohm’s Law provide a higher value than in the color-coding method; in which, the
values produced using the color coding scheme only shows the existing resistance of a particular
resistor. Unlike in using the concept of Ohm’s Law, the actual resistance is obtained from the
resistor. Moreover, for the determination of equivalent resistance in connection of resistors; series
connections has a single path of energy flow. While parallel connections have multiple pathways;
which requires a higher resistance value than in series connections. For the series-parallel connec-
tion, energy will still flow as long as there is still a series connection within the circuit. Thus, it is
still possible to read the current and voltage value in the power supply.

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 In the contrary, there is always a room for improvement as this experiment can be replicated to
further analyze the relationships between voltage, current and resistance. To further enhance this
experiment, observers should check if there is any defect on the provided materials and equipment.
Replace it as soon as possible and verify if the recording instruments (such as the ammeter and
voltmeter), works properly to prevent any mistakes while doing the experiment. Also, make sure
the connectors are properly connected to each other, to ensure stable flow of energy. And lastly,
ensure if the recorded values are correct. Always double check the computations to make sure that
the computed values are correct and precise, and to eliminate discrepancies once the percentage
difference is calculated.

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