Matthew Fearrington

Resistors in Series

Objective

The objective of this lab were to examine the behavior of currrent and voltges for resistores
connected in series in a DC circuit.
Procedure

The circuit shown in Figure 1 was constructed. The resistance values for each resistor were
measured with a mulitmeter for accuracy. An ammeter was connected to find the current at each
point(A, B, C, D) in the circuit. Voltages were also measured across each resistor. The voltage between
points B and D were then measured.

Figure 1, Schematic

Data

These are the recorded values for the voltages and currents of points A, B, C, and D paired with
the calculated values. Resistance values were measured using a multimeter to ensure accuracy. Using
Ohms law (V = IR) we can derive voltages and currents at different points mathematically.

Table 1 Recorded resistance values

39,000 Ohms 150,000 Ohms 68,000 Ohms

39400 Ohms recorded 147,300 Ohms recorded 68,900 Ohms recorded
 Table 2 Recorded and Calculated Values of Current at Points A, B, C, D

A B C D
Measured 58.8nA 58.8nA 58.8nA 58.8nA
Calculated 59.1nA 58.7nA 59.1nA 58.7nA

Table 3, Recorded and Calculated Values of Voltage at Resistors

39,400 Ohms 147,300 Ohms 68,900 Ohms

Measured 2.33v 8.65v 4.05v
Calculated 2.31v 8.66v 4.05v

Table 4, Recorded and Calculated Values of Voltage Between Points B – D (Ground)

Measured 12.73v
Calculated 12.75v

Analysis

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law states that the sum of the voltages around a circuit will always add up
to 0. When we examine our circuit and look at the data, we can see that our circuit verifies Kirchhoff's
Voltage Law because the voltage of each resistor is equal to the voltage a voltage source.
To show: 2.33 + 8.65 + 4.05 – 15 = 0

Kirchhoff's Current Law states that the sum of the currents into a junction will equal the current
flowing out of a junction. When we examine our circuit and look at the data, we can see that our circuit
verifies Kirchhoff's Current Law because the current flowing out of each resistor is equal to the current
coming out of the resistor. As this is a circuit constructed in series, the current at every point is the
same. 58.8nA are flowing into every junction and 58.8nA are flowing out.