1.2.3.a.sim - AK ElectricalCircuits
1.2.3.a.sim - AK ElectricalCircuits
1.2.3.a.sim - AK ElectricalCircuits
Equipment
Engineering notebook
PC with Internet
Calculator
Procedure
This activity will provide you with an introduction to voltage, current, resistance,
series circuits, parallel circuits, and Ohm’s Law. Your team will construct circuits
using an online electricity simulator. You will use a virtual multimeter to measure
properties within the circuit.
Introduction to Electric Circuits
Electric Circuit Schematics
Schematics are diagrams consisting of symbol representations and configurations of
electrical components within a circuit. The table below illustrates circuit symbols to
be used within schematics throughout this lab.
Conductive wire
Resistor
Open switch
Closed switch
Light bulb
Voltmeter
(Voltage readings)
V
Ammeter
(Current readings)
I
Ohm’s Law
The relationship between current, voltage, and resistance within an electrical circuit
was developed by Georg Simon Ohm and is known today as Ohm’s law. Ohm’s law
states that the direct current flowing in an electric circuit is directly proportional to the
voltage applied to the circuit. In other words, an electric circuit represents the flow of
electrons along a conductive pathway between two points. This flow of electrons is
It is important to understand the mathematical equation for Ohm’s law. Use the
Ohm’s law table provided to work through activity practice problems and lab
calculations.
Ohm’s Law
Practice Calculations
Draw the circuit schematic.
Identify the known and unknown values for each circuit.
Provide the appropriate unit for each measurement.
Show all steps for each calculation.
1. On a camping trip, you decide to use a cordless air pump to inflate an inflatable
mattress. If the air pump is powered by a 9 volt battery with a resistance of 18
ohms, what is the amount of current flowing through the circuit?
110V
R 2200
0.050A
3. You finally found the MP3 player that you have wanted for months. While you are
waiting in the check-out line, you read the back of the packaging. The
manufacturer has guaranteed that the player will perform consistently with a
resistance of 40 ohms and a current of 0.1 amps. What is the voltage for the MP3
player?
V 0.1A 40 4V
Constructing Circuits
Your team will construct a series and parallel circuit using the steps provided below.
Creating a Circuit
1. Launch Circuit Construction Kit from University of Colorado at Boulder:
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/circuit-construction-kit-dc
2. Drag a battery from the circuit palate on the right. R-click on the battery and set
the voltage to 9 volts.
4. Close the switch so the bulb remains on. Obtain the voltage measurements
across the bulb and the power supply. Record the measurements in the space
provided below.
Bulb ___9___V Power Supply ___-9___V
6. Use the voltage (V) and current that you have already determined for this circuit
current (I) to determine the resistance of the bulb. Show your work and include
units.
Formula: V = R * I
Solve: R = 9 V / 0.90 A
R = 10 Ω
Resistance = 10 Ω
Formula: R= V/I
Solve: R = 81.8 Ω
Resistance = 81.8 Ω
11. Add a voltmeter to the circuit. Record the voltages across each light and the
output source in the space provided below.
Bulb #1 9 V Bulb #2 9 V
12. Calculate total resistance for the circuit. Show your work and include units.
1
Formula: RT
1 1 1
+ +...+
R1 R2 Rn
1
Substitute and solve: RT
1 1
+
10 75
RT____8.82_______ Ω
14. Calculate total resistance for the combination circuit. Show your work and include
units.