Objective

Find the equivalent resistance of series and parallel connection of resistors.

Lab Session 2

Theory
Resistors offer a fixed amount of resistance to the flow of the current when connected in a circuit and current is passed through it. Resistance of a resistor can be noted from a color code on it or by using digital multi-meter. Resistors can be connected to each other to get different resistances at different points in the circuit. They can be connected in two different ways: In series In parallel

Series Connection
In series connection, resistors are connected end by end creating a chain.in this case the total resistance (called equivalent resistance) will be equal to the sum of all the resistances connected in series. If there are total three resistors connected in series and their resistances are r1, r2 and r3 then the equivalent resistance of all there resistors will be equal to the r1+r2+r3. In series, voltage across each resistor is different and same current passes through all resistors. Actually voltage divides in series and the sum of the voltages across each resistor is equal to the voltage across two opposite sides of the chain formed. Suppose voltage across these three resistors is v1, v2and v3 respectively and total voltage is V. Then, V = V1 + V2 + V3 As we know that V=IR so the equation becomes IR = IR1 +IR2 + IR3 As equal current flows through all the element of the circuit in series so I=I1=I2=I3 Taking current I common on both sides and cancelling both, we get R = R1 + R2 + R3 Where, R is actually Req. Hence, it is proved that equivalent resistance of a series circuit is simply equal to the sum of all the resistances connected in series.

Voltage Division Rule

Voltage drop across a resistor in a series circuit is:

= V1

R1 Vt R eq R2 = V2 Vt R eq

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Where V1, V2 are voltages across resistors R1 and R2 and Vt is total voltage.

Parallel connection
In parallel connection, resistors are connected at a common point on both sides .In this case, equivalent resistance will be equal to the inverse of sum of inverses of all the resistances connected in parallel. If there are total three resistors connected in parallel and their resistances are r1, r2 and r3 then the equivalent resistance of all there resistors will be equal to 1/REQ = 1/R1+1/R2+1/R3 In parallel, voltage across each resistor is constant and current divides passing through resistors. Actually current divides in parallel and the sum of the all the currents passing through each resistor is equal to the total current passing through the circuit. Suppose current through the resistors is I1, I2and I3 respectively and total current is I. Then, I = I1 + I2 + I3 As we know that I=V/R so the equation becomes V/R = V/R1 +V/R2 + V/R3 As voltage is equal across each resistor so taking voltage V common on both sides and cancelling both, we get 1/R =1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 Where, R is actually Req. Hence, it is proved that equivalent resistance of a series circuit is simply equal to the sum of all the resistances connected in series.

Current Division Rule

Current passing from a resistor in a parallel circuit is:
= I1 = I2 R2 Vt R1 + R 2

R1 Vt R1 + R 2 Where I1, I2 are currents passing through resistors R1 and R2 and It is total current.

Apparatus
Bread board Resistors Digital multi-meter DMM

Procedure
1. First, patch the circuit on the bread board and examine which resistors are in series and which are in parallel. 2. Then find the resistance of each resistor using Digital Multi-Meter. Note down these resistance.

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3. Also find total equivalent resistance using DMM. 4. Solve the circuit by using voltage and current division laws and calculate equivalent resistance. 5. Compare the results of both calculated and experimental values.

Calculations
Circuit No. 1

Ra = R2 +R5 = 33+10 Ra = 43k 1/Rb =1/Ra+1/R4+1/R3 =1/43+1/10+1/2.2 Rb =1.73k Req = Rb+R1=1.73+4.7 Req =6.43k Theoretical Req =6.43k Experimental Req =6.35k

Circuit No. 2

1/Ra= 1/R6+1/R5=1/10+1/2.2 Ra=1.8023k Rb=Ra+R2=1.8023+33

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Rb=34.8023k 1/Rc=1/Rb+1/R4=1/34.8032+1/2.2 Rc=2.0691k Rd=Rc+R7=2.0691+10 Rd=12.0691k 1/Re=1/Rd+1/R3=1/12.0691+1/2.2 Re=1.86k Req=Re+R1+R8=1.86+10+10 Req=21.86k Theoretical Req=21.86k Experimental Req=21.80k

Result
For circuit 1 we have, Theoretical Req =6.43k Experimental Req =6.35k

For circuit 1 we have,

Theoretical Req=21.86k Experimental Req=21.80k

Comments
Difference in experimental and calculated values may be due to following reasons. 1. DMM may not provide the exact value due to some type of error or value may not be accurate up to 4 decimal places as required. 2. Negligence in using DMM causing the terminals of the DMM connected to the terminal of any other resistor. 3. Bread-board may not be in perfect condition. Any connection of bread-board may be short. 4. Resistors may not be inserted accurately in the points of the bread-board.

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