Electricity & Magnetism: Voltage
Establish the difference between series and parallel in a circuit. Then investigate the relationship between voltage and the number of light bulbs that are placed in a series circuit or a parallel circuit.
Quick set-up and easy data collection mean your students can explore several configurations in a single class period.
Lab Summary
Students will use the Voltage/Current Sensor to investigate the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance in a direct current (DC) circuit.
Theory
As bulbs are added to a circuit wired in series, the voltage drops are cumulative, resulting in dimmer lights as more are added.
Downloads
- Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF, 1 MB) (1.01 MB, .pdf)
(student version)
- Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF, 928 KB) (925 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
- Computer-based lab (PDF, 936 KB) (936 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
Method
Use a Voltage-Current Sensor to measure that of voltage in a series circuit and a parallel circuit. Determine the difference between the voltages across bulbs in each type of circuit.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Required for Xplorer GLX-based lab: (See lab download for computer-based lab requirements, which may differ)
Probeware
PASPORT Voltage-Current Sensor (PS-2115) - $99
Allows students to safely measure voltage and current simultaneously without overloading the sensor. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Products
Lightbulb and Stand (EM-9099) - $16
Miniature socket has a plastic base with spring loaded metal clips to hold wire leads, and accepts screw type miniature bulbs.
Alligator Clip Leads (Set of 10) (EM-8634) - $15
Use these 30 cm long alligator clip cords for almost any application.
Other Materials
- Battery Holder 'D'
Lab Manual
The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Physics (PS-2810). The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data.
For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware for the
activities in the manual. For more, please see:
Computer-based
Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
Xplorer
GLX-based Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
