Lab 7 Series-Parallel Combination Circuits
Lab 7 Series-Parallel Combination Circuits
Shane Holbrook
ITEC 141: DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS
LAB EXPERIMENT 7
Series-Parallel Combination Circuits
INSTRUCTOR: MR. COMBS
GROUP MEMBERS:
Jordon Kurz
DATE: 10-22-2015
Objective:
The purpose of this experiment is to better familiarize us with the concepts of series-parallel circuits
in regards to formulating them into simpler circuits in which we can better understand and calculate. By
preforming this experiment we learn not only how Ohms law applies, but how to use the voltage divider
formula as well. This experiment also gives us the same ability as the previous labs, to be able to see how
computation of currents, resistance, and voltage applies in regards to real world measurements.
Procedures:
After obtaining all of the required equipment and materials and looking carefully over the lab
report, my lab partner and I began to determine the most efficient and productive way to finish the assigned
task. My lab partner first gathered all the required measurements for the resistors and they were recorded
under table one. After this I began determining the computations of table two for the voltage divider
formula, and for Ohms law. My lab partner simultaneously began taking down the measurements of each
of the resistances, currents, and voltages in table two. From this point in step three, and equivalent circuit
was drawn based on the circuit needed, by merging R2 and R3, we were able to make a simplified circuit.
From here again I took on the responsibility of computing the table three calculations, whilst my partner
took down the measurements. Again in step 10, the equivalent circuit was drawn based on simplification of
the circuit.
Findings:
Table 1
Component
R1
R2
R3
R4
Listed Value
Measured
2.2k
4.7k
5.7k
10.0k
Value
2.17k
4.63k
5.5k
9.82k
Table 2
Computed
Measured
Voltage
RT
IT
Divider
14.77k
Ohms Law
14.77k
812.46mA
14.52k
V1
V2,3
V4
I2
I3
1.79V
2.09V
8.12V
1.79V
2.09V
8.12V
812.46mA
812.46mA
1.8V
2.08V
8.15V
Table 3
R1,2
R3,4
RT
IT
I1,2
I3,4
V1
V2
V3
V4
Step 3
Step 10
Computed
6.9k
15.6k
4.8k
2.5mA
1.74mA
769.23A
3.83V
8.18V
4.4V
7.7V
Measured
6.8k
15.32k
4.7k
3.8V
8.19V
4.3V
7.7V
Conclusion:
Judging by the table two and table three charts we can clearly see that there is a close relation in
terms of voltage divider, and Ohms law. We can also take away that the calculations were spot on and
accurate as the measurements were very close. The step three and 10 equivalent circuits are a great way to
better understand how series-parallel circuits actually work, and this is a much easier way to calculate as a
whole. From the entire experiment I can say that the series-parallel circuits are simply this, finding the
parallel resistors, finding the resistance between them, then calculating the remaining resistors and
redrawing the circuit as a series. Then you simply can use Ohms law to take care of most any
calculation/numbers you want.
Further Investigation:
First you would need to combine R3llR4 as a parallel circuit. After this is done it should read around
3.59k. Now we can use the remainder of the resistors as a series circuit and add them up. So the RT would
be around 10.49k. Knowing that the voltage is 12V, we can find the voltage over each resistor using the
R1
Vs = 2.52V, so we know the voltage over R1 is
RT
2.52V. For R2 we simply use the same equation substituting the R1 for R2 and the resulting voltage over R2 =
5.38V. We can continue this same equation over the next two resistors. So the voltage over R3,4 = 4.11V. The
voltage over R3 = 2.2V, and the voltage over R4 = 1.92V. Now that we know the voltages across each
resistor, we can find the current across each. For R1 we simply use Ohms law of
I=
V
R
each current. For the current across R1 = 1.14mA, R2 = 1.14mA, R3 = 392.86A, and R4 = 192A.