Physics 208-402 Ohms Law Abstract: In this lab we will be testing Ohms law and some of its consequences.

A resister is a power source that produces a voltage across its terminals that is proportional to the electric current that runs through it. With Ohms law we can determine a resistance of three different resistors. We will be using two types of test meters: a standard type multi-tester and a vacuum tube volt-ohm meter. With these meters it will enhance our knowledge of the concept of resistance and how it influences the voltage and current. Theory: The resistance of a resistor is independent of its voltage. With this knowledge we know Ohms law is expressed as So we can assume that a plot voltage versus current will be linear and the slope of this plot will be the resistance of the conductor. Also we put into consideration how the law is expressed when the resistors are wired in a series or parallel: Series: Parallel: Apparatus: Volt-Ohm meter Multi-tester Power source (variable volts) 3 assigned resistors

Procedure: We first learned how to use both types of meters. When we are measuring an unknown voltage or current, always start with the meter measuring current on the highest scale and be ready to disconnect the meter quickly for safety reasons. We will connect a voltmeter in parallel and a current meter in series with a resistor. We made sure we never tried to measure current from a pure voltage source without a resistor or some other load in series with a meter. We were careful when using electricity because it could shock and kill you if used incorrectly.

We kept in mind the color-coded resistors. This showed us the resistance of each resistor without even testing them. We used one multi-meter as a voltmeter and the other multi-meter as a current meter. We dont close the switch till checked. We varied the output source until we had 6 readings. We then plotted a graph with voltage versus current. Using a multi-tester we calculated the resistance, compared that number with that of the color-code on the resistors, and used the multi-tester to measure the resistance of all 3 of the resistors in a series and parallel. We obtained the resistance of the unknown resistor by using Ohms Law. Data and Data Analysis: See attached data sheets. Results and Conclusions: Through this experiment, the data shows that the equation given to us in the theory holds true. It shows that how we calculate the resistors in parallel and in series is also correct. Resistor 1 had an exact match with a 300-Ohm resistance for the experiment and the theory. This wasnt the same story for the other two resistors, but the other two have a very small percent difference so it is safe to assume that there was human error involved. When calculated the resistance of the unknown we found that had a resistance of 350-ohms. We calculated this using Ohms Law. When calculating the resistance as if they were in series and parallel we found that the experimental data and theoretical data had a percentage error of 0.53% and 0.91% which is a very small difference. So it is safe to assume that the theory still holds true. The graph visually aided the positive linear correlation between the effects on the resistors when the voltage is changed. This will in turn increase the amps. Altogether it is safe to confirm the Ohms Law theory.