Lab 9 : Equivalent Resistance

Objective:

Measure the resistances of various combinations of resistors. Then compare it to the

theoretical resistance found through equations. Afterwards, decide which equation best represents the
actual resistance.

Hypothesis:

I believe that the parallel series of equations will best represent the actual resistance.

Background Information:

We are going to be using:

• 2 1000 Ω resistors
• One 220 Ω resistor
• One AA battery
• One multimeter to measure resistance
• One set of alligator clips
Resistors in Series Resistors in Parallel
Procedure

First, we got all of our materials together. Then, we measured the resistance of each resistor
using a multimeter to make sure that it accurate. Next, we connected the resistors to the battery with the
alligator clips, and measured the resistance at each end. After measuring these values, we calculated the
values for resistance using the equations and saw which were the most accurate.

Results and Calculations

Expected Ω Measured Ω
Rn (equation) (multimeter) Error
R1 1000 983 1.7%
R2 220 219.2 0.36%
R3 1000 992 0.8%
 Series 1+2 Other
Combination Measured Ω Equations Ω Equations Ω Parallel 1+2 Ω
Series 1 1204 1220 180.3
Series 2 2197 2220 99099
Parallel 1 181 180.3 180.3
Parallel 2 153 99099 152.8

<< series 1

<< other 1

<< parallel 1

----------------------------------------

<< series 2

<< other 2

<< parallel 2
Conclusion

In conclusion, that the equation ( ) measured the resistance most accurately for a

series of resistors, while the equation ( ) measured the resistance most

accurately for resistors in parallel. The other equations did give results as accurately as the prior two. If
I was to do this experiment again I would test a larger variety of equations, as well as use a wider
variety of resistors to find the equation with the most accurate values. I might also try using several
different multimeters to make sure that I have accurate measurements.