ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Electrical Circuits 1 Manual

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS 3.1 POWER IN A SERIES RESISTIVE

CIRCUIT
3.1.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity
b. ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
d. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
e. ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
g. ability to communicate effectively

3.1.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
a. calculate the power in a series resistive circuit using P=EI
E2
b. calculate the power in a series resistive circuit using P=
R
c. calculate the power in a series resistive circuit using P = I2R
d. compare computed and measured data

3.1.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objectives of this activity are to:
1. determine the power dissipated in a series resistive circuit by using a power formula.
2. verify the results with a multimeter.

3.1.4 Principle of the Activity

The total power (PT) in series circuit is the sum of the power dissipated by each resistor in the
circuit. If the circuit has only one resistor then total circuit power is dissipated by that resistor.
When a circuit has two resistors, each resistor dissipated power, and the total circuit power is the
sum of the power dissipated by each resistor.
The power being used in the simple circuit shown in Figure 3.1-1 is dissipated by R1. This circuit
has a voltage source of 20 Vdc, which causes current to flow through resistor R 1. Because power
is found by the formula P = El, you should determine the circuit current so that you may find the
power.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 Figure 3.1-1. Power in a simple circuit.

Current through R1 is found by the formula I = E/R.

I = E/R

I = 20V/500Ω
I = 40mA
Once you know the current and the voltage, you can find the power.
P = El
P = 20 V x 0.040A
P = 800 mW
You do not always have to find the total circuit current in order to determine the power dissipated.
The circuit power can be found simply from the formula P = E2/R.

P = E2/R

P = 202/500
P = 400/500
P = 800 mW
When a circuit has more than one resistor in series, you can use several methods to find the power
dissipated by the circuit by the circuit resistors. In Figure 3.1-2, R2 has been added to the circuit
shown in Figure 3.1-1.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 Figure 3.1-2. Power in a series resistive circuit.
To find the power used in this series circuit, first find the total resistance and the total current.
Then you can determine the total power dissipated by the resistive load and the power dissipated
by each resistor.
RT = R1 + R 2 IT = E/R
RT = (500 + 1,000) Ω IT = 20V/1,500Ω

RT = 1,500 Ω IT = 13.30 mA
PT = EI
PT = 20V x 0.0133 A
PT = 266 mW The
total power can be found from the formula below.

PT = E2/(R1 + R2)
PT = 202/(500 + 1,000)
PT = 400/1,500
PT = 266mW
You can determine the power used by each resistor with the formula P = I2R.

PR1 = I2R1 PR2 = I2R2

PR1 = 0.01332 x 500 PR2 = 0.01332 x 1,000

PR1 = 0.000177 x 500 PR2 = 0.000177 x 1,000
PR1 = 89mW PR2 = 177mW

You may want to check your calculations to see if PR1 + PR2 equals the total circuit power.
P = (0.089 + 0.177) W
P = 266mW
You can now find power in series circuit by using one of three formulas: P = El, P = E 2/R, or P =
I2R. Notice that power is related to resistance by the square function (E2/R or I2R), meaning that
when the current or voltage is halved, the power decreases to ¼ of its previous value.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.1.5 Materials/Equipment
1- F.A.C.E.T Base Unit
1- DC FUNDAMENTAL Circuit Board
2- 15Vdc Power Supply
1- Multimeter

3.1.6 Procedure/s

1. Turn off the power sources. Insert the DC FUNDAMENTALS circuit board into the base
unit. Turn on the power sources.
2. Locate the POWER circuit block, and connect the circuit shown in Figure 3.1-3. Place the
switch in position A.

Figure 3.1-3. Power in a series circuit.

3. Calculate and record the values of RT, IT, VR1, and VR2. Now measure and record those
same values.

4. When you consider circuit tolerance, are the calculated values and the measured values
nearly the same or totally difference? __Yes___________________________________

5. Using the formula P = El, calculate the total circuit

power. ______75.45mW______________

6. Using the formula P = E2/R, calculate the power for R1. __________25mW__

7. Using the formula P = I2R, calculate the power for R1. _____________49mW__________

8. Are the values of power calculated in step 6 and 7 equal to the total circuit power dissipation
you calculated in step 5 (PR1 + PR2 = PT)? _____________Yes_____________

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 9. Place the power switch in position B. Which resistor was removed from the circuit? Which
resistor was added and was it added in series with or parallel to the remaining resistor?
__R2 was removed.

10. Calculate and record the values of RT, IT, VR1, and VR4. Now measure and record those
same values. ________RT:1.98KΩ IT:7.57mA_VR1:7.55v VR4:7.49v_________________

11. When you consider component tolerances, are calculated values and the measured values
totally different or nearly the same? _______Nearly the
same_____________________________

12. Calculate the power values of PR1, PR4, and PT. _____50mW______________________

13. The power values recorded in step 12 are higher than the values recorded in step 5, 6, and
7. Is the difference due to the circuit in step 12 having a higher RT and a lower IT than the
circuit used previous, or is it due to the circuit in step 12 having a lower RT and a higher
IT? ______Due to lower RT and higher IT___________________________________________

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.1.7 Activity Report

3.1.7.2 Conclusion/s: Write at least three (3) conclusions.

• The individual power produced by a resistor can be computed using I(total)

squared * R(individual) since the current is constant in a series resistive circuit.
• -The total power produced by the circuit with R1 and R2 connected is higher than
that of the total power of R1, R4 and another resistor added from turning on SW
16.
• Adding more resistors in series reduces the total power output of a circuit
because in a series resistive circuit, the more resistor is added, the lower the
current output because the formula: I = V / R, voltage is indirectly proportional
with the resistance.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Electrical Circuits 1 Manual

ACTIVITY 3.2: POWER IN A PARALLEL RESISTIVE CIRCUIT
3.2.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity
b. ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
d. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
e. ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
g. ability to communicate effectively

3.2.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
e. calculate the power in a parallel resistive circuit using P=EI
E2
f. calculate the power in a parallel resistive circuit using P=
R

g. calculate the power in a parallel resistive circuit using P = I2R

h. compare computed and measured data

3.2.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objectives of this activity are to:
1. determine the power dissipated in a parallel resistive circuit by using a power formula.
2. verify the result with a multimeter.

3.2.4 Principle of the Activity

The total dissipated in a parallel circuit is the sum of the power dissipated by each leg of the
parallel branch. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each leg of the branch is the same, but the
current through each leg varies. As a result, you may apply the same power formulas to a parallel
circuit as you did to series circuit. For example, if you are given the voltage across a branch and
the resistor values that make up each leg of the branch, you can determine power in each leg by
using the formula P = E2/R.
In Figure 3.2-1, the applied voltage and resistor values of the circuit are known; therefore,
you can use the power formula P = E2/R to find the power dissipated by each resistor.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 Figure 3.2-1.Power in a parallel circuit.

The power dissipated by R1 is found as follows.

PR1 = E2/R1
PR1 = (20 X 20)/10000
PR1 = 400/10,000
PR1 = 40mW
Similarly, the power dissipated by R2 is found as follows.

PR2 = E2/R2
PR2 = (20 X 20)/5,000
PR2 = 400/5000
PR2 = 0.08W
The total power dissipated by the circuit is the sum of the power dissipated by each resistor. You
can calculate PT from the formula below.

PT = PR1 + PR2
PT = 0.04 + 0.08
PT = 0.12W
An alternate method of finding total power is to calculate the equivalent resistance of the parallel
circuit and use this value in the power formula. Based on the product-over-sum method, the
equivalent resistance is 3,333 ohms. By plugging this value into the power formula, you can
determine total power as follows.

PT = E2/RE

PT = (20 x 20)/3,333
PT = 400/3,333

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 PT = 0.12W
Power is also a function of the current flowing through a resistor. This relationship is shown in
Figure 3.2-2. In this circuit, the voltage source is not known, but the current through each leg of
the branch is specified. Because both the resistance and current of each leg are known, you can
determine power from the formula P = I2R

Figure 3.2-2. Power in a parallel circuit.

Power dissipated by R1 is found as follows.

PR1 = IR12 x R1
PR1 = (0.002 x 0.002) x 10,000
PR1 = 0.000004 x 10,000
PR1 = 40mW
Similarly power dissipated by R2 is found as shown below.

PR2 = IR22 x R2
PR2 = (0.004 x 0.004) x 5,000
PR2 = 0.000016 x 5,000
PR2 = 80 mW
Recall that power is related to voltage and current by a square factor, meaning that power increases
four times when the current or voltage doubles. Conversely, power decreases by one fourth when
voltage or current decreases by one half. In Figure 3.2-3, the source voltage increases from 10V to
20 V (voltage doubles). The power increases from 0.1W to 0.4W (power increases by four).

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 Figure 3.2-3. Squaring relationship of power and voltage.
In Figure 3.2-4, the circuit current increases from 10mA to 20mA (current doubles). The power
increases from 01.W to 0.4W (power increases by four).

Figure 3.2-4. Squaring relationship of power and current.

3.2.5 Materials/Equipment

1- F.A.C.E.T Base Unit

1- DC FUNDAMENTAL Circuit Board
2- 15Vdc Power Supply
1- Multimeter

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.2.6 Procedure/s

1. Turn off the power sources. Insert the DC FUNDAMENTALS circuit board into the
base unit. Turn on the power sources.

Figure 3.2-5. Power in a parallel branch.

2. Locate the POWER circuit block, and connect the circuit shown in Figure 3.2-5. Place
the switch that is in the POWER circuit block in position A.
3. Based on the resistor color code, determine and record the values of R2 and R3.
___________R2:2000Ω______R3:2000Ω____________________________________
_______________________________________________

4. Measure and record the voltage drop of R2. What is the power dissipated by R2 (Use PR2
= VR22/R2)? ____________0.05W______________________________________

5. Measure and record the current through R3. What is the power dissipated by R3 (use PR3
=IR32 x R3)? ___________2.654x10^-3W__________________

6. What is the total power dissipated by the parallel branch of this circuit? 0.06048W____

7. Use the product-over-sum method to calculate and record the equivalent resistance of
R2 and R3. _____1000Ω_________________________________________________

8. Move the switch from position A to position B, measure and record the voltage across
R4. ________7.5V____________________________________________

9. Based on the value recorded in step 8, calculate the value of resistance needed to
dissipate 56.250mW of power (Use R = E2/P). ____1kΩ_________________

10. Use the resistive color code to determine the value of R4. Does this value match the
value you calculated in step 9? ___________No____________________

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 11. Measure and record the voltage across R4. Use the value to calculate and record the
current and power through R4. __________7.5mA_____0.056mW______________
12. Based on your observation can the parallel circuit be duplicated by an equivalent
resistance? ___________Yes___________________________________

13. If the voltage source in Figure 3.2-5 were doubled to 30Vdc, what would happen to
power dissipated across R4 (use the square law relationship of power to voltage)?
_______________Increases_____________________________________________

14. Calculate power across R4 when VA, the source voltage, is 30Vdc. Does your answer
agree with the answer given in step 13? _________225mW______________________

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.2.7 Activity Report

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.2.7.2 Conclusion/s: Write at least three (3) conclusions.

• The individual power dissipation of a resistor can be computed using the formula P
= V(individual) / R(individual) since the voltage across the resistors are constant
in a parallel resistive circuit.
Parallel circuit can be duplicated by an equivalent resistance.
The power dissipated in any parallel resistor whenever the voltage source is
increased, also increases.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Electrical Circuits 1 Manual

ACTIVITY 3.3: POWER IN A SERIES – PARALLEL RESISTIVE CIRCUIT

3.3.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity
b. ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
d. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
e. ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
g. ability to communicate effectively

3.3.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
i. calculate the power in a series-parallel resistive circuit using P=EI
E2

j. calculate the power in a series-parallel resistive circuit using P=

R
k. calculate the power in a series-parallel resistive circuit using P = I R
2

l. compare computed and measured data

3.3.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objectives of this activity are to:
1. determine the power dissipated in a series-parallel resistive circuit by using a power
formula.
2. verify the results with a multimeter.

3.3.4 Principle of the Activity

Power in a series/parallel circuit is determined by the same power formulas used for determining
power in a series and a parallel circuit. You can calculate the total power by multiplying the source
voltage by the total circuit current (P = El) after you determine the total circuit current.
The total power may also be determined by adding the power dissipated in the series branch and
the power dissipated in each parallel branch circuit.
Before you can determine the power in a series/parallel circuit, you must find the total resistance,
total current, and voltage distribution for the circuit.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

Consider the values in the circuit shown in Figure3.3-1. With these values (VA = 12Vdc and IT =
4mA), you can calculate the total circuit power (P =El).

Figure 3.3-1. Power in a series/parallel circuit.

The power dissipated by individual components can be determined for the series and parallel
branches. To find the power dissipated by R1, the only resistor in the series branch, apply the values
you determined (VR1 = 6 Vdc and IR1 = 4 mA) to the formula

PR1 = VR1 x IR1

PR1 = 6V x 0.004A
PR1 = 24mW
The total circuit power is 48 mW. The series branch dissipates 24mW; therefore, the remaining
power of 24mW must be the amount dissipated by the parallel branch. You may find the amount
of power dissipated by each resistor in the parallel branch by using one of the following formulas.

PRN = IRN2 x RN PRN = VRN2/RN PRN = VRN x IRN

You can find the power dissipated by R2 with the first equation listed, PR2 = IR22 x R2, where R2 =
2,700 Ω and IR2 =2.2 mA (VR2/R2 = 6/2,700 = 0.0022).
PR2 = 0.00222 x 2700

PR2 = 0.0000048 x 2700

PR2 = 0.01296W (which can be rounded off to 13mW)

You can find the power dissipated by R3 with the second formula listed, PR3 = VR32/R3,
where VR3 = 6Vdc and R3 = 3,300 Ω.
PR3 = 62/ 3,300

PR3 = 36/3,300
PR3 = 10.9 mW
To find the total circuit power dissipation, add the amounts of power dissipated by each
resistor.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 PT = PR1 + PR2 + PR3
PT = (24 + 13 + 10.9)mW
PT = 48 mW
You may also use the formula PT = VA x IT to find total circuit power. Either method will work,
but your choice depends upon the known circuit parameters.
In an electric circuit, the source delivers power to the load. As you have learned, the power
delivered is P =El or I2R, where R can be the resistance of the load (R1). Because current increases
when the load resistance decreases, you may think that the smaller the load resistance, the larger
the power would be. However, the source resistance (RS), which is in series with the load
resistance, also affects the current and the power delivered to the load. The combined effect of the
load when and the source resistance is that maximum power is delivered to the load when the two
resistances are equal. This effect is shown in Figure 3.3-2(a).

Figure 3.3-2. Power transfer to a load.

The 10 Vdc voltage source has a resistance (RS) of 500Ω. With a 500Ω load resistor (R1), the total
current (IT) is 10 mA. Using the formula P = IRL2 x RL, you find the power delivered to the load
(PL) decreases to 48mW. In Figure 3.3-2(b), the power delivered to the load (PL) decreases to
48mW. In Figure 3.3-2(c), the load resistance is reduced to 250Ω, and PL is reduced to 44.4mW.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.3.5 Materials/Equipment
1- F.A.C.E.T Base Unit
1- DC FUNDAMENTAL Circuit Board
2- 15Vdc Power Supply 1- Multimeter

3.3.6 Procedure/s

1. Turn off the power sources. Insert the DC FUNDAMENTALS circuit board into the base
unit. Turn on the power sources.

2. Locate the POWER circuit block, and connect the circuit shown in Figure 3.3-3. Place the
switch in position A.

Figure 3.3-3. Series/parallel resistive circuit.

3. Measure and record the following circuit values.

VA = ______15V______ R1 = ____1000Ω________
VE = _______2.3V______ R2 = ____1.636Ω_______
VR1 = _______12.73V______ R3 = ____2000Ω_______
IT = _________5.14mA___ RT = ____2.538KΩ________

4. Calculate and record the values of IR1, IR2, and IR3.

IR1 = _1.55mA_______ IR2 = ___1.16mA_________ IR3 = __1.16mA__________

5. Calculate and record the values of PT, PR1, PR2, and PR3.

PT = _0.024mW PR1 = __0.019mW PR2 = _2.67mW__PR3 = _2.67mW______

6. Place CM switch 16 in the ON position. Record the following values.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 NOTE: To measure RE, make sure that the R2 – R3 circuit is isolated from R1and VA.
VA = ____15.07V________ R2 = ____2000Ω________
VE = ____2V_______ R3 = ____2000Ω_______
VR1 = ____13V________ RE = ___1000Ω_________ (calculated)
R1 = _____1000Ω________ RE = ___986Ω________ (measured)

7. CM switch 16 added a 1,000Ω resistor to the circuit. Was this resistor placed in parallel
or in series with R2 and R3? This additional resistor caused RE to equal what value?
_______________Parallel with value of
986Ω_________________________________________________

8. Calculate and record the values of IR1, IR2, IR3, and IRCM.
IR1 = __7.6mA_____ IR2 = ___3.7mA____ IR3 = ___3.7mA____ IRCM = ___2mA____

9. Calculate and record the values of PR1, PR2, PR3, PRCM, and PT.
PR1 = __57.76mW___ PR2 = __27.38mW__ PR3 = _27.38mW__ PRCM = ___5mW______

10. CM switch 16 added a 1,000Ω resistor in a parallel with R2 and R3, which lowered RE to
500Ω. Did this cause IT to increase or to decrease? Did the change in IT cause total circuit
power to increase or to decrease? To what value? ____Increase by 111.91 to 125.91
mW_________________

11. Turn off CM switch 16. To complete Table 3.3-1, you will evaluate the transfer of power
from the source to the load. Resistor R1 will act as the source resistor (RS) at 1,000Ω. You
will vary the load resistance (RL) in three steps: 500 Ω, 1,000 Ω, and 2,000 Ω. You’ll also
measure the load current (IL) between the source voltage and R1.

12. Verify that the switch is in position A. Using 2 two – post connectors, connect R2 and R3
as RL. Place CM switch 16 in the ON position. With R2, R3, and RCM in parallel, measure
and record the value of RL. Figure 3.3-4 shows the circuit configuration and its equivalent
with respect to RS and RL.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 Figure3.3-4. RS and RL equivalent circuit.

13. Measure and record the values of Table 3.3-1 where RL is 500 Ω.

RL Ohms IL VL V IL
(Ω) mA dc dc mW
500 12.48 2.28 30.99
1,000 7.5 7.5 56.25
2,000 4.94 10 49.4

Table 3.3-1. Power transfer.

14. Place CM switch 16 in the OFF position. With R2 and R3 in parallel, measure and record
RL.

15. Measure and record the values of Table 3.3-1 where RL is 1,000 Ω.

16. Remove R3 from the circuit. Measure and record RL.

17. Measure and record the values of Table 3.3-1 where RL is 2,000 Ω.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 18. Refer to Table 3.3-1. At what RL value did the voltage source transfer maximum power?
Was maximum power transferred at this value because R L was less than RS, equal to RS,
or greater than RS? ________Equal = 1k Ω___________________________________

19. When RL was 500Ω and 2,000Ω, was more power transferred or was less power
transferred? Was load current maximum when load resistance was maximum or
minimum?
_____________R1 = 200Ω lesser and R1=2kΩ lesser than RS ,but higher than
200Ω_______________________________

20. When was the load voltage maximum – when load resistance was maximum or when load
resistance was minimum? _ When load resistance is at
maximum.______________________________________

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.3.7 Activity Report

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.3.7.2 Conclusion/s: Write at least three (3) conclusions.

• In a series-parallel circuit, a parallel branch can be simplified to a one resistor

component. In this case, there are two resistors connected in parallel. Using the
product over sum formula, the effective resistance can be calculated.
• When the parallel branch is simplified, the procedures in Experiment 3.1 can be
used to calculate the total power dissipated by the simplified resistive circuit.
• When load resistance is at maximum, load voltage is also at maximum.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS