Circuit Laboratory - I Dr.

Mohammed Alkrunz

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Lab 2
Resistance Measurements
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Part A: Familiarization
Objective:
- To measure and calculate resistors by several methods.

Methods of calculating and measuring resistance:

I- By using OHM’s Law:
Experiment procedure:
a- Connect the circuit as shown in figure (1)
b- Set the power supply output voltage to 10v.
c- Record the value of I (mA) for R = 2.4K, R = 3.9K, and R = 8.2K in table (1)
d- Compute the values of R(KΩ) using OHM Law, and compute the percentage of
error for the values of R, where the percentage of error can be computed as:

| |

10V R
1K ohm V

Figure (1)

R(KΩ) V (v) I (mA) R (KΩ) % Error

2.4K
3.9K
8.2K
Table (1)

II- By using ohmmeter:

1- Connect the circuit as shown in figure (2).
2- Measure the value of R (KΩ) directly by connecting the digital multi-meter in
parallel with the resistor and using it as an ohmmeter.
3- Record the value of R (KΩ) in table (2) and compute the percentage of error.

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Circuit Laboratory - I Dr. Mohammed Alkrunz

Figure (2)

R (KΩ) R (KΩ) measure % Error

2.4K
3.9K
8.2K

Table (2)

III- By using Wheatstone Bridge:

Theory:
Ohm’s law method can’t be used to measure low values of resistors, because it causes
a high current passes through the resistor from the power supply and these resistors
can’t bear a high current. In contrast Wheatstone Bridge method is used to measure
high and medium values of resistances.
In Wheatstone Bridge method, the current is divided between the two branches. This
is why this method is preferable in measuring low values of resistances.

Wheatstone Bridge:

𝑅1 𝑅2 (𝑣𝑎𝑟)

𝑉𝑠
𝑉𝐴𝐵

𝑅3 𝑅4 (𝑢𝑛𝑘)

Figure (3)

Let R4 is unknown resistance. If resistors R1,R2 and R3 are arranged in such a way
as to produce zero deflection of the voltmeter which is connected between the
points B and A, the voltage drops across R1 and R2 are equal and the voltage drops
across R3 and R4 are also equal.

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Circuit Laboratory - I Dr. Mohammed Alkrunz

(1)
Since , then or 3 3 4 4
Related to Eq. (1) and since , then
Therefore, 1 1 2 2 (2)
But, 1 3 and 2 4
So, 1 3 2 4 (3)
By dividing Eq. (3) by Eq. (2), then
or

Then,

Experimental procedures:

I1 I2

Rvar
R1
10V
A V B
I3 I4
R3 R4(unk)

Figure (4)

1- Connect the circuit as shown in figure (4)

2- Let R1=R3=2.4 KΩ, R4=8.2KΩ (to be proved), R2 variable is of the rang 10 KΩ.
3- Vary R2 until V=0, then measure R2 var and use this value to compute Runk. From the
relation

4- Compute the percentage of error.

5- Repeat the previous four steps if :
- R1= 2.4 KΩ, R3=3.9 KΩ , R4(unk) = 5.6 KΩ (to be proved), R2 variable of the range
10KΩ.
- R1= 3.9 KΩ, R3=2.4 KΩ , R4(unk) = 6.2 KΩ (to be proved), R2 variable of the range
10KΩ.

Runk. computed
R1(KΩ) R3(KΩ) Runk.(KΩ) Rvar.(KΩ) % Error
2.4 2.4 8.2
2.4 3.9 5.6
3.9 2.4 6.2
Table (3)