Experiment – 5

Aim: To verify the Norton theorem.

Apparatus:
 A variable regulated power supply (0-15V)
 Three 220-ohm resistors
 Resistance Box
 A constant current source (0-10mA)
 A DC milliammeter (0-10mA)
 Connecting wires.

Theory:
According to the Norton’s theorem, any linear two terminal network containing resistances, voltage and/or current
sources can be replaced by a single current source IN in parallel with a single resistance RN. The Norton’s equivalent
current IN is the short-circuit current between the two terminals and RN is the resistance between the terminals
when all the voltage sources in the network are short-circuited and all the current sources are open-circuited. Given
fig.1 shows the Norton’s equivalent of the circuit in fig.2 . Here, IN is the short-circuited current between the
terminals A and B (when RL is removed) of the circuit in fig.2

Figure 1 Figure 2

𝑉 𝑅 𝑉𝑅
𝐼 = × =
𝑅 𝑅 𝑅 +𝑅 𝑅 (𝑅 + 𝑅 ) + 𝑅 𝑅
𝑅 +
𝑅 +𝑅

And, 𝑅 = 𝑅 = +𝑅

Procedure:
1. Make the circuit as shown in the circuit diagram on a breadboard with a resistance box as RL and a multimeter (or
voltmeter) to measure the voltage VL across RL. Set the output of the power supply at 5 V.

2. Take out the resistance of say, 100 ohms from the resistance box and note down VL as measured by the
multimeter.

3. Vary RL in steps of 100ohm and note down the corresponding VL.

4. Note down the load current IL = for each value of RL.

5. Remove RL, connect a DMM (digital multimeter) as an ammeter between the terminals A and B, and measure the
short-circuit current ISC. This is the Norton’s equivalent current IN. Note it down as (IN)measured.

6. Measure RN = RTh. And note it down as (RN)measured.

7. Make the Norton’s equivalent circuit. Adjust the current from the current source to (IN)measured. Take out a
resistance of 100ohm from RL and measure the load current IL in the milliammeter connected in series with RL.

8. Vary RL in the step of 100 ohm and note down the corresponding values of IL.

9. Compare the values of the load current IL in the original circuit and in the Norton’s equivalent circuit for each
value of RL.

PROBLEMS
Problem 1:

THEORTICAL

Here, we have the given circuit

Step 1: First of all, we need to find IN.

Short circuit the RL. Short-circuiting AB will short-circuit another arm too.

So, Rnet = 200 Ω

Voltage = 20V

IN = = 0.1A

Step 2: Then, we need to find RN.

This time, short-circuit the voltage source.

R1 and R3 are in parallel connection.
×
So, R13 = = 50Ω

R13 and R2 are in series connection.

So, R132 = 50+100 = 150Ω

And, R132 = RN = 150Ω

Step 3: Make Norton’s circuit, where RN and RL are need to be in parallel connection.

𝐼 ×𝑅 0.1 × 150 15 3
𝐼 = = = = = 0.042𝐴
𝑅 +𝑅 150 + 200 350 70
EXPERIMENTAL

Given circuit:-

Step 1: First of all, we short-circuited AB

Step 2: Make Norton’s circuit, where RN and RL are need to be in parallel connection.

Norton’s circuit:

As current through both the circuit ( i.e., given circuit and Norton’s circuit ) is same, the Norton theorem is verified.
Problem 2:

THEORTICAL

Here, we have the given circuit,

Step 1: First of all, we need to find IN

Short circuit the RL.

Short-circuited AB will also short-circuit other arms too.

So, Rnet = 4+5 = 9Ω

And V = 50V

 IN = = = 5.56𝐴

Step 2: Then, we need to find RN

R1 and R3 are in parallel connection.

R13 = = Ω

R13 and R2 are in series connection.

R132 = Ω

R132 and R4 are in parallel connection.

R1324 = = 1.52Ω

R1324 = RN
Step 3: Make Norton’s circuit, where RN and RL are need to be in parallel connection.

Norton’s circuit:

𝐼 ×𝑅 5.56 × 1.52
𝐼 = =
𝑅 +𝑅 1.52 + 𝑅
Say, RL = 10Ω
.
Then, 𝐼 = .
= 0.734Ω

EXPERIMENTAL

Given circuit:-

Step 1: First of all, we short-circuited AB

Step 2: Make Norton’s circuit, where RN and RL are need to be in parallel connection.

Norton’s circuit:

As current through both the circuit ( i.e., given circuit and Norton’s circuit ) is same, the Norton theorem is verified.