Experiment 5

Network of Resistors

Alvarez, Russelle Angelle

Balenia, Ezekiel Jan
Casabuena, Rica Mae S.
Cuballes, Sam Stephen Ralph J.
Dela Pena, Kenneth Maynard
Fabian, Jimuell Leian

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
Dasmariñas, Cavite Philippines

ABSTRACT
Properties of basic electrical quantities could be derived for a network of resistors in
series or parallel connection. When resistors are arranged in series, the current through
each resistor is the same, the overall resistance is the sum of the individual resistance,
and the total voltage is distributed across individual resistors and when resistors are
arranged in a parallel connection, the voltage across the resistors is the same and at any
point, the total incoming current is generally equal to the total outgoing current. Also, the
overall resistance is the reciprocal of the sum of reciprocals of the individual resistors.
These properties were used to compute for the theoretical values of current and voltage
across resistors in series and parallel set up. Afterwards, the actual values were
measured using voltmeter and ammeter. The results show that there is sufficient
evidence that these properties are indeed true.
INTRODUCTION
Installing a system of electrically conducting wires to power any electrical or electronic devices
involves a proper consideration of the constituent loads because they require a certain amount of electric
current supplied at an appropriate voltage. The amount of energy drawn may strain the energy source,
and thus calculations of the effects of the components must be done to choose fitting components.
In a simple circuit, there are two basic configurations, the first one is when resistors are
connected in parallel. The voltage across the resistors in a parallel circuit is the same and at any point,
the total incoming current is generally equal to the total outgoing current. Also, the overall resistance is
the reciprocal of the sum of reciprocals of the individual resistors. The other potential configuration is
when resistors are arranged in series. In this type, the current through each resistor is the same, the
overall resistance is the sum of the individual resistors, and the total voltage is distributed across
individual resistors. Furthermore, the two basic configurations could be combined to form a more complex
network of resistors. This type of configuration could be simplified by turning complex set of resistors into
a simpler equivalent resistor. In this experiment, the relationship between current and voltage on
resistors connected in series and parallel circuit was examined. If there is little to no error between the
measured and the calculated voltage and current for each circuit, then the said properties of resistors in
parallel or series are indeed true.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experimenters prepared a power supply, three pieces of resistors, three milliammeters, three
voltmeter and connecting wires. Afterwards, the materials were set up to form a series, parallel, and a
combination circuit as shown in figures 1, 2, and 3 below.

Figure 1. Resistors Connected in Series

 Figure 2. Resistors Connected in Parallel

Figure 3. Resistors in Series-Parallel

For the series circuit, the experimenters used three different resistors 100, 200 and 300 ohms
respectively and set the voltage of the power supply to 15 V. Afterwards, the power supply was turned on
to 15V and the voltmeter and ammeter were checked for the results. For the parallel circuit, the 15 V
setting was still used. After checking the circuit, the current on the ammeter and voltmeter were read.
While for the resistors in Series-Parallel, the same procedure was done. The experimenters then
computed for the theoretical values of the current and voltage using ohm’s law. Subsequently, the percent
error was computed.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
when resistors are arranged in series, the current through each resistor is the same, the overall
resistance is the sum of the individual resistance, and the total voltage is distributed across individual
resistors. These properties were used in computing for the ideal voltage and current of the resistors
connected in series. Table 1 shows the calculated theoretical values and the measured values for voltage
and current.

Resistance Ω Voltage (V) Current (mA)

Actual Ideal %Error Actual Ideal %Error

100 2.5V 2.5V 0% 25 25 0%

200 5.0V 5.0V 0% 25 25 0%

300 7.5V 7.5V 0% 25 25 0%

Table 1. Resistors in Series

The results show that there is sufficient evidence that the properties mentioned are indeed true.
When resistors are arranged in a parallel connection, the voltage across the resistors is the same
and at any point, the total incoming current is generally equal to the total outgoing current. Also, the
overall resistance is the reciprocal of the sum of reciprocals of the individual resistors. Table 2 shows the
computed theoretical values when the said properties were utilized.

Resistance Ω Voltage (V) Current (mA)

Actual Ideal %Error Actual Ideal %Error

100 15V 15V 0% 150 150 0%

200 15 V 15V 0% 75 75 0%

300 15V 15V 0% 50 50 0%

Table 2. Resistors in Parallel

The principles such as voltage drop and current behavior were used to come up with the
properties of a resistor connected in series and parallel. The results indicate that these properties are true
and likewise, the principles employed are also true at least in this case.
In addition, a simple circuit that contained a combination of series and parallel connections was
examined. To reduce the complexity of this type of configuration, a portion of the connections could be
simplified by turning complex set of resistors into a simpler equivalent resistor. Similarly, table 3 shows
the computed theoretical and the measured voltage and current for this type of configuration.
 Resistance Ω Voltage (V) Current (mA)

Actual Ideal %Error Actual Ideal %Error

100 2.73V 2.73V 0% 27.3 27.3 0%

200 2.73V 2.73V 0% 13.65 13.65 0%

300 12.27V 12.27V 0% 40.9 40.9 0%

Table 3. Resistors in Series-Parallel

The results show that even in a more complex network of resistors, the principles and properties
of voltage and current remain the same. This is important because useful network of resistors often
involve more complex configurations to meet a certain requirement.

References
(1) Stern, D. (2009, September 17). Resistor Networks: Using Ohm's Law. Retrieved from NASA :
https://pwg.gsfc.nasa.gov/Electric/-E5-Resistors-1.htm

(2) Universal Class. (n.d.). Understanding Resistor Networks in Electronics. Retrieved from Universal
Class Articles: https://www.universalclass.com/articles/science/electronics/understanding-
resistor-networks-in-electronics.htm