ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

ACTIVITY3.3: 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’sIntended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
a. calculate the power in a series-parallel resistive circuit using P = EI
E2
b. calculate the power in a series-parallel resistive circuit using P =
R
c. calculate the power in a series-parallel resistive circuit using P = I 2R
d. compare computed and measured data

3.3.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objectives of this activityareto:
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.

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).

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 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 Vdcand 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

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

 To find the total circuit power dissipation, add the amounts of power dissipated by each
resistor.

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

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

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.

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.

15.13 V
VA = ________________ 0.993 KOhms
R1 = _________________
7.5 V
VE = ________________ 1.958 KOhms
R2 = _________________
7.61 V
VR1 = _______________ 1.954 KOhms
R3 = _________________
7.65 mA
IT = _________________ 1.970 KOhms
RT = _________________

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

7.66 mA
IR1 = ___________ 3.83 mA
IR2 = ________________ 3.84 mA
IR3 = ___________________

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

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

115.815 mW
PT = __________ PR1 = ___________ 28.725 mW
58.29 mW PR2 = __________ 28.8 mW
PR3 = ___________

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

NOTE: To measure RE, make sure that the R2 – R3 circuit is isolated from R1and VA.
15.12 V
VA = ________________ 1.958 KOhms
R2 = _________________
4.94 V
VE = ________________ 1.952 KOhms
R3 = _________________
10.13 V
VR1 = _______________ 0.9775 KOhms (calculated)
RE = _________________
0.992 KOhms
R1 = _________________ 0.488 KOhms
RE = _________________ (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?
It was in parallel and the new value of RE is 0.488 KOhms
________________________________________________________________________

8. Calculate and record the values of IR1, IR2, IR3, and IRCM.
10.21 mA
IR1 = __________ 2.52 mA
IR2 = __________ 2.53 mA
IR3 = ___________ 15.26 mA
IRCM = ____________

9. Calculate and record the values of PR1, PR2, PR3, PRCM, and PT.
PR1 = __________ 12.45 mW PR3 = __________
103.43 mW PR2 = ___________ 12.5 mW 128.38 mW
PRCM = ___________

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?
The Total current and Total power
________________________________ Increased

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 IL VL IL
Ohms (Ω) mAdc Vdc mW
500 50.7982 mW
10.18 mA 4.99 V
1,000
7.65 mA 7.5 V 57.375 mW
2,000
5.12 mA 10.02 V 51.3024 mW

Table 3.3-1. Power transfer.

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

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 RL was less than RS, equal to RS,
or greater than RS?
Equal at 1000 Ohms
__________________________________________________________

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?
More power was transferred and the load resistance was at maximum
________________________________________________________________________

20. When was the load voltage maximum – when load resistance was maximum or when
load resistance was minimum?
The load resistance was at maximum
___________________________________________________

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.3.7 Activity Report

Section: 1A Date Performed:

28/05/2020
Course Code: Date Submitted:
CIRCUIT 1 LAB 28/05/2020
Course Title: CIRCUIT 1
Instructor: Melodia Pahati
Group No.: Activity No.: 3.3
Group Members: Signature:
1. Laspiñas, Jeldin I.
2.
3.
4.
5.

3.3.7.1 Calculations

4.) 5.) 8.) 9.)

IR1 = VR1 / R1 PR1 = VI IR1 = V / R PR1 = VI
= 7.61 / 993 = 7.61 x 7.66 = 10.13 / 992 = 10.13 x 10.21
= 7.66 mA = 58.29 mW = 10.21 mA = 103.43 mW

IR2 = VE / R2 PR2 = VI IR2 = V / R PR2 = VI

= 7.5 / 1958 = 7.5 x 3.83 = 4.94 / 1958 = 4.94 x 2.52
= 3.83 mA = 28.725 mW = 2.52 mA = 12.45 mW

IR3 = VE / R3 PR3 = VI IR3 = V / R PR3 = VI

= 7.5 / 1954 = 7.5 x 3.84 mW = 4.94 / 1952 = 4.94 x 2.53
= 3.84 mA = 2.53 mA = 12.5 mW
IRCM = 10.21+2.52+2.53
= 15.26 mA

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

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

In this experiment we conclude that in a series -parallel circuit, a parallel branch can be
combine into one resistor. In this experiment there are two connected resistors that in
parallel, With the use of formula (Product over Sum) We can simplify the two parallel
resistor.
We calculate the current of the individual resistors and since there are two resistors in
parallel the voltage that we will use the same, since the resistors are in parallel.
We also calculate the power dissipated in every resistor using the power formula.

In summary the objective of this experiment was to determine or calculate the Power
dissipated in a series-parallel circuit using power rule. The Current of every resistor and
the Total current by using Ohm's Law. And to analys if the connected resistors is on series
or parallel.

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS

3.3.7.3 Rating(See Attached Rubric)

ACTIVITY 3: DC POWER MEASUREMENTS