Activity 1.1.

5a

Circuit Theory: Hand Calculations

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INTRODUCTION

Have you ever used a calculator to add some numbers, looked at the answer, and realized that
it was wrong? How did you know that the answer was incorrect? The calculator gave you an
answer; why did you not trust it? You knew the answer was wrong because you understand the
fundamentals of mathematics. Your instinct told you that you may have entered a number
incorrectly, because the answer could not be correct.

The same is true for circuit analysis. Throughout this course you will be using Circuit Design
Software (CDS) to test the circuits that you design. This software will always give an answer,
whether it's right or wrong. The only way that you will be able to rely on these answers is if you
have an understanding of the laws of circuit analysis. You must develop the same instinct for
circuit behavior that you have for mathematics.

In this activity you will gain experience applying Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current
Laws to solve simple series and parallel circuits.

EQUIPMENT

Calculator
RESOURCES

Circuit Theory Laws presentation

Procedure
Presentation: Review Circuit Theory Laws.

1 For each of the resistors shown, use Ohm’s Law to calculate the unknown
quantity and express your answer in proper engineering notation and correct
units.

Figure 1. Update Description Using Caps

2 For each of the circuits shown below, calculate the value for RT using proper
engineering notation and correct units.
a. Series circuit
 Figure 2. Series Circuit

b. Parallel circuit

Figure 3. Parallel Circuit

c. Parallel circuit

Figure 4. Parallel Circuit

3 Using the laws of circuit theory, solve for RT, IT, VR1, VR2, and VR3.

Be sure to put your answer in proper engineering notation and use the correct
units. Using your calculations, verify your results using Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.
 Figure 5. Series Circuit

4 Using the laws of circuit theory, solve for RT, IT, VR1, VR2, VR3, and VR4. Be sure
to put your answer in proper engineering notation and use the correct
units. Using your calculations, verify your results using Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.

Figure 6. Series Circuit

5 Using the laws of circuit theory, solve for RT, IT, IR1, IR2, and IR3. Put your
answer in proper engineering notation and use the correct units. Using your
calculations, verify your results using Kirchhoff’s Current Law.

Figure 6. Parallel Circuit

6 Using the laws of circuit theory, solve for RT, IT, IR1, IR2, IR3, and IR4. Put your
answer in proper engineering notation and use the correct units. Using your
calculations, verify your results using Kirchhoff’s Current Law.
 Figure 7. Parallel Circuit

7 The circuit shown below has a compound circuit which contains a series and
parallel circuit. That is, some of its resistors are connected in series and some
are in parallel. Using the laws of circuit theory, solve for RT and IT.

Figure 8. Compound Circuit

CONCLUSION

1 State two rules for the voltage and current in a series circuit.

2 State two rules for the voltage and current in a parallel circuit.

3 If you remove a single bulb from an inexpensive string of Christmas tree lights, all of the
lights in the entire string go off. Are the bulbs connected in series or parallel? Explain.

Proceed to next activity