TITLE: Ohm’s Law

AIM: To determine the resistance of a fixed resistor

APPARATUS/MATERIALS:
 power supply
 switch
 fixed resistor
 voltmeter
 Ammeter
 connecting wires
 crocodile clips

DIAGRAM:

METHOD/PROCEDURE:
1. The circuit was set up as shown in the diagram
2. The initial readings of the ammeter and voltmeter was recorded while the switch was
opened
3. The power supply was adjusted to 2 V and the switch was closed
4. The ammeter and voltage was recorded in the table
5. Steps 3 and 4 was repeated, increasing the voltage on the power supply this allowed for
five more readings to be recorded
6. A graph of current against voltage was plotted.
7. The resistant of the fixed resistor was determined
OBSERVATIONS/RESULTS:

Power Supply, V/V Ammeter reading, I/A Voltmeter Reading, V/V

0 0.0002 0
2 0.0021 2.1
4 0.0038 3.9
6 0.0053 6.0
8 0.0068 8.1
10 0.0086 10.2.

*Graph is drawn under OBSERVATIONS/RESULTS*

CALCULATION:
● Determine the gradient of the graph. Keep in mind your gradient has units!!!!!!!!!!
● Afterwards, determine the resistance of the resistor.

DISCUSSION:

Ohm’s law provides that the temperature and other physical conditions remains constant, the
current, I, through a conductor is proportional to potential difference, V, between its ends.
V=IR The equation shows that V is proportional to I, and the constant of proportionality is R, the
resistance of the conductor.

A Ammeter is used to measure the current flowing through a component/circuit. Since, current
remains same in series connection and also the resistance of an ammeter is very small due to
which it doesn’t affect the current to be measured. So, an ammeter is connected in series to
measure current
A Voltmeter is used to measure the potential difference across two points in a circuit. Since, in
parallel connection the voltage in the branches remains same, and also the resistance of the
voltmeter is very high due to which a very small current flow through the voltmeter. So, it is
connected in parallel to measure the voltage

● State Ohm’s Law.

● How must the ammeter be connected? Why?- series to the resistor because of its
low resistance
● How must the voltmeter be connected? Why?-= parallel because high resistance
 ● It is recommended that after readings is observed, the power supply should be
switched off momentarily so that the resistor would remain cool. Why is this?

SOURCE(S) OF ERROR:
● At least ONE source of error
Incorrect reading of ammeter

PRECAUTION:
● At least ONE precaution related to the source of error
Ensure that power supply is switched off momentarily after readings are observed

CONCLUSION:
● Remember to relate to the aim!!!
The resistance of the fixed resistor was determined

REFLECTION:

TITLE: Ohm’s Law

Aim: To determine the resistance of a fixed resistor

Skill: ORR

a) Diagram 5
● Adequate size (1)

● Labeling: fully labelled (2)

* Partially labelled (1)
* No labeling (0)

● Title of Diagram (1)

● Circuit diagram drawn correctly (1)

b) Report of method adopted 2

● Grammar and spelling: correct (2)
Only one or two errors (1)
Many errors (0)

c) Tabulation of sets of readings 3

● Neat table (1)
● Title for table (1)
● Appropriate sig figs in each column (1)
Graph Construction 10
d) Title of graph (1)

e) Suitable scale for each axis (2)

1 point for each axis

f) Axes labelled with quantity and unit (2)

1 point for each axis

g) Fine circled points or sharp crosses, thin line (1)

h) Accurate plotting of all readings (3)

(5-6 points correct – 3)
(3-4 points incorrect – 2)
(1-2 points correct – 1)

i) Line of best fit (1)

*ORR – 20 marks*