Lab 2 Report Michelle DuBose and Jeffrey Roe ECE 125 Section 5 Group 2 8/29/2011

Introduction:
In class we have been learning how to analyze circuits by utilizing formulas dealing with current, resistance, voltage and power. In this experiment, we attempted to prove that these analysis techniques hold true inside of an actual circuit. By using the ohm, amm volt meters in simple parallel and series circuits, we were able to prove that the ideas and mathematical technique we use in class hold true in a physical circuit.

Procedure:
First, we analyzed a simple single resistor connected to a voltage source, as shown below:

We used the ammeter to measure the current through the bulb, and used the formula V/I=R to find the resistance. We then used the formula I^2*R=P to find the power absorbed by the bulb. Next we connect another bulb in parallel with the first as shown below:

First we measured the voltages across the power supply, the first bulb, and the second bulb. Then, we measured the current flowing from the source, and used the voltage at the source to calculate the total power produced by the battery. Finally, we measure the currents flowing into the first and second bulb, calculated the respected absorbed power, and compared this result to the original total power. The third circuit we created was a voltage supply connected across a dual filament bulb, shown below:

We used the ammeter and the voltmeter to measure the currents and voltages through and across each of the filaments. We then used these measurements to find the respective resistances and power absorbed by each of the bulbs. Finally, we measured the resistances between terminals a and b on the petitioner, as shown below:

We then recorded the resistance between terminals b and c at five different positions. We used these same five positions and measured the voltage across b and c. We then used these measurements in the formula Vbc=(Rbc/R)*Vab, and compared our expected and measured values.

Results:
Part A-C: Measured Voltage= 4.125 V Measured Current= 1.058 A Power = 4.36 Watts Part D-F: Current out of power Supply: 1.059 A Total Power: .86 Watts Current through 2nd bulb: .53 A Power of 2nd bulb: .4081 Watts Current through 1st bulb: .524 A Power of 1st bulb: .309 Watts E: .309 + .4081 .86 F: .524 + 53 1.059 Part G-J Voltage across 1st filament: 5.11 Current through 1st filament: .4 A Resistance: 12.775 ohms Power: 2.044 Watts Voltage across 2nd filament: 2.9 V Current through 2nd filament: 1.05 A Resistance: 2.7 ohms Power: 4.05 Watts The first bulb was brighter, consistent with our power calculations. Current through both bulbs: .958 A Power: 2.04 Watts Part K-N Measured resistance across a and b: 180 ohms Resistance at five posistions: 180, 102, 83, 68, 11.6 ohms Voltages at five positions: 14.67 V, 7.21 V, 5 V, 4 V, .673 V

Discussion:
We encountered no problems in the first three circuits that we analyzed. There were only minor discrepancies in our calculations versus our measured values. These minor discrepancies are probably due to the internal resistance of the power source or other outside factors. We did encounter problems for a while in calculating and measure the voltage in the potentiometer. We noticed that a voltage we measured once would change as soon as we measured it again. Finally, however, we were able to get values that seemed to be correct with respect to voltage and current division.

Conclusion:
Although there are more factors in the analysis of a circuit than what we have learned thus far, the tools we do have provide an excellent basis for the understanding of electrical circuits. Through this experiment, we were able to physically see the laws and properties we have studied in class are true.