Lab # Date: 08/05/2023 Name of Student: Nyesha Graham

Problem Statement: Hazim and Aarifah were investigating the potential difference in a series circuit. After
connecting the circuit, Hazim found that the potential difference across the bulb was less than the EMF value
stated on the battery, Aarifah claimed that the potential difference across the bulb should have been the same as
the battery. Hazim was explaining to her that some of the potential difference is also used up by the battery, and
that’s why the bulb has less. Plan and design an experiment to help Hazim and Aarifah investigate this.
Title: Internal Resistance
Aim: To investigate the internal resistance in a series circuit.
Hypothesis: The total pd across a series circuit equals the total EMF provided by the source, but some of the pd
is applied to overcome the internal resistance of the source.
Materials/Apparatus:
 Battery
 Light bulb
 Wires
 Switch
 1 Ammeter
 2 voltmeter
Diagram:

Variables:
- Independent
1. EMF produce by the battery.
- Dependent
1. PD across the battery
2. Internal resistance
- Controlled
1. Current
2. PD across the bulb

Name of Teacher: Dominic Page:

Lab # Date: 08/05/2023 Name of Student: Nyesha Graham
Method:
1. Assemble the circuit with wires and a bulb.
2. Close the switch.
3. Use the volt meter and record the voltage across the bulb and the battery.
4. Use the ammeter and record the current.
5. Calculate the internal resistance.
Expected Results:
TABLE SHOWING MEASUREMENTS TO CALCULATE THE INTERNAL RESISTANCE OF A
BATTERY
Current,𝐼 V across Battery, V1 V across Battery, V2 𝛥𝑣 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 Internal Resistance of
battery

Calculations

R=Δv/I

= v1 – V2 / I
Treatment of Results:
 The voltage change should be a positive. The division of the voltage change by the current,
represent opposing internal force of a battery.
Assumptions:
 It can be assumed that the voltage across the battery, will equal to the EMF of the battery.
 It can also be assumed that the voltage across the bulb, will be less across the battery.
Precautions:
 Assemble component of the circuit with the switch open.
 Connect the terminals correctly.
Limitations:
 The volt meter and ammeter might be broken causing inaccurate measurements.
Possible Sources of Errors:
 Parallax error – the inaccurate measurements when reading the voltmeter

Name of Teacher: Dominic Page:

Lab # Date: 08/05/2023 Name of Student: Nyesha Graham

Criteria Marks Marks Obtained

Hypothesis
 Clearly stated 1
 Testable 1
Aim
 Related to hypothesis 1
Materials and Apparatus
 Appropriate materials and apparatus 1
Method
 Suitable 1
 At least one manipulated or responding variable 1
Controlled Variable
 Controlled variable stated 1
Expected Results
1
 Reasonable
1
 Link with method
Assumption/Precautions/Possible Sources of Errors
1
 Any one stated
Total 10

Name of Teacher: Dominic Page: