Resistors in Series and Parallel

Introduction
Some parts of current GCSE syllabuses require students to have an appreciation of how the arrangement of resistors in
simple circuits affects the current flowing within the circuit. Using suitable meters should provide data to allow simple
calculations to be carried out to determine the value of resistors provided for the circuit.
At a practical level some of the ‘simple circuits’ require a lot of stacking leads to link the components in the circuit this
can cause some confusion.
This guide suggests a simple and relatively inexpensive way of assembling resistors in a circuit without using large
numbers of stacking leads.

Equipment and Materials

Unlabelled Resistors x 3 (a suitable range to give readings on standard lab voltmeters and ammeters 10-100Ω)
Thick aluminium foil strips (recycled from pie cases) 10cm by 4cm approximate,
Mini bulldog clips 10 to 15mm (paper clips will work)
Leads
Voltmeter and ammeter
Multi-meter (optional)
Power source (2 x 1.5V cells in a suitable holder)
Crocodile clips (3 per working group)
Push switch

Procedure
Carefully fold teach aluminium strip in half lengthwise, set them to one side.
Assemble a simple circuit with one resistor.in it (see diagram)

Ammeter

RΩ

Voltmeter

Close the switch and use the readings from the ammeter and voltmeter to calculate the resistance. Calculate the
resistance of the remaining resistors by placing them in the circuit one at a time.