EE101L

Circuits 1 Laboratory Manual

O. 1
Electricity, Measurement Units and Symbols

OBJECTIVES:
- Basic concepts of Current and Voltage
- Measurement units and Symbols for electrical quantities
- Symbols for electrical components

INTRODUCTION:
Conductors and Electric Current

Elements such as metals, have electrons rotating in the outermost orbit of

each atom. These electrons have very weak bonds to the atom. Consequently,
there is a continuous electron movement, or exchange between the atoms.

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Circuits 1 Laboratory Manual

Over the metal as a whole, this exchange does not produce any effect as, statistically speaking,
the resulting average movement is zero.

If an electrical force is applied to the metal these electrons will not move completely randomly
anymore, but they will flow, under the effect of the applied force in one particular direction. This
produces a charge flow, which is the electrical current.

Electrons are not the only things which can produce an electrical current. The electrical current in
fact, can consist of positive charge flow, as well as a negative flow of charges.
The symbol for current “I” and the symbol for charge “Q”. The current value depends on the rate
of flow of charge in the conductor.

So the formula for current is: I=Q/t

With Q = the Quantity of charge, in Coulombs (unit of electrical charge )

t = time unit in seconds
I = electric current, Ampere

Electromotive force and Potential Difference

In electrical terms, a difference in potential energy is defined as voltage. In general, the amount
of energy required to separate charges depends on the voltage developed and the amount of
charge moved. By definition, the voltage between two points is one volt if it requires one joule of
energy to move one coulomb of charge from one point to the other.

So the formula for voltage is: V=W/Q

With W = is the energy in joules

Q = the Quantity of charge, in Coulombs
V = resulting Voltage

DC Current and Alternating Current

Electricity flows in two ways: either in an alternating current (AC) or in a direct current (DC).
Electricity or "current" is nothing but the movement of electrons through a conductor, like a
wire. The difference between AC and DC lies in the direction in which the electrons flow. In DC,
the electrons flow steadily in a single direction, or "forward." In AC, electrons keep switching
directions, sometimes going "forward" and then going "backward."

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Circuits 1 Laboratory Manual

Fig. E01.1
Basic Electrical Variables

Table. E01.1

Symbols for Common Electrical Component

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Circuits 1 Laboratory Manual

Table. E01.2
Effects of Electrical Current on the Human Body

For an electric current to occur, it has to be conducted through a material. When the flow of
electrons provided by electricity finds a resistance, it results in a dissipation of energy in the
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Circuits 1 Laboratory Manual

form of heat. If there is an excessive amount of heat generated, the tissue may be burnt.
Physiologically, the difference between a normal burn and a burn caused by electricity is that
electricity has the ability to burn tissue beneath the skin, even burning internal organs without
apparent external evidence of it.

Currents of about 10 mA can cause a very painful shock. The longer the current continues to pass
through you, the worse it gets. More heat is generated and the damage to your body increases, so
the inability to let go can cause some serious problems. Currents above about 100 mA are almost
always fatal unless immediate medical attention is provided.

APPARATUS / MATERIALS NEEDED:

- Electronic Multimeter

TEST PROCEDURE:
1. With the help of an instructor, find out how to use the electronic multimeter as an ohmmeter,
to measure resistance.
2. Measure the resistance of the human body under the following conditions:
a. Between two hands
b. Between two elbows

REPORT:

Resistance in Ohms when the Resistance in Ohms when

skin is dry the skin is wet
Between two hands

Between two elbows

Table. E01.2
DISCUSSION

1. Is the resistance of the human body lower when the body is wet? Explain why

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Circuits 1 Laboratory Manual

2. Identify the following components of the circuit below :

Fig. E01.2

1= 5=

2= 6=

3= 7=

4= 8=

3. Why do birds do not get electric shocks even if they are on a high voltage wire?

CONCLUSION: