Farhat Abbas Sétif 1 University Practical Work 1 Level: L1 – ST

E.B.T. Department
Resistance measurement PW-Physics 2
Academic year: 2023/2024
Name : First name: Group:

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Purpose of experiment:
The aim of this experiment is to measure an unknown resistance 𝑅𝑥 using different methods:
✓ Direct method: The ohmmeter method.
✓ Indirect method: The Ammeter-Voltmeter method.
Classification of resistances: According to their values, resistances are classified as follows:

Low resistances Medium resistances High resistances

𝑅 < 1Ω 1Ω ≤ 𝑅 ≤ 10𝑘Ω 𝑅 > 10𝑘Ω

Required tools and equipment:

Ammeter, Voltmeter, resistors decade box, DC generator, unknown resistors, connecting wires.
I. The direct method
Consider the two circuits represented in Figures 1 and 2 where:
𝐑 𝑥 : The unknown resistance to be measured.
𝐑 𝟎 : A known resistor used for circuits protection.
𝐄 : The electromotive force of the used DC generator.
𝐈 : The intensity of the electric current flowing in the circuit.

Figure 1 Figure 2
1. For each value 𝑅0 , build the circuits, measure 𝐈 and 𝐈𝟎 then deduce the resistance 𝑅𝑥 where:
𝐄 𝐄
𝑹𝒙 = −
𝐈 𝐈𝟎

𝑹𝟎 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 Ω 𝑹𝟎 = 𝟑𝟎𝟎 Ω 𝑹𝟎 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 Ω

I0 I I0 I I0 I
𝐄 = 𝟏𝟎𝐕
𝑹𝒙 = 𝑹𝒙 = 𝑹𝒙 =

Table 1
2. Does 𝑅𝑥 change by changing 𝑅0 ? ………

Justify: ...………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Is this method suitable for measuring any resistance regardless of its value?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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II. The ammeter-voltmeter method (The long connection)
1. Build the circuit shown in figure 3 taking 𝑅0 = 300Ω.
2. Read the values of 𝐔 and 𝐈 and complete the following table.
Caliber Measurements Measured
Unknown resistance Relative error
Ammeter Voltmeter U(V) I(A) resistance
U 𝛥𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝐴
𝑅𝑚 = 𝑅𝑥 = 𝑅𝑚 − 𝑅𝐴 =
𝑅𝐴 𝑅𝑉 I 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑥

Table 2
3. Does the resistance 𝑅𝑥 meet the condition 𝑅𝑥 ≥ √𝑅𝐴 . 𝑅𝑉 ……………….………………………………..
What can we conclude? ………………………….…………………………………………………………

III. The ammeter-voltmeter method (The short connection)

1. Build the circuit shown in figure 4 taking 𝑅0 = 300Ω.
2. Read the values of 𝐔 and 𝐈 and complete the following table.
Caliber Measurements Measured
Unknown resistance Relative error
Ammeter Voltmeter U(V) I(A) resistance
U 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑉 𝛥𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑥
𝑅𝑚 = 𝑅𝑥 = =
𝑅𝐴 𝑅𝑉 I 𝑅𝑉 − 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑉

Table 3
3. Does the value of 𝑅𝑥 fulfill the condition 𝑅𝑥 ≤ √𝑅𝐴 . 𝑅𝑉 ? ……………………………………….……….

What can we conclude? …………...………………………………………………………………………..

4. Mention then the appropriate type of connection for measuring the resistance.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Figure 3 Figure 4
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Notes:
➢ The internal resistance of the ammeter is 𝑅𝐴 = 2Ω whatever is the used caliber.
➢ The internal resistance of the voltmeter is caliber-dependent as follow:
✓ For caliber 3V: 𝑅𝑉 = 3𝑘Ω
✓ For caliber 15V: 𝑅𝑉 = 15𝑘Ω
✓ For caliber 15V: 𝑅𝑉 = 30𝑘Ω

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