EAST WEST UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AD ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

COURSE NO: EEE 101
EXPT: 01

Introduction to circuit variables and elements

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this experiment is to get familiar with circuit variables (voltage, current and
power), circuit elements (voltage source and resistance) and measuring instruments (voltmeter and
ammeter).

THEORY:
Current (I) and voltage (V) are two fundamental circuit variables. Current through a cross-section is
defined as the flow rate of positive charges and is measured in Ampere (A). Voltage between two
points is defined as the work done to move unit charge from one point to the other and is measured
in Volts (V). Power (P) is defined as the rate of energy and is measured in Watts (W).
Mathematically P=VI. There are two types of elements in electric circuits. An active element is
capable of generating energy. A voltage source or a battery is an example of an active element. A
passive element cannot generate energy. A resistance is an example of a passive element.

Ammeters and voltmeters are used to measure current and voltage, respectively. The following
figure demonstrates how ammeters and voltmeters should be connected for measurement. Here the
voltmeter, measuring the voltage across the element, is connected in parallel with the element and
the ammeter, measuring the current through the element, is connected in series with the element.

+ V -
+ A -

element
I
Fig. 1: Connection of ammeter and voltmeter.

EQUIPMENT:
1. DC power supply,
2. DC ammeter,
3. DC voltmeter,
4. Multimeter,
5. Resistors (One 47Ω, one 100Ω, one 220 Ω),
6. Breadboard,
7. Connecting wires.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS:

<----I1

<----I2
+ V1 - + V2 - +
R3=100 R4=220
R1=47 R2=100 V
+ Vs
Vs A + +
- - A A
- -
<------- I
(a) (b)

Fig 2: Diagrams for a series circuit (a) and a parallel circuit (b). All resistances are in Ohms.

PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the resistors with the appropriate setting of the multimeter and record the values.
2. Construct the circuit as shown in Fig. 2(a). Set the value of Vs at 2V. Measure the current I with
the ammeter and the voltages V1, V2 with the voltmeter. Record the values.
3. Construct the circuit as shown in Fig. 2(b). Set Vs at 2V. Measure the voltage V with the
voltmeter and the currents I1, I2 with the ammeter. Record the values.
4. Have the datasheet signed by the instructor.

PRE-LAB REPORT QUESTIONS:

1. Calculate the voltages V1, V2 and the current I for the circuit of Fig. 2(a).
2. Calculate the currents I1 and I2 for the circuit of Fig. 2(b).
3. What will happen if a voltmeter is connected in series with a circuit element in a circuit?
4. What will happen if an ammeter is connected in parallel with a circuit element in a circuit?

POST LAB REPORT QUESTIONS:

1. Submit the experimental datasheet.
2. Theoretically calculate the voltages V1, V2, V and the currents I, I1, I2 using the measured
values of the resistors and the voltage sources.
3. Compare the calculated values obtained in step 2 above with the measured values and comment
on any observed discrepancy.
4. Determine the resistances R1, R2, R3, R4 from the measured voltages and currents using
Ohm’s law. Do these values agree with the resistances measured by the multimeter? Comment.
5. What are the different ranges the ammeter you used in your lab had? Which range would you
use to measure a current around (i) 5 mA, (ii) 80 mA? Why? Justify your answer.