Lab #14: Series and Parallel Circuits

Method: Series Circuit

1. Connect a battery (9V) with wires on the positive and negative sides of the battery.
2. Label the lightbulbs 1 and 2.
3. To the positive side of the battery, connect both light bulbs.
4. Towards the negative side of the battery, attach a switch and connect it to the light bulb 2, completing the circuit.
5. Label three ammeters 1-3.
6. Attach ammeter 1 between the switch and light bulb 2.
7. Attach ammeter 2 between light bulbs 1 and 2.
8. Attach ammeter 3 between the positive side of the battery light bulb 1.
9. Reference the diagram to ensure stable and secure connections.
10. Flip the switch to ensure the bulbs light and the circuit is on
11. Record the current readings at the different ammeters on a suitable table.

Method: Parallel Circuits

1. Connect a battery (9V) with wires on the positive and negative sides of the battery.
2. Label the lightbulbs 1 and 2.
3. To the positive side of the battery, connect both light bulbs in branches as referenced in the diagram below. (light
bulb 1 in the first branch and light bulb 2 in the second.
4. Towards the negative side of the battery, attach a switch and connect it to a wire to both branches of the light
bulbs, completing the circuit.
5. Label four ammeters 1-4.
6. Connect ammeter 1 between the switch and the wires attaching to the two branches.
7. Connect ammeter 2 on the first branch after light bulb 1.
8. Connect ammeter 3 on the second branch after light bulb 2.
9. Connect ammeter 4 between the positive side of the battery to the wire connecting the two branches.
10. Reference the diagram to ensure stable and secure connections.
11. Flip the switch to ensure the bulbs light and the circuit is on
12. Record the current readings at the different ammeters on a suitable table.
SBA # : Current in Series and Parallel
Skills Assessed: A/I (Analysis and Interpretation)

Criteria Total Marks Marks Obtained

Difference between series and parallel circuit 3
(-1 mark for excluding any reference to the diagrams)
Description of the changes of current at ammeters (1,2,3) in 3
series circuit
(-1 mark for any missing description)
Description of the changes in current at ammeters (1,2,3,4) in 4
parallel circuit
(-1 mark for any missing description)
Precautions/Limitations/Errors 2
Any two parameters stated correctly
Conclusion 2
(-1 mark for missing conclusion for each circuit)
Total 14
Weighted Marks 10

SBA: Current in Series and Parallel

Skills Assessed: O/R/R (Observations, recording and reporting)

Criteria Total Marks Marks Obtained

Organization of Report 2
a. Report organized logically (1 mark)
b. Each section is named correctly and completed (1
mark)
Method reported in past tense. 1
(-1 mark for more than one mistake)
Table is neatly drawn with correct headings. 1
(-1 mark for any missing or incorrect observation)
Title of table adequately stated 1
Make accurate observations. 3
(-1 mark for any incorrect observation)
Use of appropriate scientific terminology in discussion 1
and conclusion
Communication using correct spelling and grammar 3
Total 12
Weighted Marks 10

SBA: Current in Series and Parallel

Skills Assessed: M/M (measurement and manipulation)

Criteria Total Marks Marks Obtained

Circuits are connected as shown in the diagram 2
Circuit works (All ;ip 1
Correctly measure the current at the ammeters in the 3
series circuit
(-1 mark for incorrect readings at each ammeter)
Correctly measure the current at the ammeters in the 4
parallel circuit
(-1 mark for incorrect readings at each ammeter)
Total Marks 10