`

DISCUSSION

This experiment is all about on how to demonstrate Ohm’s Law and to show its various forms,
to become familiar with DC Voltmeter and DC Ammeter as well as AC Voltmeter and AC
Ammeter, and to operate Portable Wheatstone and Precision Wheatstone Bridge to measure an
unknown resistor. The variables involved are experiment value (Ω), RX value (Ω), unknown
resistor (Ω), multiplying factor, measuring arm dial reading, amperes (A) and E/I (Ω).

In this experiment of measurement and calculations of electrical parameters, there are two
experiments by which possess two different procedures respectively.

For the first experiment, the Precision Wheatstone Bridge was used for exact determination of
resistance in the 100 mΩ to 110 MΩ range with accuracy of 0.01 to 0.05%. A measure resistor
was connected to the prime device. In relation to the connectivity of the resistor to the device,
the galvanometer pointer indicates 0 on the scale. The multiplying range and the power supply
voltage were selected based on the measured resistor. As a standard, a voltage of 15 V was
utilized.

The first experiment first began by switching the Precision Wheatstone Bridge device to the
internal galvanometer (INT GA) mode. The sensitivity knob was adjusted from the minimum
to obtain the starting value, which is 0. The BA and GA buttons were also applied to check
deflection. The process in identifying the value of the resistor values was done using different
voltage supplies and multiplying factors. After doing so, the values were recorded and were
calculated using a specific formula in relation to find RX (Ω). (Refer Appendices)

In measuring the resistance from 1 Ω to 10 Ω by operation of dials and switches using the
Portable Wheatstone Bridge, the GA terminals were completely shorted with a short bar. In
addition to that, the R-MV select switch was turned to the R side, the power select switch is
turned to the INT BA side and the galvanometer pointer shows 0 on the scale. Based on the
value of the measured resistor, the multiplying factor was determined using the multiplying
table (Refer Appendices). The measuring arm dial was set to 1999 while the BA button is
depressed. The GA switch was then push down to check deflection. Now, the value of the RX
(Ω) can be obtained using the same formula stated. (Refer Appendices)

For the second experiment on the other hand uses the Decade Resistance Box, DC Metering
and Power Supply modules. These devices were then connected following the circuit diagram
provided (Refer Appendices). The experiment first began by turning on the power supply and
slowly adjusting the DC voltage output until the device indicates 40 V. The current flowing
through the circuit was indicated by using the 0 – 300 mA Ammeter. The current was then
noted down. This step was repeated for all the DC voltage values of 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200,
and 240 E. From what being said in particular, a curve was generated based on the values of
volts (E) and current (I) recorded to identify whether volts (E) and current (I) is directly
proportional. The ratio of E/I was then calculated for each case. The verification of the alternate
form of Ohm’s Law (I = E/R) is now available. Using the same circuit, the current through the
1000 Ω resistor was measured and recorded. In relation to the previous sentence, the
verification of the alternate form of Ohm’s Law (E = I x R) is now available. The power supply
`

was turned on and the output voltage was adjusted until the current meter indicates 0.1 A. The
voltage was measured and recorded and during this round, the resistance was set to 2000 Ω.

For the first experiment, by using the Precision Wheatstone Bridge, the experiment values (Ω)
are 0.14999 Ω, 9.9999 Ω, 99.999 Ω, 999.99 Ω, and 9999.9 Ω respectively. Next, by using the
Portable Wheatstone Bridge, the experiment values(Ω) are 0.184 Ω, 10.12 Ω, 100.1Ω, 1000 Ω,
and 10000 Ω respectively.

For the second experiment, by using the Decade Resistance Box, the amperes (A) of the
following volts, 0 V, 40 V, 80 V, 120 V, 160 V, 200 V, and 240 V were obtained which are 0
A, 0.04 A, 0.08 A, 0.12 A, 0.16 A, 0.20 A, and 0.24 A respectively. From that, a trend graph
was prompted to prove that the current is directly proportional to the voltage (Refer to
Appendices). Moreover, the calculated values of E/I were also calculated for the following
volts, 40 V, 80 V, 120 V, 160 V, 200 V, and 240 V. The average value of E/I obtained from all
the six volts is 1000 Ω. Besides that, by using the Decade Resistance Box, across a 1000 Ω
resistor, the voltage (V) was regulated to 140 V in obtaining the measured value of current (A)
which is 0.14 A. In addition to that, again, by using the Decade Resistance Box, across a 2000
Ω resistor, the current was regulated to 0.1 A in obtaining the measured value of voltage (V)
which is 200 V.

Based on theory, Ohm's law states that the current through a conductor between two points is
directly proportional to the potential difference across the two points. Introducing the constant
proportionality, the resistance, one arrives at the usual mathematical equation that describes
this relationship, I = V/R. Where I is the current through the conductor in units of amperes, V
is the potential difference measured across the conductor in units of volts, and R is the
resistance of the conductor in units of ohms. More specifically, Ohm’s Law states that the R in
this relation is constant, independent of the current.

There are several possibilities that might have contributed to the errors that occurred during the
experiment. Among those errors is physical errors (caused by experimenters). The
experimenters might not have waited for the readings to stabilize first and have recorded down
the wrong readings, which could lead to an abnormal trend of results. Not just that, the
experimenter may not have focused well during the experiment and may have recorded down
values of the parameter in the field of another parameter. By doing so, the recordings will be
inaccurate and it will result in catastrophic affects in generating trend/correlation graphs and
the whole experiment. Thus, the ideal expected results could not be achieved. Besides that, the
wires or other equipment involved may be faulty or not plugged in. When this happens, the
device will not display the correct value.
`

APPENDICES

EXPERIMENT 1

Precision Wheatstone Bridge

Formula used to calculate RX (Experiment value):

RX = (Measuring arm dial reading) * (Multiplying factor dial reading) Ω

Standard value (Ω) Experiment value (Ω)

0.1 1.4999 x 100 mΩ = 0.14999 Ω

10 9.9999 x 1 Ω = 9.9999 Ω

100 9.9999 x 10 Ω = 99.999 Ω

1000 9.9999 x 100 Ω = 999.99 Ω

10000 9.9999 x 1k Ω = 9999.9 Ω

`

Portable Wheatstone Bridge

Formula used to calculate RX (Experiment value):

RX = (Sum value on measuring dial) * (Multiplying factor dial) Ω

Standard value (Ω) Experiment value (Ω)

0.1 184 x 0.001 = 0.184 Ω

10 1012 x 0.01 = 10.12 Ω

100 1001 x 0.1 = 100.1 Ω

1000 1000 x 1.0 = 1000 Ω

10000 1000 x 10 = 10000 Ω

`

CONCLUSION

In this experiment, Ohm’s Law was applied in DC voltmeter, DC Ammeter, AC voltmeter

and also in AC Ammeter. There are two experiments conducted in this experiment, the first
experiment used Precision Wheatstone bridge to determine the resistance in the 100 mΩ to 110
MΩ range with accuracy of 0.01 to 0.05%. The second experiment used the Decade Resistance
Decade Box, DC Metering and Power Supply modules. Based on the results, a curve was
generated based on the values of volts (E) and current (I) recorded to identify whether volts (E)
and current (I) is directly proportional. For the second experiment, the average value of E/I
obtained from all the six volts is 1000 Ω and the measured values of current and voltage were
obtained by using the Decade Resistance Box. Based on results in the first and second
experiments, it may be concluded that the objectives were achieved which are to demonstrate
Ohm’s Law and to show its various forms, to become familiar with DC Voltmeters and
Ammeters as well as AC Voltmeters and AC Ammeters, and to operate Portable Wheatstone
and Precision Wheatstone Bridge to measure an unknown resistor.
`

TUTORIALS

1. A 3 A dc has a resistance of 0.15 Ω and carries a current of 2 A. What is the voltage

across its terminal.

Answer:
V= IR
= 2 (0.15)
= 0.30 A

2. A 0-300 V dc meter has a resistance of 300k Ω. What is the current through the
instrument when it is connected across a 240 V dc line.

Answer:
V = IR
240 = I (300 k)
I = 0.0008 A

3. An electroplating plant has bus-bars which carry up to 1000 A at 6 V dc. The

surroundings are very wet with water and electrolyte. Should the bus bars be insulated
and if so, why?

Answer:
6 volts DC power shall give no harm to human which is it shall not give any electrical
shock to human. However, the current is too big. If both positive bar and negative bar
touches together, it shall create high heat in a second between 2 bars (poles) or a big
electrical spark following with melting metal. Therefore, insulating them with free
space (2 inches apart and more) is good enough and tight them well (never let them
touch together).
`

OBJECTIVES

1) To demonstrate Ohm’s Law and to show its various forms.

2) To become familiar with dc voltmeters and ammeters as well as ac voltmeter and ac
voltmeter
3) To operate Portable Wheatstone and Precision Wheatstone Bridge to measure an
unknown resistor
`

REFERENCE

1) http://www.finishing.com/382/65.shtml?_e_pi_=7%2cpage_id10%2c5246341752
2) http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?_e_pi_=7%2cpage_id10%2c3517826416
3) http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/direct-current/chpt-2/voltage-current-
resistance-relate
4) http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/wheatstone_bridge
5) Lab manual Electrical Technology experiment 2 (Measurement and Calculation of
Electrical Parameters
`

RECOMMENDATION

There were too many chances for remarkable errors to trust the data from this experiment. The
calculations made can be tricky and confusing at the beginning with the various units which
involved the operation of measuring dial arms. The first recommendation would be to have
done a complete sample calculation obtained from each and every reading that is taken from
the dial arms. The reading taken must be accurately multiplied with their respective multiplying
factor based on the value of the resistance. Second, the procedures must be held accordingly
and properly. Ensure that every equipment is kept at their place when it is done before taking
further action to proceed the experiment. Third, the dial arms must be rotated in a complete
circle, it must end from the value it has started or stopped if only the pointer is exactly pointing
at zero. Any inaccuracy can be avoided if the method is applied while running the experiment.
Lastly, the experiment should be handled with dry hands as any wet material could give damage
to electrical appliances and could avoid any unwanted events to happen.
`

RESULTS

2.0) EXPERIMENT 1

2.1) Using standard resistor, measure the value of these resistors using precision Wheatstone
bridge. Record all the values in the table 10 below.

Standard value (Ω) Experiment value (Ω)

0.1 0.14999

10 9.9999

100 99.999

1000 999.99

10000 9999.9

Table 10

2.2) Using standard resistor, measure the value of these resistors using portable Wheatstone
bridge. Record all the values in the table 12 below.

Standard value (Ω) Experiment value (Ω)

0.1 0.184

10 10.12

100 100.1

1000 1000

10000 10000

Table 12
`

3.0) EXPERIMENT 2

VOLTS 0 40 80 120 160 200 240

(E)

AMPERES 0 0.04 0.08 0.12 0.16 0.20 0.24

(A)

Table 13

3). Plot the recorded currents of the table 13 on the graph. Draw a smooth curve through
these plotted points. Is the current directly proportional to the voltage?
Yes, current is directly proportional to the voltage.

4). Using the values of I and E from the table 13, calculate the ratio of E/I in each case.
Record your calculations on the table 14 below.

E (V) 40 80 120 160 200 240

E/I 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

(Ω)

Table 14

5). The average value of E/I is 1000. Note that the ratio between the voltage applied across
the resistor and the current flowing through it is a constant value, called resistance.

6). You will now verify that the alternate form of Ohm's Law (I = E/R) is valid. Use the same
circuit and turn on the power supply and adjust for 140 V dc as indicated on the voltmeter
across the 1000Ω resistor. Measure and record the current through the 1000 Ω resistor.

Imeasured = 0.14 A dc.

Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply switch.
Does Imeasured = E/R = 140/1000? 0.14
`

7). You will now verify that the other alternate form of Ohm's Law (E = I x R) is valid. Use
the same circuit shown above. However, this time set the resistance to 2000Ω . Turn on the
power supply and adjust the output voltage until the current meter indicates 0.1A. Measure
and record the voltage across the 2000Ω resistance.

Emeasured = 200 V dc.

Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply switch.
Does Emeasured = IxR = 0.1 x 2000? 200
`

SUMMARY

The purpose of this experiment was to demonstrate Ohm's Law and to show its various forms,
to become familiar with dc voltmeters and ammeters as well as ac voltmeter and ac voltmeter
and to operate Portable Wheatstone and Precision Wheatstone Bridge to measure an unknown
resistor. The experiment was divided into two parts which was experiment 1 and experiment
2. Experiment 1 was start with determination of resistance in the range of 100mΩ to 110MΩ
with accuracy of 0.01 to 0.05% by using Precision Wheatstone bridge. Since this instrument
includes a high sensitivity transistorized galvanometer and bridge power source, no auxiliary
device is required. The results have produced the value of 0.14999Ω, 9.9999Ω, 99.999Ω,
999.99Ω and 9999.9Ω for every standard value (Ω) of 0.1Ω, 10Ω, 100Ω, 1000Ω, 10000Ω.
Next, Portable Wheatstone bridge has also used to measure resistances from 1Ω to 10Ω by
operation of dials and switches. Batteries and a galvanometer are self-contained, one ratio arm
dial and four measuring arm dials. The result has recorded in Table 12 which has produced the
value of 0.184 Ω, 10.12Ω, 100.1Ω, 1000Ω and 10000Ω for every standard value (Ω) of 0.1Ω,
10Ω, 100Ω, 1000Ω, 10000Ω. In experiment 2, the Decade Resistance Box, DC Metering and
Power Supply modules has used to connect the circuit as shown in Figure 15. During running
this experiment, the instrument polarities has observed carefully and the power supply has been
make sure to be turn off and should be in the DC position. The meter also should indicate zero
volts. The value of amperes (A) recorded in Table 13 has produced the value of 0A, 0.04A,
0.08A, 0.12A, 0.16A, 0.20A and 0.24A for every volts (E) 0f 0E, 40E, 80E, 120E, 160E, 200E
and 240E. Throughout the experiment, it showed that the current directly proportional to the
voltage due to the value of volts which increases and gave the effect to the value of amperes to
also increases. There were a few possible errors happen during running this experiment. This
can be seen on the result based on Table 12 which produced the value of 0.184Ω and this was
slightly different from the standard value which should be around 0.1Ω. This may due to the
instrument which was too sensitive and not in stable condition causes the error to happen. Over
all, the results still can be accepted and has successfully achieved the main objectives of this
experiment.