Principles

Procedure

Pre-lab WebHW

Data

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Procedure

1. Carefully measure and record the resistances of your three resistors.
2. Set up the circuit.  Use 5 volts, and set the current limit to 1.000A.  Refer to the Multimeter Lab or ask you instructor if you have forgotten how to do this.
3. Measure the direction and value of the current in each of the three segments of the circuit, and verify the point rule:
   1. Configure your multimeter as an ammeter.
   2. Create a gap in one of the segments.
   3. Jump across the gap using your ammeter as a wire.
   4. Keep the red probe nearest to the positive pole of the power supply.  A positive value of current means that the current flows into the red probe and out of the black probe.  A negative value of current mean that the current flows into the black probe and out of the red probe.   
   5. Reconnect the gap, and proceed to another current segment.
   6. When you have measured the current value and direction in all three segments, verify that the point rule (equation (1))  is satisfied.  Record your measurements on the Data Page.  Discuss any errors you observe.
4. Compare the currents you measure with the values predicted by equations (6) - (8) using your measured values of resistance.  Compute a percent difference.