Science 10
Second Quarter
A.Y 2023-2024
Laboratory Activity No.1: Let there be light!
I. DESCRIPTION
A circuit is the path that an electric current travel on, and a simple circuit contains three
components necessary to have a functioning electric circuit. When two or more devices are
connected in a circuit with a voltage source, they can be arranged in two different ways, a series
connection or a parallel connection.
In this experiment, the students will be using the ammeter to measure current (amperes) and the
voltmeter to measure potential (volts).
Learning Targets: • construct series and parallel circuits and investigate their
properties.
• measure values of current and potential differences and
• use Ohm’s law to calculate resistance and current
Prepared by: Ms. Aiza C. Cabatingan
II. BACKGROUND
Ohm’s law is the most fundamental relationship between the quantities of electric potential (voltage),
electric current, and resistance. It is valid for many circuits and allows us to calculate one quantity if we
know the value of the other two. Ohm’s law states that the current through a circuit is directly
proportional to the source voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance in the circuit. For a single
circuit element such as a resistor, heating element, or light bulb filament, the voltage drops across the
device equals the current through the device multiplied by its resistance. So, in mathematical terms, I =
V/R or V = IR. Although the bulb filament’s resistance changes when it is lit, if currents are kept fairly
constant, resistance will not change and Ohm’s Law will be applicable.
III. PRE-LABORATORY REPORT (40 points)
Directions: Read the whole laboratory activity sheet. Write a Pre-Laboratory Journal before
conducting the actual laboratory activity. Refer to page 19 of the Common Laboratory
Apparatus and Equipment for JHS Handout in writing your journal.
Note: Submit your Journal before conducting the activity. We will strictly implement the “No
journal no activity” policy.
IV. MATERIALS
MATERIALS/REAGENTS DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
Voltage source (6 volt dc power acts as a charge pump in a circuit 1
supply or batteries)
2 miniature bulbs and sockets (per Loads to determine whether or not 4 pcs. Per
group) connected in electricity is flowing group
series and parallel
alligator clip/ Connection to make temporary connections 6 pcs. For
wires in an electrical circuit for series
testing purposes. 6 pcs. For
parallel
Multimeter multimeter as an ohmmeter, to 1
measure the resistance of the
bulbs in the sockets
Voltmeter an instrument used for measuring 1
electric potential difference between
two points in an electric circuit
Ammeter an instrument used to measure the 1
current in a circuit.
IV. SAFETY MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONS
1. Wear Appropriate Attire: Always wear lab-appropriate clothing, including long pants or skirt,
closed-toed shoes, and a lab gown.
2. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If necessary, wear a face mask, gloves, or safety
goggles (or glasses) to protect you from splashes, chemical fumes, or flying debris.
3. Use gloves when handling chemicals, specimens, or hot materials.
4. Know the Emergency Exits and Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency
exits, eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits.
5. Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the lab instructions and procedures before
starting any experiment.
6. Handle Glassware Carefully: Inspect glassware for cracks or defects before use. Handle
glassware with care to avoid breakage and injury.
7. Dispose of Waste Properly: Dispose of laboratory waste, including chemicals and contaminated
materials, in designated containers. Follow waste disposal guidelines provided by your instructor.
8. Report Accidents and Incidents: Report any accidents, spills, or injuries to your instructor
immediately, no matter how minor they may seem. Seek medical attention for any injuries or
exposures to chemicals or biological materials.
V. PROCEDURE
Proper polarity must be observed. The positive or red terminal must be connected to the point in
the circuit (or on the device) closest to the positive terminal of the voltage source. If the meter
deflects in the negative direction (below zero) it is connected backwards. Shut down current to
the meter immediately and connect properly.
Part I. series circuit:
1. Connect the series circuit as shown in figure 1, carefully observing meter and power supply
polarities. Do not close the switch until the circuit is inspected by your teacher. Using an
adjustable power supply, turn the control all the way down in the counterclockwise direction,
plug it in and turn it on. When your circuit is checked, close the switch and rotate the control
knob clockwise until the lights begin to glow. Using the voltmeter, adjust the power supply
output until a reading of about 6 V is obtained. Record this reading to the limit of the precision of
the meter
.
2. Record the reading of the ammeter in the data table.
3. Measure the voltage across each bulb in nd
therecord
circuit
it ina the data table.
4. While the bulbs are still lit, carefully disconnect one of the bulbs from the circuit. Observe what
happens to the other bulb and the ammeter reading and record your observations.
PartII: parallel circuit.
1. Connect the parallel circuit as shown in figure 2, again observing polarity for meters and
power supply. Again, have the circuit checked
teacher
by
before
the closing the switch.
Using
the adjustable power supply, turn the control fully counterclockwise.
hen the circuitWis
checked, begin slowly rotating the control clockwise until the bulbs begin to glow. Check the
output voltage with the voltmeter until it measures about 3 volts. Record the exact value
indicated on the meter. Close the switch, measure
voltage of
thethe battery and record (under
source voltage) in the data table.
2. Record the reading of the ammeter in the data table.
3. Measure the voltage across each bulb in the circuit
it inand
therecord
data table.
4. While the bulbs are still lit, carefully disconnect one of the bulbs from the circuit. Observe
what happens to the other bulb and the ammeter reading and record your observations.
5. Turn off the power supply and disconnect the connecting wires.
6. Remove allconnecting wires from the bulb sockets. Using the multimeter as an ohmmeter,
measure the resistance of the bulbs in the sockets and record the Measured Resistance in the
data table.
7. Return all equipment to the proper place and clean up your area.
VI. DATA AND OBSERVATION
Data Table:
Circuit Type Ammeter Bulb #1 Bulb #2 Battery
Current (A) Voltage (V) Voltage (V) Voltage (V)
Series
Parallel
Measured Unlit Bulb
Resistance
Bulb #1 Bulb #2
Calculations Table:
Series Circuit Parallel Circuit
Calculated Resistance Calculated Resistance Calculated Current Calculated Current
Bulb #1 Bulb #2 Bulb #1 Bulb #2
Observations: Describe what happened when one bulb was unscrewed from its socket in both
the series and the parallel circuits. Explain why each observation occurred.
Series: _______________________________________________________________
Parallel: ______________________________________________________________
Questions and Calculations:
1. Calculate the resistance of each bulb using Ohm’s law and the measured values of bulb voltage
and current in the series circuit. Show your work and place the result in the calculations table.
2. Calculate the current through each bulb in the parallel circuit using Ohm’s law, the measured
voltages from the parallel circuit, and the bulb resistances calculated in the previous question.
Show your work and place the result in the calculations table
3. Add the two bulb voltages in the series circuit and compare the total with the source voltage.
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Predict the voltage across one of the series bulbs if the source voltage were doubled.
______________
5. What would be the voltage across any one bulb if three identical bulbs were connected in a series
circuit using your source voltage? ____________________________________________
6. Compare the source voltage to the voltage across each bulb in the parallel circuit. __________
____________________________________________________________________________
7. What would be the voltage across any one bulb if three identical bulbs were connected in a
parallel circuit using your source voltage? __________________________________________
8. Predict the voltage across the parallel bulbs if the source voltage is doubled. _______________
9. Compare the current measured on the ammeter in the parallel circuit with the sum of the calculated
branch currents from question two. _______________________________________
10. Predict the current through any one bulb if three identical bulbs were connected in parallel with
your source voltage. ____________________________________________________________
11. Compare the values of the measured bulb resistances with the calculated resistances. Explain why
they are so different. _______________________________________________________
12. Using your data and your answers to the questions, draw a conclusion that relates (a) the sum of
the voltage drops in a series circuit to the source voltage and (b) the sum of branch currents to the
source current in a parallel circuit. _____________________________________________
VI. POST LABORATORY REPORT (60 points)
Directions: Write a post-laboratory activity report. Refer to page 23 of the Common
Laboratory Apparatus and Equipment for JHS Handout in writing your report and follow the
following format:
1. Paper size: 8.5” inch x 11” inch (letter size)
2. Font style: Times New Roman
3. Font size: 12
Note: Submit your Post-Laboratory Report a week after conducting the activity.
You are expected to include the following in your post-laboratory report:
4. Results and Discussion
a. Answers to Data table and Calculations table
b. Include your observations
c. Answers to Guide questions and calculations
5. Appendices
a. Pictures for every set-up with description
b. References
