Exercise 7.
3 - Voltage in a Series Resistive Circuit
Exercise Objective
To determine the voltage in a series resistive circuit by using a simple formula.
DISCUSSION
In a series resistive circuit, all components are connected one after the other, forming a single pathway
for current to flow. Understanding the behavior of voltage in such a circuit is crucial for analyzing its
overall performance.
The total voltage supplied to the circuit (VT) is equal to the sum of the individual voltage drops
across each resistor (V1, V2, ..., Vn). This principle is analogous to water pressure dropping
gradually as it flows through a series of pipes with constrictions.
Imagine a circuit with three resistors (R1, R2, and R3) connected in series. The total voltage VT
would be:
VT = V1 + V2 + V3
PROCEDURE
1. The power sources were turned off. The DC FUNDAMENTALS circuit board was inserted into
the base unit. The power sources were then turned on.
2. The SERIES CIRCUIT block was located on the DC FUNDAMENTALS circuit board.
3. The resistance values of R1, R2, and R3 were measured and recorded as follows:
R1 = 0.994kΩ; R2 = 1194kΩ; R3 = 0.62kΩ
4. The two-post connector was inserted. The applied voltage (VA) and circuit current (IT) was
measured and recorded as follows: VA = 15v; IT = 5.39mA
5. Using Ohm's law to calculate the voltage drops at R1, R2, and R3:
V1 = 5.39*0.994 = 5.36v
V2 = 5.39*1.194 = 6.44v
V3 = 5.39*0.62 = 3.34v
6. The voltage drops across R1, R2, and R3 was measured and recorded.
V1 = 5.32v; V2 = 6.38v; V3 = 3.31v
7. Using the measured values from steps 3 and 6 the circuit current through each resistor was
determined using the formula IT = Vrn/RN:
I1 = 5.32/0.994 = 5.35mA
I2 = 6.38/1.194 = 5.34mA
I3 = 3.31/0.62 = 5.34mA
8. The measured value of IT from step 4 is nearly the same as the currents calculated by the voltage
drop method.
9. The multimeter black lead was placed at the bottom of the voltage source, the applied voltage
was measured and recorded: V = 15v
10. The multimeter leads was reversed and the applied voltage was recorded: V = -15v
11. The multimeter black lead was placed at the test point between R2 and R3 to establish the
circuit common point at the junction or R2 and R3.
12. The voltage drop across R3 was recorded: V3 = -3.3v. The reference point is between resistors R2
and R3.
13. With the black lead still at the junction of R2 and R3, the voltage drop across R2 (VR2) and
across the combination of R2 and R1 (VR2-R1) were measured and recorded:
VR2 = 6.36v; VR2-R1 = 11.65v
14. The common point is between R2 and R3. With respect to this common point, the measurement
across R1 and R2 is positive.
15. The black meter lead was moved to the test point between R1 and R2. The voltage drops was
measured across RT, R2, and the combination of R2 and R3.
VR1 = 5.31v; VR2 = -6.36v; V2-3 = -9.62v
16. The new common point is between R1 and R2. The measurement of VR1 taken with respect to
the common point is positive.
17. The measurement of VR2 in step 15 is negative with respect to the common point.
18. The voltage measurement across R2 and R3 taken in step 15 is negative with respect to the
common point?
19. CM switch 1 was placed in the ON position. The values of VA, IT, VR1, VR2, and VR3 were
measured and recorded as follows:
VA = 15v; IT = 6.55mA; VR1 = 3.22v; VR2 = 7.75v; VR3 = 4.02v
20. Resistor values as recorded as follows:
R1 = 0.492kΩ; R2 = 1.183kΩ; R3 = 0.614kΩ
The Value of R1 was changed by switch 1. The value decreased.
21. Because of the change in resistance, the value of IT increased.
22. The values of R2 and remained the same. The voltage drops of R2 and R3 increased.
23. The CM switch 1 was placed in the OFF position. CM switch 2 was placed in the ON position. The
values of VA, IT, VR1, VR2, and VR3 were measured and recorded as follows:
VA = 15v; IT = 4.42mA; VR1 = 4.35v; VR2 = 5.23v; VR3 = 5.4v
24. With respect to the unmodified (no CM) circuit, the resistor values were measured and recorded
as follows:
R1 = 0.984kΩ; R2 = 1.183kΩ; R3 = 1.22kΩ
The Value of R3 was changed by switch 1. The value increased.
25. The change in resistance caused IT to decrease. The change in IT caused the voltage drops at R1
and R2 to decrease while the voltage drop at R3 increased.
26. CM switch 2 was turned off. All power sources were turned off.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Voltage drops are affected by changes in circuit current. A higher current generates a greater
voltage drop.
2. To establish a circuit reference point, or circuit common, place the multimeter common leads at
a specific point on the circuit.
3. The polarity of a reading is determined by the location of the multimeter common when
connected to the circuit.
4. Resistive changes cause changes in the total current, which in turn cause changes in the voltage
drops.
