LAB REPORT ON EXPERIMENT 3
(OHM AND KIRCHHOFF LAW)
MATERIALS ENGINEERING LAB 1
MTRE 1101
NUR IDAYU BINTI AYOB
8TH MAY 2025
NO NAME MATRIC NO
1 Muhammad Atief Haikal Bin Ilias 2412105
2 Muhammad Fauzan Bin ABD Jalil 2411777
3 Muhammad Alif Ikhwan bin 2416797
Mohammad Abd Wahab
4 Muhammad Harraz Iskandar bin 2410511
Kamal Azizu
5 Muhammad Amirul Haziq bin Mat 2413207
Yatim
6 Muhammad Haris Bin Mohd Radzi 2414059
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Electrical circuits are fundamental in engineering, and their analysis relies on key laws
such as Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws. Ohm’s Law states that the voltage across a
resistor is proportional to the current flowing through it (V=IR). Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law
(KVL) asserts that the sum of voltages around any closed loop in a circuit is zero, while
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) states that the sum of currents entering a node equals the
sum leaving it. This experiment aims to verify these laws through practical measurements
and simulations.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
i) To verify Ohm’s Law by measuring the relationship between voltage and current across
a resistor.
ii) To validate Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws in series and parallel resistor
circuits.
3.0 EQUIPMENT
i) Part A: Ohm’s Law
DC Power Supply
Two Digital Multimeters
Resistors : 1k , 2.2k , 6.8k
ii) Part B: Kirchhoff’s Law
DC Power Supply
Three Digital Multimeters
Resistors : 1.0k , 2.2k , 3.0k
4.0 PROCEDURES
PART A: OHM’S LAW
1. The circuit shown in Figure 3.1 is constructed
2.The actual resistance values of R1,R2, and R3 are measured using a multimeter
3. The power supply is adjusted to apply voltages (ranging from 0V-^v) across R3
4 . The corresponding current is recorded for each voltage setting.
5. A graph of IR3 vs VR3 is plotted
6. The slope (conductance, G) is determined from the graph, and the resistance (R = 1/G)
is calculated
7 . The measured resistance is compared with the theoretical value, and the percentage
error is calculated
PART B : KIRCHHOFF’S LAW
1. The circuit in Figure 3.2 is constructed
2. The actual resistances of R1,R2,and R3 are measured
3. The currents I1,I2, and I3 are measured using ammeters
4. The voltages V(R1), V(R1),V(R2), and V(R3) are measured
5. Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) is verified at the nodes and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
(KVL) is verified around the loops
5.0 RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS FOR PART A AND B
1V 1.97V/2.00V
3.00V 4.02V//4.00V
4.97V//5.00V 6.00V
7.02V//7.00V 7.97V/8.00V
8.99V/9.00V
Table 3.1
R1 = 1 kΩ Measured Resistance, R = 1 kΩ
R2 = 1.5 kΩ Measured Resistance, R = 1.50 kΩ
R3 = 6.8 kΩ Measured Resistance, R = 6.80 kΩ
Voltage V 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
across R3
Current mA 0 0.15 0.29 0.44 0.59 0.73 0.88 1.03 1.17 1.32
(Measured
value)
Current mA 0 0.14 0.29 0.44 0.58 0.73 0.88 1.02 1.17 1.32
(Theoretical 7 4 1 8 5 2 9 6 4
value)
Percentage Error
6.1 DISCUSSIONS FOR PART A
1. Calculate the slope of your graph from this information by constructing a right
triangle on the graph.
2. The slope of the graph is called conductance, G. Record G and R for the graph in
the appropriate column in Table 3.2
3. From this information, deduce the value of the resistance and compare it with the
value of the measured, R3, by calculating the percentage error
Table 3.2
PARAMETER Slope (G) R(1/G)
Measured Values 0.000148 S 6.76 kΩ
Theoretical Values 0.0001471 S 6.8 kΩ
6.1.1 DISCUSSIONS BY ATIEF (2412105)
From the data provided in Table 3.2, the theoretical conductance (G) is given as
0.0001471 S, which corresponds to a theoretical resistance of 6.8kohms since R=1/G.
The measured conductance is 0.000148S, yielding a measured resistance of 6.76kohms.
Percentage Error Calculation
The percentage error between the theoretical and measured resistance values can be
calculated using the formula:
Substituting the given values:
The percentage error of approximately 0.59% is very small, indicating that the measured
resistance (6.76kohms) is in excellent agreement with the theoretical value
(6.8kohms).This low error suggests that the experimental procedure was conducted with
high precision, and any discrepancies could be attributed to minor factor such as
instrumental limitation but since we used TinkedCad , the accuracy of the TinkedCad is
near to perfect making the percentage error very small.
6.1.2 DISCUSSIONS BY ALIF IKHWAN (2416797)
The main objective of this experiment is to verify Ohm’s Law, which states that voltage, V, is
directly proportional to current, I. Based on the experimental data, we can see that current
increases linearly with voltage. This was evident from the current vs. voltage graph, which
showed a straight line passing through the origin. The slope of the line represents conductance,
G, which is approximately 0.148 mA/V. Thus, we can find the value of resistance, R3:
R3=1/G
R3=1/0.148
= 6.745 Ω
From this information, we can continue to find the percentage error:
Percentage Error = | 6.745 – 6.8 |
6.8
= 0.8%
A percentage error, which is 0.8% (<1%), shows that the experiment is highly accurate. The
straight line on the current, I versus voltage, V graph indicates that the conductance, G, which is
reciprocal to resistance, obeys Ohm’s Law under the conditions tested.
6.1.3 DISCUSSIONS BY AMIRUL HAZIQ (2413207)
Because this experiment was primarily carried out in TinkerCad, it is confirmed that simulated
current (IR3) is directly proportional to voltage (VR3) across the resistor. The graphs for IR3 and
VR3 should be straight lines that pass through the origin, establishing the equation V=IR.
By constructing right angle, we can get the slope for the I-V graph which corresponds to
conductance, which is
or
which is just 0.61% different from the theoretical value of 147.1 μS.
For resistance calculations :
After converting to resistance, we obtained 6.76 kΩ instead of the intended 6.8 kΩ, with a 0.59%
inaccuracy.
This aligns with Ohm's Law as expected by the simulation. Tinkercad's number rounding causes
tiny variations, but they do not affect the results of the experiment.
6.1.4 DISCUSSIONS BY HARRAZ ISKANDAR (2410511)
A graph of current (IR3) versus voltage (VR3) was plotted using the experimental values,
and it displayed a linear relationship, confirming Ohm’s Law (V=IR). From the graph, the
slope (conductance G) was calculated using the triangle between the points (1.4 V, 0.2
mA) and (6 V, 0.882 mA). The resulting slope is:
Using the relationship R = 1/G, the calculated resistance was:
This value aligns closely with both the labeled (6.8 kΩ) and measured(6.76 kΩ)
resistance of R3, resulting in a percentage error of 0.635% by using the formula:
After plug in all of the values, the result of the percentage error is:
6.1.5 DISCUSSIONS BY FAUZAN (2411777)
As a group, we agreed to use the selected coordinate values for the slope calculation, resulting in
a value of 0.000148 A/V. The slope of the I-V graph represents the conductance of the
component.
The slope for the I-V graph corresponds to conductance. The calculation :
The theoretical resistance is 6.80 kΩ, while the calculated resistance based on our experimental
data is 6.76 kΩ. The percentage error between the theoretical and measured values is 0.59%,
which is within an acceptable range (below 1%). This minor inaccuracy can be attributed to
limitations in simulation accuracy when using Tinkercad for the experiment.
This result is consistent with Ohm's Law, which states that electric current is directly
proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance.
6.1.6 DISCUSSIONS BY HARIS (2414059)
A linear graph of current (IR₃) versus voltage (VR₃) was plotted using experimental data,
demonstrating adherence to Ohm’s Law ( V=IR ) The conductance (G) was determined by
calculating the slope between the points (1.4V, 0.2 mA) and (6V, 0.882 mA), yielding:
The resistance value was derived by utilizing the inverse relationship R =1/G , resulting in the
following calculation:
The theoretical resistance value of 6.80 kΩ aligns closely with the experimentally derived value
of 6.76 kΩ. A percentage error of 0.59% was calculated between these values, which is in
acceptable range (<1%). The small difference likely occurred because the Tinkercad simulation
tool used in the experiment isn’t perfectly precise.
5.1 RESULTS AND CALCULATION FOR PART B
Table 3.3
R1 R2 R3
1 kΩ 3 kΩ 2.2 kΩ
Table 3.4
Parameter Current Current Direction
I(R1) -3.14 mA left
I(R2) -2.29 mA left
I(R3) 0.84 mA right
Table 3.5
Parameter Measured Value
Voltage (V) Sign (+ or -)
V(R1) 3.14 +
V(R2) 6.86 +
6.2 DISCUSSIONS FOR PART B
1. Describe any differences between the measured values with the simulated values.
Predict the reasons by calculating the percentage error.
2. Verify and relate Kirchhoff’s laws in the Current and Voltage of the circuits in
Fig 3.2 with the results obtained.
6.2.1 DISCUSSIONS BY ATIEF (2412105)
1. Differences between measured and simulated values
The measured values for currents and voltages in the circuit (Table 3.4 and Table
3.5) may differ slightly from simulated (theoretical) values due to experimental
errors but since we run it on TinkedCad , the theoretical values will be accurate
enough for a low percentage error. To quantify this, we can calculate the
percentage error.
Percentage Error
Formula :
Percentage Error for I(1) = 0% if direction is corrected
Percentage Error for I(2)=0% if direction is corrected
Percentage Error for I(3)=0.845%
I think that the reason for the high value is due to experimental mistake on our
behalf for example it could be the misaligned multimeter probes or some
accounted parallel branches. We can improve this by relabel directions in the
circuits and verify the I(R3) measurement and check for additional current paths
6.2.2 DISCUSSIONS BY ALIF IKHWAN (2416797)
The main objective of this experiment is to verify Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) and
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) by calculating the voltage in simple series and parallel resistor
circuits. Both laws are fundamental principles in circuit analysis and were tested using accurate
measurement of current and voltage in each configuration. For the series circuit, the voltage
across each resistor was measured and compared with the total voltage supplied by the power
source. The formula for KVL is as follows:
Vtotal = V1 + V2 + V3
Usually, the summation of voltage in the KVL is equal to zero. Meanwhile, in a parallel circuit,
the current flows are often considered at the nodes of each branch. The total current flow in and
out of the nodes is the same:
Iin = Iout
Itotal = I1 + I2 + I3
Based on the experimental data, the final values of voltage measured by using both methods,
KVL and KCL, are the same. Thus, we can compare the theoretical value with the actual value
by calculating their percentage errors:
Since their percentage errors are < 1%, it shows that the experiment is highly accurate.
6.2.3 DISCUSSION BY AMIRUL HAZIQ
1. To obtain the theoretical value , we have to calculate it based on KCL and KVL .
Based on the equation , we can obtain the values for I1 , I2, and I3, which are
I1 : 3.13 mA I₂: 2.288 mA I3 : -0.84 mA
Then we can apply this value to V to get the theoretical value for V.
The voltage across R1 is going to be 3.13V, while the voltage across R2 is 6.86V.
2. Since the sign only indicates the assumed direction of current flow, the percentage error
for I1, I2, and I3 can be calculated using only the magnitudes and ignoring the sign. This
is because percentage error is concerned with the accuracy of the value rather than its
direction.
3. The actual and expected current values were close in size but sometimes flowed in
different directions. This happens when the assumed direction in calculations is wrong. If
a negative result shows up in measurement or simulation, it means the current flows
opposite to what was assumed. This doesn't break Kirchhoff’s Current Law, and the sizes
of the actual and expected results are similar.
6.2.4 DISCUSSION BY FAUZAN (2411777)
1. Based on the results, differences between the measured and simulated values are to be
expected. The result might be different due to assembling the circuit using Tinkercad and
using the real world setting.
Percentage Error :
In conclusion, there is only a slight error when comparing the percentage error between
the theoretical values and the measured values obtained using Tinkercad. However, the
percentage error for the current in R3 is much higher compared to the other results, with a
value of 1.18%. This is likely due to an incorrect installation of the electrical circuit, such
as connecting to the wrong node or branch, making the reading invalid.
2. Using the Kirchhoff law, the result that we get is :
The differences between the measured value by Tinkercad and the theoretical value calculated
using Kirchhoff's Law is minor.
6.2.5 DISCUSSIONS BY HARRAZ ISKANDAR (2410511)
The aim of Part B of this experiment was to confirm Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) and
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) with the aid of measured data and simulations. The
circuit used for this involved three resistors (R1 = 1.0 kΩ, R2 = 3.0 kΩ, R3 = 2.2 kΩ), in
a configuration suitable to subject both laws to testing.
Based on the KCL, the total of the currents entering and the currents emerging from a
node is zero. From the experiment's outcomes:
● I(R1) = -3.14 mA (left)
● I(R2) = -2.29 mA (left)
● I(R3) = +0.84 mA (right)
Assuming the currents flowing in at the node to be negative and the one flowing out
positive, the sum would be:
I(R1) + I(R2) + I(R3) = −3.14 − 2.29 + 0.84 = −4.59 mA
This would imply a discrepancy. Keeping in mind the directions of current flow and
potential simulation roundoffs, though, a more accurate comparison is made of the
magnitude:
|I(R3)| ≈ |I(R1) + I(R2)| = 3.14 + 2.29 = 5.43 mA
This is a mismatch, which may be due to:
● Incorrect assumption of direction of current
● Minor simulation errors or limitations of tools in Tinkercad
● Wiring error or probe misplacement in the virtual configuration
In calculating percentage error for I(R3):
Percentage Error = |0.84 − 0.85| / 0.85 × 100 ≈ 1.18%
This is a fairly minor discrepancy, within the bounds of acceptable simulation errors,
which lends credence to the accuracy of KCL in the circuit.
Next, KVL explains that the total of the voltages within a closed loop in a circuit is zero.
From the measured data:
● V(R1) = 3.14 V
● V(R2) = 6.86 V
Total loop voltage is approximately 3.14 V + 6.86 V = 10.00 V
If the power supply delivered 10V as expected, then:
V_total − (V_R1 + V_R2) = 0 ⇒ 10 − 10 = 0
This fully complies with Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law, indicating that the measured voltages
are in agreement with KVL.
For the source of error, such minor variations including the 1.18% current measurement
discrepancy can be explained by:
● Simulation rounding in Tinkercad
● Labelling of current direction or node orientation
● Tolerance levels not specifically stated in simulation models
To increase accuracy:
● Reconsider current directions comprehensively while analyzing them
● Employ higher-fidelity simulation tools (such as PSPICE) to obtain more accurate
results
● Manually confirm connections of nodes to guarantee uniform current flow
assumptions
In general, the experiment was successful in illustrating the truth of both Kirchoff’s
Current and Voltage Laws. The slight variations of calculated and measured outcomes are
within acceptable simulation bounds, ensuring that the circuit acts in the way predicted
by these basic laws of electricity.
6.2.6 DISCUSSIONS BY HARIS (2414059)
The actual readings from the circuit (Tables 3.4 and 3.5) might show small differences
compared to simulation results. This can happen due to small mistakes during setup or
tool limits. However, because Tinkercad simulations are highly accurate, these errors stay
very low. To confirm this, we can calculate the percentage difference between the
measured and simulated values.
For percentage error calculation, we can use the formula given and calculate the
percentage error :
For I(1):
For I(2):
For I(3):
The reason for the high value is maybe because of the experimental mistake. It could be a
directional error or theres a flaw in the experiment setup or simulation. We could prevent
this by checking the measurements beforehand to make sure it aligns with the expected
directions and also calibrated the tools correctly.
7.0 CONCLUSIONS
The experiment successfully verified Ohm’s Law and Kirchoff’s Laws.The linear
relationship between voltage and current confirmed Ohm’s Law , while KCL and
KVL held true within reasonable experimental error. These principles are essential
for analyzing and designing electrical circuits.
