Series connection can damage the electrical appliance due to flow of huge
amount of current which may be not required by that appliance.
EXPERIMENT – 2
Aim
To determine the equivalent resistance of two resistors when connected in series.
Theory
Resistance of a wire can be increased or decreased depending on its
combinations and connections in a circuit.
Resistors are joined in the circuit in two different methods, i.e., in series and in
parallel.
If two resistors named as R1 and R2 are joined end to end they are said to be
connected in series.
In such a case the ammeter reading, i.e., current flowing through all two resistors
will be same but the potential difference across each resistor will be different.
Hence, the total potential difference V is the combination of two different volts
obtained across each resistor.
.’. If R1 and R2 are connected in series,
R = R 1 + R2
Where current I = constant
But potential difference V = V1 + V2
∴ On applying Ohm ’s law to the three resistors separately, we get
V1 = IR1 …(1)
V2 = IR2 …(2)
Total V = V1 + V2
V = IR1 + IR2
V = I(R1 + R2)
This proves that total resistance R for connection in series combination is:
R = R1 + R2
Materials Required
Two resistors of different values for example,
R, = 1 Ω, R, = 2Ω.
Battery of 6 volt.
Ammeter, plug key, connecting wires, a piece of sand paper, voltmeter and
rheostat.
Procedure
1. Make the connections according to the diagram given below.
2. Do not ‘on’ the key.
3. Connect ammeter in series and voltmeter in parallel and rheostat in series in the
circuit.
4. Carefully check the +ve and -ve terminals of the battery, voltmeter and ammeter,
and the connections as shown in Fig. I.
5. Record the ammeter reading and the voltmeter reading by inserting the key.
6. By adjusting rheostat note three readings.
7. Now connect voltmeter in parallel one by one to individual resistance as shown in
Fig. II and note down the readings.
8. Plug the key. Measure the potential difference across the first resistor. Let it be
V1 .
9. Similarly, measure the potential difference across the second resistor, separately.
Let the value be V2.
10. Calculate the relationship between V, V1, and V2.
Observation Table
Result
1. The calculated value of Rs = R1 + R2 = 3 Ω
2. The experimental value of Rs = 3 Ω
The above two values are close to each other.
Hence, Rs = R1 + R2 is verified.
Precautions
1. The connecting wires should be thick copper wires and the insulation of their ends
should be removed using the sandpaper.
2. Connections should be tight otherwise some external resistance may introduce in
the circuit.
3. Connections should be made as per the circuit.
4. The ammeter should be connected in series with the resistor such that the current
enters at the positive terminal and leaves at the negative terminal of the ammeter.
5. Voltmeter should always be connected in parallel to resistor.
6. Calculate the least count of voltmeter and ammeter correctly.
7. The pointers of the ammeter and voltmeter should be at zero mark when no
current flows through the circuit.
8. Current should be passed through the circuit for a short time while taking
observations; otherwise a current would cause unnecessary heating in the circuit.
Heating may change the resistance of resistors.
Viva Voce
Question 1:
If the resistors are connected in series in a circuit what remains constant?
Аnswer:
Current.
Question 2:
Two resistance of value 2Ω and 3Ω are connected in series. What will be the total
resistance?
Аnswer:
The total resistance of 2Ω and 3Ω when connected in series will be 5Ω (2Ω + 3Ω = 5Ω).
Question 3:
What is the potential difference when resistors are connected in series?
Аnswer:
The potential difference V for the series of resistors in a circuit will be the sum of all the
potential differences.
V = V1 + V2 + V3 ….
Question 4:
How do we connect the voltmeter in a circuit where resistors are in series?
Аnswer:
The voltmeter is connected parallel in a circuit where resistors are in series.
Question 5:
When several resistors are joined in series what is the total resistance in combination?
Аnswer:
The total resistance R is equal to the sum of their individual resistance R1, R2, R3,…
.’. R = R1 + R2 + R3 +…………..
