STUDENT INTRODUCTION
[School Name]
SESSION: 2024-2025
PROJECT REPORT ON:
Investigation of Series and Parallel AC Circuits Using Three 100 W Bulbs
NAME: [Your Name]
CLASS: XII (Science)
ROLL NO: [Board/Class Roll Number]
SUBJECT: Physics
GUIDED BY: Rahul Atri
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that [Your Name], a student of Class XII, has successfully completed the Physics
Investigatory Project entitled "A.C circuit having three 100 W bulbs to check combination in series
and parallel" under my guidance during the academic year 2024-2025.
To the best of my knowledge, this project is the result of his/her own research and authentic work
as per the guidelines of the CBSE curriculum.
Place: [City Name]
Date: [Date]
(Teacher In■charge) (Principal) (External Examiner)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
(Use the acknowledgement format from your practical book and write here.)
AIM AND APPARATUS
Aim and Objectives
The main objective is to design, assemble, and test AC circuits with three 100 W incandescent
bulbs connected in series and parallel configurations. The project aims to:
1. Compare the brightness (power consumption) of the bulbs in both circuits.
2. Analyze the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in AC series and parallel
circuits using Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws.
3. Observe the effect of a single bulb failure on the rest of the circuit in both configurations.
APPARATUS
1 Three 100 W, 220 V (or appropriate local voltage) incandescent light bulbs
2 Three bulb holders
3 Insulated copper connecting wires
4 AC power source (mains supply with a fuse/circuit breaker)
5 Main switch
THEORY AND PROCEDURE
Theory
An AC circuit is an electric circuit where the current periodically reverses direction. In this project,
the primary property under examination is how total resistance, current, and voltage distribution
differ between series and parallel connections, which directly impacts the power consumed and
brightness of the bulbs.
Series Circuit: Total resistance is the sum of individual resistances:
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3
The same current flows through all components:
Itotal = I1 = I2 = I3
Voltage is divided across the components:
Vtotal = V1 + V2 + V3
Parallel Circuit: Total resistance is calculated using:
1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
Each branch receives the full source voltage:
Vtotal = V1 = V2 = V3
Total current is the sum of individual branch currents:
Itotal = I1 + I2 + I3
PROCEDURE AND SAFETY
Safety First:
• Always work with adult supervision when dealing with mains AC voltage.
• Ensure all power is disconnected at the source before making or changing any connections.
• Use insulated tools and wear safety glasses.
• Avoid touching bare wires and work in a dry area.
Steps:
1. Calculate the resistance of each 100W bulb using R = V² / P (for 220 V, R ≈ 484 Ω).
2. Assemble the series circuit using switch and fuse in series with the supply.
3. Inspect the circuit before applying power and observe bulb brightness.
4. Unscrew one bulb and observe the effect on others.
5. Assemble the parallel circuit similarly and repeat the observations.
DIAGRAM
Draw neat diagrams of:
1. Series combination with three bulbs as resistors.
2. Parallel combination with three bulbs as resistors.
OBSERVATIONS
(To be filled as shared in the group.)
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Results and Discussion
In the series circuit, the total resistance is high and current is small, so bulbs glow dimly. In the
parallel circuit, each bulb receives full mains voltage and glows at normal brightness. Parallel wiring
is preferred in homes because each appliance works independently at full power.
Conclusion
This project demonstrated that parallel circuits provide greater power output and independence for
loads, while series circuits limit current and voltage across each component.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 NCERT Physics Textbook
2 Class Notes
3 Educational videos from YouTube