Aim
To determine the equivalent resistance of two resistors when connected in parallel.
Theory
If the resistors are connected in parallel along with a battery, then the total current I is calculated as a
sum of the separate value of current through each branch. It is given as:
I = I1+I2+I3+….
Materials Required
1. A battery
2. A plug key
3. Connecting wires
4. An ammeter
5. A voltmeter
6. Rheostat
7. A piece of sandpaper
8. Two resistors of different values
Procedure
1. Make all the connections as shown in the experimental setup I by keeping the key off.
2. Insert the key when the circuit is connected appropriately.
3. For resistors R1 and R2, note three readings of ammeter and voltmeter.
4. Connect the circuit as shown in the experimental setup II.
5. Resistors and voltmeter both are connected in parallel.
6. Record three readings of ammeter and voltmeter and use a rheostat.
7. Remove the key.
8. With the help of the observation table, do the calculations.
Observation Table
Resistor used [Link] Voltmeter Ammeter R=V/I (in Mean value of
observations reading in Volts reading in Ohm) resistance (Ohm)
(V) Ampere (I)
R1 (first resistor) a 0.01 0.01 1 R1 = 1 ohm
b 0.02 0.02 1
c 0.04 0.04 1
R2 (second resistor) a 0.02 0.01 2 R2 = 2 ohm
b 0.06 0.03 2
c 0.08 0.04 2
1/Rp=(1/R1)+(1/R2) a 0.026 0.04 0.67 Rp=0.67 ohm
Parallel 1/Rp=1.5 ohm
combination
Result
The calculated value of 1Rp=(1R1)+(1R2)=1.5Ω
1Rp
The experimental value of 1Rp=1.5Ω
1Rp
The equivalent resistance Rp is less than the individual resistance.
Precautions
1. The connecting wires used should be thick copper wire and using sandpaper, the insulation
at the end of the wires should be removed.
2. The connections should be tight to avoid introducing external resistance.
3. To make connections, the circuit diagram should be referred to.
4. To make the current entry from the positive terminal and exit from the negative terminal, the
ammeter should be connected in series.
5. Resistor and voltmeter should be connected in parallel.
6. The least count of ammeter and voltmeter should be calculated properly.
7. When there is no current flow, the ammeter and voltmeter should be at zero.
8. To avoid heating and change the resistor’s resistance value, the current should flow while
taking the readings.