PH 1120 Lab 5: Linear Versus Nonlinear Circuits
Objectives
- Observe and measure the Kirchoff’s law distributions of potential difference (voltage) and current across components of linear and non-linear circuits.
Procedure
In this lab, you will measure the voltage and current across various components of a complicated circuit, and then again after replacing one of the (linear) resistors with a (nonlinear) lightbulb. Using your knowledge of Kirchoff's Law, you will determine the rest of the currents and voltages throughout the circuit.
- Open the logger pro template. With the power OFF, wire the circuit according to the circuit diagram. Ground the circuit by connecting the ground and negative terminals with another wire.
- Turn the power supply ON, turn the voltage knob fully counterclockwise, and zero the Logger Pro readings. Delimit the current by a half-rotation of the knob.
- Begin collecting data and adjust the power supply voltage to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 V. Keep each datum using keep function in Logger Pro.
- Perform a linear fit on the top graph to find the equivalent resistance of the whole circuit, and on the lower graph to find the actual resistance of the 68Ωresistor.
- Use the examine function to hover over the top-right data point on each graph and obtain the corresponding voltage and current.
- Replace the 68Ω resistor in you circuit with the #50 (round-headed) light bulb and repeat the data collection.
- Record the greatest current and voltage datum at the top-right, and the least 'non-zero' current and voltage datum on the bottom-left of both graphs.
- Apply Kirchoff's Law to calculate the current and voltage across each component of the circuit for each setup on the lab worksheet. Use Ohm's Law to then acquire the resistance of each component.
Data Checklist
- Measured resistance and uncertainty for whole-circuit and 68Ω resistances.
- Voltage/current data pairs at the greatest voltage setting for the 68Ω resistor setup.
- Voltage/current data pairs at the greatest voltage setting for the lightbulb setup.
- Voltage-current data pairs at the least non-zero voltage setting for the lightbulb setup.
Logger Pro Files and Lab Report
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