E306: SERIES AND PARALLEL CIRCUITS
SAPIANDANTE, Goran Y.
goran.sapiandante@gmail.com/2014108404/ECE-2
PHY12L-A3 Group 3
PROGRAM OUTCOME A. Ability to apply knowledge of
mathematics, science and engineering
Data Sheet / Computation (10)
PROGRAM OUTCOME G. Ability to communicate
effectively
Presentation / Graph, Figures and
Tables (10)
PROGRAM OUTCOME B. Ability to design and conduct
experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
Results and Discussion (15)
Conclusion / Error Analysis (15)
PROGRAM OUTCOME K. Ability to use the techniques,
skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for
engineering practice
Application (10)
Performance
TOTAL
September 14, 2017
E306: SERIES AND PARALLEL CIRCUITS
Goran Y. Sapiandante
(School of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering, Mapúa University, Philippines)
Introduction
The sixth and last experiment is all about series and parallel circuits. And before we start this
experiment, we should know what series and parallel circuits are. A series circuit is a closed circuit in which
the current follows one path, as opposed to a parallel circuit where the circuit is divided into two or more paths.
In a series circuit, the current through each load is the same and the total voltage across the circuit is the sum
of the voltages across each load. And a parallel circuit is also a closed circuit but in this kind of circuit the
current divides into two or more paths before recombining to complete the circuit. Each load connected in a
separate path receives the full circuit voltage and the total circuit current is equal to the sum of the individual
branch currents.
Results and Discussion
Figure 1. This figure represents the setup for Figure 3. Setup of the parallel circuit
series circuit
Figure 2. Getting the voltage of the third Figure 4. Getting the voltage of the first resistance box
resistance box in series circuit
At first, we are given three values for our group to use in each of our resistance boxes. The
resistances are 81 ohms, 169 ohms, and 35 ohms. We will use these values for getting our voltages
and currents. For the series circuits, the values that we got for our voltage in three resistance boxes
are as follows; 0.958 volts, 2.03 volts, and 0.415 volts. And the currents are 0.011 amperes for three
resistance boxes because the currents are equal in series circuit. Here is an example table of the series
circuit
Table 1. SERIES CIRCUIT
Experimental Computed
Voltage of Resistance 1 0.958 volts 0.891 volts
Voltage of Resistance 2 2.03 volts 1.859 volts
Voltage of Resistance 3 0.415 volts 0.385 volts
Current of Resistance 1 0.011 Amperes 0.011 Amperes
Current of Resistance 2 0.011 Amperes 0.011 Amperes
Current of Resistance 3 0.011 Amperes 0.011 Amperes
In this table, we can see that the currents are equal through all resistance. This is because the setup in this
table in series. With these values, the percentage difference that we got is 8.70%. After getting this value, we are
satisfied because it is quite low. Here is a sample computation for getting the total current and the total voltage.
𝐼𝑇 = 𝐼1 = 𝐼2 = 𝐼3 = ⋯ … = 𝐼𝑛 (1)
(2)
Conclusions
In our last experiment, we have successfully met the objective which is to determine the current in
series and parallel circuits, determine the voltage across each resistors and current flowing in a parallel and
series circuit, investigate the relationship between voltages in resistor and total voltage, and to investigate the
relationship between the current in each resistor and the total current. At first, we had problems doing the
circuits because we are confused with the wires. At first, we thought that wires matter but after realizing that
wires doesn’t matter as long as we connect them right, we easily knew what to do. One factor of error in this
experiment are wires because if they don’t work properly, the meter will not be read properly. Other factor is
when the resistance boxes are still zero. In our last meeting, the other group had the resistance boxes still in
zero that’s why they are not getting any reading.
One application in real life of circuit would be like a typical two battery flashlight. Because the
batteries inside the flashlight are in series and for parallel, we can usually see this type of circuit when
jumpstarting a car because you use a jumper cable to connect both of the batteries.
References
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/direct-current/chpt-5/what-are-series-and-parallel-circuits/
