Virtual Lab Lorenzo Light Bulb

Procedure:

Run the Circuit Construction Kit (DC Only) Simulation. Note: this simulation opens in a new window. The link to that is here: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/circuit-constr…

Series Circuit: Record all data into this table:

Steps:

1. Make a series circuit using a power source and at least three bulbs of different resistance. (You can change the resistance by selecting the bulb.) Record the resistance of each bulb.
2. Place the non-contact ammeter at either the tip or threaded section of the bulb. Record the current values.
3. Use Ohm’s law to calculate the voltage across each bulb.
4. Use the voltmeter to confirm the voltage, by placing the red probe and the black probe on the tip and the threaded section of the bulb. Record the values.
5. Once you have confirmed the voltage of your circuit using Ohm’s law, calculate the power for each bulb.
6. Finally, take a screen shot or save the circuit file to your computer. (To create a screenshot on a PC, press Alt-PrintScreen (Alt-PrtScrn) on your computer keyboard, and then paste the captured image into a document file; if you use a Mac, then pressing Command-Shift-3 will capture a screenshot).

Table 1: Series

Parallel Circuit: Record all data in this table:

1. Make a parallel circuit using a power source and at least three bulbs of different resistance. (You can change the resistance by selecting the bulb.) Record the resistance of each bulb.
2. Place the non-contact ammeter at either the tip or threaded section of the bulb. Record the current values.
3. Use Ohm’s law to calculate the voltage across each bulb.
4. Use the voltmeter to confirm the voltage, by placing the red probe and the black probe on the tip and the threaded section of the bulb. Record the values.
5. Once you have confirmed the voltage of your circuit using Ohm’s law, calculate the power for each bulb.
6. Finally, take a screen shot or save the circuit file to your computer. (To create a screenshot on a PC, press Alt-PrintScreen (Alt-PrtScrn) on your computer keyboard, and then paste the captured image into a document file; if you use a Mac, then pressing Command-Shift-3 will capture a screenshot).

Table 2: Parallel