Parallel DC Circuits
Parallel Set-Up 1 Lamp
 | Make sure the "Circuit" Amp meter is in the circuit with the power supply to the first lamp. Start with the input from the power at the 500 mA terminal. If the reading is less than 50 mA, then move to the 50 mA terminal for a more accurate reading. |
| After the Series Lab, be sure to move the black wire to the power supply from position #5 back to #1 and the "Lamp" Amp meter back to the 2nd bulb. |
| Add a jumper to the right side connecting all 5 Lamps. |
| The Volt meter is not in the circuit, it monitors the voltage outside of the lamp. Start with the red probe on the 15 V terminal. |
|  Keep the
power supply off until your setup is checked for safety. |
|
Turn on the power supply and adjust the output to 2.5 Volts. Do not adjust the knob again. Use the On/Off switch if needed. |
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Refer to Part II in Parallel Data Collection Worksheets. |
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Record the current in mA from the "Circuit" meter in Column B. The "Circuit" and "Lamp" current is the same. |
Parallel 2 Lamps
| For this lab, do not move the black wire to the power supply. |
| Use the "Lamp" Amp meter to connect the 2nd Lamp. Swap the leads if the meter needle moves below zero. |
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Measure and record the voltage across each lamp in Columns C & D. |
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Record the "Circuit" meter in Column B and the "Lamp" meter in Column D. Hint: They should be sharing the current! |
Parallel 3 Lamps
| Use the "Lamp" Amp meter to connect the 3rd Lamp. Add a jumper to the left side connecting Lamp 1 and Lamp 2. |
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Measure and record the voltage across each lamp in Columns C, D & E. |
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Record the "Circuit" meter in Column B and the "Lamp" meter in Column E. Hint: They should be sharing the current! |
Parallel 4 Lamps
| Use the "Lamp" Amp meter to connect the 4th Lamp. Add a jumper to the left side connecting Lamp 2 and Lamp 3. |
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Measure and record the voltage across each lamp in Columns C, D, E, & F. |
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Record the "Circuit" meter in Column B and the "Lamp" meter in Column F. Hint: They should be sharing the current! |
Parallel 5 Lamps
| Use the "Lamp" Amp meter to connect the 5th Lamp. Add a jumper to the left side connecting Lamp 3 and Lamp 4. |
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Measure and record the voltage across each lamp in Columns C, D, E, F, & G. |
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Record the "Circuit" meter in Column B and the "Lamp" meter in Column G. Hint: They should be sharing the current! |
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