Series parallel measurement

Instructions:

This activity has three sections:

  • measure voltage
  • measure current flow
  • measure resistance.

Note:

  • You can print this page and write your answers onto it.

Series parallel circuit diagram

Instructions:

  • Look at the circuit diagram.
  • Observe voltage and resistance values.

 

Review the circuit diagram for future reference.

Diagram of a serial parallel circuit

 

Section 1 – Measure voltage

Instructions:

You'll be shown a connected series parallel circuit. You'll need to:

  • answer questions about meter connection
  • answer questions about voltage readings
  • circle or write down your answer.

 

1. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this voltage test.

Wired circuit
  1. 0.12 mV
  2. 3 KV
  3. 3.33 mA
  4. 3 V
  5. 12 V
  6. 6 V
  7. -3 V

 

2. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this voltage test.

Wired circuit
  1. 0.12 mV
  2. 2.5 V
  3. 0.5 V
  4. 3 V
  5. 12 V
  6. 6 V
  7. -3 V

 

3. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this voltage test.

Wired circuit
  1. 0.12 mV
  2. 2.5 V
  3. 0.5 V
  4. 3 V
  5. 12 V
  6. 6 V
  7. -3 V

 

4. What would voltage measurements across the resistors determine?

  1. Voltage is the same across all resistors in series parallel.
  2. Voltage is highest at the largest resistance.
  3. Voltage is lowest at the largest resistance.

 

Section 2 – Measure amperage

Instructions:

You'll be shown a connected series parallel circuit. You'll need to:

  • answer questions, about using an ammeter
  • answer questions, about measuring amps at specific points in the circuit
  • circle or write down your answer.

 

5. If a 600 ohm resistor is connected to a three volt power supply, what range would you expect the amps to be?

  1. 0 to 5 amps.
  2. 0 to 10 milliamps.
  3. 10 to 20 amps.
  4. 0 to 10 amps.

 

6. Will this connection measure total current flow through three resistors?

Wired circuit
  1. Yes
  2. No

 

7. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this current test.

Wired circuit
  1. 3.33 mA
  2. 5.0 mA
  3. 1.8 A
  4. 1.66 mA
  5. 1.2 A
  6. 0.6 A
  7. 0.02 mA

 

8. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this current test.

Wired circuit
  1. 3.33 mA
  2. 5.0 mA
  3. 1.8 A
  4. 1.66 mA
  5. 1.2 A
  6. 0.6 A
  7. 0.02 mA

 

Section 3 – Measure resistance

Instructions:

You'll be shown a connected series parallel circuit. You'll need to:

  • answer questions about meter connection
  • answer questions about measuring resistance at specific points in the circuit
  • circle or write down your answer.

9. Is this connection correct for total resistance?

Wired circuit
  1. Yes
  2. No

 

10. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this resistance test.

Wired circuit
  1. 100 Ω
  2. 600 Ω
  3. 20 Ω
  4. 6 mΩ
  5. 60 Ω
  6. 800 Ω
  7. 150 Ω
  8. 500 Ω
  9. 950 Ω
  10. 300 Ω

 

11. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this resistance test.

Wired circuit
  1. 100 Ω
  2. 600 Ω
  3. 20 Ω
  4. 6 mΩ
  5. 60 Ω
  6. 800 Ω
  7. 150 Ω
  8. 500 Ω
  9. 950 Ω
  10. 300 Ω

 

12. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this resistance test.

Wired circuit
  1. 100 Ω
  2. 600 Ω
  3. 20 Ω
  4. 6 mΩ
  5. 60 Ω
  6. 800 Ω
  7. 150 Ω
  8. 500 Ω
  9. 950 Ω
  10. 300 Ω

 

13. Select the meter reading you'd expect for this resistance test.

Wired circuit
  1. 100 Ω
  2. 600 Ω
  3. 20 Ω
  4. 6 mΩ
  5. 60 Ω
  6. 800 Ω
  7. 150 Ω
  8. 500 Ω
  9. 950 Ω
  10. 300 Ω

 

14. What did you notice about the total resistance value?

  1. It equalled sum of series resistance and parallel section.
  2. It was equal to the sum of all of the individual resistances.
  3. It was lower than any individual resistance in the circuit.

 

When you have finished:

  • show your answers to your trainer
  • close this window and choose a new activity from the menu.