In this lab student use a digital multimeter to measure the voltage in a series circuit. By using two lamps they can measure the voltage drop over each light individually as well as both together to see how voltage in series adds together and equals the power (voltage) supplied by the battery. Extension idea encourages the students to add an additional light to solidify these concepts. 

Concepts Addressed
♦  Multimeters can measure voltage
♦  The voltage supplied by the batteries in a circuit will equal that used by the resistors (lights) in a circuit. 
♦  Identical lights will divide power evenly in a series circuit.

Materials Needed
two 1.5 V batteries, 2 battery holders, alligator clips, two twinkle lights digital multimeter   

Time Required
This lab takes about 40 mins.

Student Sheets
Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting 
 

Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.

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Connect with me: If you have questions or problems, please let me know and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

 

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