Simulation Activity 2 (1)
Simulation Activity 2 (1)
● Proper and correct use of instruments for measuring electrical parameters in direct
current and alternating current circuits.
● Obtain readings from a direct current and alternating current circuit using ammeters,
voltmeters, and oscilloscopes.
Previous Ideas
Activity time: in
minutes
1. Use the example presented to answer. What is the function of the measuring instrument?
2. Look at the following circuit. Why does this happen and how do I correct it?
4. In the circuit shown in the figure how the voltage reading can be obtained at the A and B points.
What instrument do I use? How is it used correctly?
Socialize: It's time to share ideas about the activities with your teammate, and then respond. What
instrument have you used? And what have you used them for?
I used an oscilloscope to analyze the electrical signals in the circuit. I observed the waveform shape,
measured the amplitude and frequency, and analyzed the phase. This helped me understand the
circuit's behavior and the signals within it.
Learning Intentions
● Proper and correct use of instruments for measuring electrical parameters in direct
current and alternating current circuits.
● Obtain readings from a direct current and alternating current circuit using ammeters,
voltmeters, and oscilloscopes.
Materials Needed
● Electronic devices: laptop, smartphone, or tablet
● PhET Simulation
● Electrical Circuit Kit
Previous Ideas
Activity time: in
minutes
Play with the PhET simulation for 5 minutes. Electrical Circuit Kit Describe
the three things you've discovered: To culminate, the simulation returns to
its initial conditions of use. Remember... nothing about the PhET simulation
is damaged. Learn by playing!
1. According to your knowledge and according to Compare the readings obtained. Import the
the images, respond. Verify your answers with the position where the ammeter is connected.
simulation.
3. According to your experience and according to the image responds. Verify your answers with
simulation.
Discuss with your teammate, regarding question number two and three: What would be the
difference between the graphs obtained by the oscilloscope? Write down these reflections below.
Reflections: The images demonstrate how capacitors behave in both DC and AC circuits. In a DC
circuit, where the voltage source is constant, the capacitor charges to a specific voltage, resulting in a
flat line on the oscilloscope. This shows that the voltage across the capacitor stays constant over time.
On the other hand, in an AC circuit, powered by an alternating voltage source, the capacitor
continuously charges and discharges. This ongoing process is represented by the sinusoidal waveform
on the oscilloscope, illustrating the regular changes in voltage across the capacitor. These
observations emphasize the main differences between the two circuit types and highlight the
important role capacitors play in various electronic applications.
- The voltmeter reading of 9.00 V shows that there is a potential difference, or voltage drop, of 9 volts
between the points where the voltmeter's probes are connected. This indicates a difference of 9 volts in
electrical potential energy between those two points. In this particular circuit, the voltmeter is
connected across the battery terminals. This means that the battery is supplying a 9-volt
electromotive force (EMF), which acts as the driving force that pushes the electric current through the
circuit.
5. What would happen if you reversed the position of the instrument's tips? Reason for your answer.
- If we switch the positions of the voltmeter's probes, the reading would show a negative value of -9.00
V. This occurs because the voltmeter measures the potential difference between two points, and
reversing the probes changes the polarity of the measurement. The positive probe is usually connected
to the point with higher potential, while the negative probe connects to the point with lower potential.
By swapping the probes, you are measuring the potential difference in the opposite direction, resulting
in a negative reading. It's worth noting that although the numerical value changes, the magnitude of
the potential difference stays the same. Both +9.00 V and -9.00 V represent a 9-volt difference in
potential energy between the two points.
6. Do you like challenges? Build a Christmas installation with at least four light bulbs to complete the
chart below.
Does it take the voltage reading on one of the circuit elements? Why in that element ? Reason for
your answer.
- Yes, it is possible to take the voltage reading on one of the circuit elements to determine the voltage
drop across that element. The best element to measure the voltage drop across is the battery. The
battery is the source of voltage in the circuit. By measuring the voltage across the battery, we can
determine the total voltage supplied to the circuit. Lastly, the light bulbs, measuring the voltage drop
across a light bulb would only give us the voltage drop across that specific bulb, not the total voltage in
the circuit.
Draw the graph obtained with the oscilloscope.
Branch 1
- This branch is a series of circuits containing a 100 resistor and a
light bulb resistance unknown, but significant. The voltage across
this branch will be less than the total voltage 70V due to the voltage
drop across the bulb and resistor. The current will be the same
throughout the branch.
Branch 2
- This branch is also a series circuit with 100 resistors, a 34.0 resistor,
and a light bulb. Similar to branch 1, the voltage across this branch
will be less than 70V due to voltage drop across the components.
The current will be uniform throughout the branch and can be
calculated using Ohm’s law.
Branch 3
- This branch is a series circuit containing a 370 resistor, a 35.0
resistor, and a 00 resistor. The 00 resistor will cause a significant
current flow. The voltage across the 70.0 and 35.0 resistors will be
minimal because of the short circuit. The total resistance of this
branch will be dominated by the short circuit, leading to a high
current. Measuring the voltage across the 00 resistor would ideally
read OV, but in practice, a small voltage drop might be observed
due to the internal resistance of the wires and components.
Reflections: The proper and correct use of instruments for measuring electrical parameters is
important for obtaining accurate and reliable results in both direct current and alternating current
circuits. Incorrect usage can lead to Inaccurate readings, damage to the instruments, or even safety
hazards. This includes understanding the correct connection methods for ammeters and voltmeters,
and the appropriate scale settings for the instruments to avoid exceeding their measurement ranges.
Furthermore, it's Important to be aware of potential sources of error, such as instrument inaccuracies,
lead resistances, and environmental factors, and to take steps to minimize these errors where possible.
Accurate measurements are important for understanding circuit behavior, troubleshooting problems,
and ensuring safe operation.