University of Mosul

College of Petroleum and Mining Engineering

Department of Refining

the topic:-
Finding an unknown resistor and verifying the series and
parallel connection laws

Prepared By:
Yahya ali

Supervised By:
Dr. Abullah Hussin

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Objective of the Experiment:
To determine the value of an unknown resistor and to validate the principles
of series and parallel circuits.

Theory of the Experiment:

The experiment explores how resistance, voltage, and current interact within
electrical circuits, emphasizing resistor configurations in series and parallel. It
is grounded in Ohm’s Law, which establishes the connection between
resistance (R), voltage (V), and current (I) through the equation:
𝑣
𝑅=
𝐼

Where:
R: is the resistance.
V: is the voltage across the resistor.
I: is the current passing through the circuit.

Series Connection:
In a series configuration, all resistors share the same current, while the overall
resistance rises as it equals the sum of each individual resistor. The total
resistance is given by:

Rₜₒₜₐₗ = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + …

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The series connection maintains a constant current throughout all resistors in
the circuit. This configuration is utilized in circuits where a steady current
distribution is needed, albeit with an increase in total resistance.

Parallel Connection:
In a parallel configuration, the voltage is shared across each resistor, leading
to a reduction in the total resistance. The total resistance is determined using
the reciprocal formula for combining resistances in parallel:
1 1 1 1
= + + ⋯
𝑅𝑡 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3

In this configuration, the resistors operate in parallel, causing the current to

split across the different resistors, which lowers the total resistance. This
connection is ideal for circuits that require an even voltage distribution while
maintaining a reduced total resistance.

Readings Used in the Experiment:

a) For determining an unknown resistance:

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 V(Volt) I (mA)

0.1 10.3

0.2 36.2

0.3 50.4

0.4 70.1

0.5 120.8

0.6 105.5

0.7 125.8

0.8 139.9

0.9 165.7

1 175.1

b) Regarding achieving series connection

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 V (Volt) I (mA)

0.2 50.3

0.4 70.1

0.6 40.5

0.8 139.9

1 180

1.2 200.8

1.4 244.5

1.6 281

1.8 325.4

2 355.1

c) Regarding achieving parallel connection

1 1 1 1
= + +
𝑅𝑒 𝑞 𝑅1 𝑅2 𝑅3
1 1 1 1 1 12
= + + → =
𝑅𝑒 𝑞 1 2 3 𝑅𝑒 𝑞 6

𝑅𝑒 𝑞 = 0.5𝛺

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 V(Volt) I (mA)

0.1 145.3

0.2 374.9

0.3 565.2

0.4 775.3

0.5 400

0.6 1650

0.7 1405.4

0.8 1643.1

0.9 1801.4

1 2055.4

Calculations and results

1) To find unknown resistance values:-

𝛥𝐼
slope =
𝛥𝑣
(175.1) − (70.1)
slope =
1 − 0.4
105 ∗ 10−3 1
slope = → 175 ∗ 10−3
0.6 𝛺
1 1
𝑅= = = 5.71𝛺
175 ∗ 10−3

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 2) For the series connection law:-
𝛥𝐼
slope =
𝛥𝑣
355.1-70.1 1
slope = → 178.125∗ 10−3
2 - 0.4 𝛺
1 1
𝑅= = = 5.6𝛺
178.125∗ 10−3

3) For the parallel connection law:-

2055.4-145.3 1
slope = → 2122.33*10−3
1 - 0.1 𝛺
1 1
𝑅= = = 0.471𝛺
2122.33*10−3

Discussion
1. How does the discrepancy between the values extracted from the graph and
the values given in the circuit affect the accuracy of the measurements?

Answer: The discrepancy between the values obtained from the graph and the
values provided in the circuit indicates natural variations, which could be due
to measurement errors or external factors such as temperature changes or the
internal resistance of the measuring instruments. A small difference in values
is generally acceptable as long as it falls within the expected range of
experimental error.

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2. What factors could cause slight differences between the calculated
equivalent resistance and the actual resistance in series and parallel
circuits?
Answer: Factors include the precision of the measuring instruments,
temperature effects (which alter material resistance), variations in wiring or
connection methods, and human errors during readings or calculations.

3. How can Ohm's Law be used to determine the unknown resistance in a

circuit with resistors connected in series?
Answer: In a series circuit, Ohm's Law states that the total resistance is the
sum of the individual resistances. The unknown resistance can be
calculated using the equation:
R Total = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + …
If the total resistance and the values of the other resistors are known, the
unknown resistance can be determined.

4. What are the practical applications of connecting resistors in series

and parallel in electrical circuits?
Answer: In electrical circuits, resistors in series are used when an increase
in total resistance is needed, such as in extension circuits to raise the
voltage. Conversely, resistors in parallel are used to lower the total
resistance, such as in lighting or electronic circuits requiring higher current
capacity.

5. How can the accuracy of measurements be improved when using the

graph to extract resistance values in electrical circuits?
Answer: Accuracy can be improved by using high-precision measuring
tools, ensuring all circuit connections are correct, and taking multiple
measurements to obtain an average value. It’s also important to perform

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 measurements under stable conditions (e.g., consistent temperature), as
these can affect the results.

Chart
➢ Regarding finding an unknown resistance

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➢ Regarding achieving series connection

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➢ Regarding achieving parallel connection

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