Measurement of Current in a Series Circuit and Parallel Circuit

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This virtual experiment is designed to study how electric current behaves in fundamental circuit configurations. Understanding the flow of electrons and voltage distribution in series and parallel networks is crucial for analyzing and designing complex electronic systems.Theory & Principles1. Series CircuitIn a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, creating a single, continuous path for electron flow. Because there are no junction points for the current to split, the current ($I$) remains constant through all resistors in the circuit. However, the total resistance increases as more resistors are added to the chain.Total Resistance ($R_{total}$):
$$R_{total} = R_1 + R_2 + R_3 + \dots$$
Circuit Current ($I$):Using Ohm's Law, the total current is calculated by dividing the total voltage by the total resistance. The exact same current flows through every component.
$$I = \frac{V}{R_{total}}$$
2. Parallel CircuitIn a parallel circuit, components are connected across the exact same two nodes, creating multiple branches for the current to travel through. The voltage ($V$) applied across every branch is identical. The total current splits among the branches, with more current flowing through branches with lower resistance.Equivalent Resistance ($R_{eq}$):The total resistance of a parallel circuit is always less than the value of the smallest individual resistor.
$$\frac{1}{R_{eq}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} + \dots$$
Branch Current ($I_n$):The current flowing through any specific branch depends on the resistance of that branch ($R_n$).
$$I_n = \frac{V}{R_n}$$
Total Current ($I_{total}$):According to Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL), the total current entering the parallel network equals the sum of the currents in all individual branches.
$$I_{total} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3 + \dots$$

To verify that in a series circuit the current remains the same through all components.

To verify that in a parallel circuit the total current equals the sum of branch currents.

To compare experimental results with Ohm’s law.

DC power supply / Battery (6–12 V)

3 Resistors (e.g., 10 Ω, 22 Ω, 33 Ω)

Ammeter (or multimeter)

Voltmeter

Connecting wires, breadboard, and switch

Part A: Series Circuit ConfigurationCircuit Assembly: Using the virtual breadboard or schematic workspace, connect the DC voltage source (battery), a switch, an ammeter, and three known resistors ($R_1$, $R_2$, and $R_3$) end-to-end to form a single continuous loop.Initial Measurement: Close the switch to complete the circuit. Read and record the total supply voltage ($V$) and the total circuit current ($I$) displayed on the series ammeter.Variable Testing: Alter the total resistance of the circuit by testing different combinations. For example:Close the circuit with only one resistor ($R_1$) and record the current.Add the second resistor ($R_1 + R_2$) and record the new current.Connect all three resistors ($R_1 + R_2 + R_3$) and record the final current.Observation: Note how the total current ($I$) decreases as the total series resistance increases.Part B: Parallel Circuit ConfigurationCircuit Assembly: Reconfigure your workspace by connecting the three resistors ($R_1$, $R_2$, and $R_3$) in parallel across the DC voltage source. Ensure all components share the same two common connection nodes.Branch Current Measurements: Place the virtual ammeter directly in the branch of the first resistor to measure its specific current ($I_1$). Move the ammeter to the subsequent branches to record the current for the second ($I_2$) and third ($I_3$) resistors.Total Current Measurement: Place the ammeter in the main line (directly next to the battery, before the circuit branches out) to measure the total source current ($I_{total}$).Verification: Verify Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) by summing the individual branch currents to see if they equal the total source current:
$$I_{total} = I_1 + I_2 + I_3$$
Variable Testing: Change the values of the individual resistors and repeat the measurements to observe how the current automatically splits, favoring the branches with the lowest resistance.
Figure 1
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