1) The document provides instructions for an experiment to measure resistance using a circuit with a variable resistor, voltmeter, and ammeter. 2) Students are asked to build the circuit and record voltage and current measurements for a resistor, bulb, and diode as the variable resistor is adjusted. 3) The results should then be graphed to investigate how changing resistance affects current and potential difference.

1. 24/09/2013
Investigating Resistance
Starter:
• Copy the following circuit and
add a voltmeter and an
ammeter to measure the
potential difference across the
resistor and the current through
it.
• What does a variable resistor do?
We are learning to:
• Correctly set up a circuit to measure the resistance of a
component using a voltmeter, ammeter and variable
resistor.
Keywords: variable resistor potential difference

2. Investigating Resistance
Practical:
• Draw and build the circuit below.
• Copy the table and record the
voltage and current several times
by moving the variable resistor.
• Repeat for a bulb and a Diode
24/09/2013
Resistor E
Potential
difference
(V)
Current (A)
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
V
E
A
6V

3. Investigating Resistance
You should have 3 tables. You must complete 3 graphs
24/09/2013
Resistor E
Potential
difference
(V)
Current (A)
+ -
+ -
+ -
+ -
+ -
- -
- -
- -
- -
bulb
Potential
difference
(V)
Current (A)
+ -
+ -
+ -
+ -
+ -
- -
- -
- -
- -
diode
Potential
difference
(V)
Current (A)
+ -
+ -
+ -
+ -
+ -
- -
- -
- -
- -