AIM

To study the dependence of the potential difference across a resistor on the current
through it and to determine its resistance and to verify the Ohm’s law.
THEORY
According to the Ohm’s law, the potential difference (V) across the ends of a resistor
is directly proportional to the current (I) through it provided its temperature remains
the same. That is
V∝I
or V/ I = constant = R
or V = RI.
Here R is a constant for the given resistor at a given temperature and is called its
resistance. The SI unit of resistance is ohm (Ω). A graph between the potential
difference across the two ends of a resistor and the current through it is a straight line
passing through the origin. The slope of this graph gives the resistance R of the resistor.
To verify the Ohm’s law, we measure the potential difference across the two ends of a
resistor at different currents through it in an electric circuit. The current through the
resistor is measured by connecting an ammeter in series with it. The potential difference
across the two ends of the resistor is measured by connecting the voltmeter in parallel
with it. A straight line graph obtained between V and I verifies the ohm’s law.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
A resistor of about 5 Ω, an ammeter ( 0 - 3 A), a voltmeter (0 - 10 V), four dry cells of
1.5 V each with a cell holder (or a battery eliminator), a plug key, connecting wires, and
a piece of sand paper.
PROCEDURE:
1. Note the range and least count of the given ammeter and the voltmeter.
2. Fresh connecting wires have an insulating layer on it. Similarly the connecting wires
lying unused for some time may also develop an insulating layer. It is therefore
important to clean the ends of connecting wires using a sand paper.
3. Draw a circuit diagram for studying the Ohm’s law as shown in Fig. Observe how
different components like the ammeter, voltmeter, resistor, and the plug key are
connected with the cells (or battery eliminator).
4. Set up the circuit by connecting different components with the help of connecting
wires. Initially connect only one cell in the circuit (that is make cell connections
between points A and B). In case a battery eleminator is used, keep the rating of the
eliminator at the minimum (say at 2 V).
5. Make sure that the positive and negative terminals of the ammeter and voltmeter are
correctly connected in the circuit as shown in Fig. Get the circuit set up by you checked
by the teacher, before inserting the key into the plug.
6. Insert the key in the plug to let the current establish in the circuit. Note the readings
of the ammeter and voltmeter and record them. The voltmeter measures the potential
difference (V) across the two ends X and Y of the resistor, and the ammeter measures
the current I through it. Remove the key from the plug to avoid unnecessary heating of
wires.
7. Now instead of using one cell in the circuit, connect two cells in the circuit (that is
make cell connections between points A and C, in case a battery eliminator is used,
increase its rating. Insert the key in the circuit. Note and record the voltmeter and
ammeter readings.
8. Repeat the experiment by connecting three and four cells in the circuit.
GRAPH
Find the range of variation in the values of I and V. Choose appropriate scales for the I
and V along the x- and y-axes respectively on the graph paper. Mark the points on the
graph paper for each value of current I and corresponding value of potential difference
V . Join all the points as a smooth line as possible such that most of the points lie on it.
Find the slope of this straight line graph by choosing two points P and Q on it. This
slope is the resistance of the resistor used in the circuit.
QM V2−V1
slope =
MP I2−I1
Extend the straight line of the graph backwards to check whether it meets the origin of
the graph paper.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
• Value of resistance R of the resistor obtained from the table calculations R = _____ Ω
and Value of resistance R of the resistor obtained from the graph R = ______ Ω
• The value of resistance R of resistor for all values of current through it remains the
same (or almost same). The graph between V and I is a straight line and passes through
the origin. This verifies the Ohm’s law.
PRECAUTIONS AND SOURCES OF ERROR
• The connecting wires should be thick copper wires and the insulation of their ends
should be removed using the sand paper.
• Connections should be tight otherwise some external resistance may introduce in the
circuit.
• The ammeter should be connected in series with the resistor such that the current enters
at the positive terminal and leaves at the negative terminal of the ammeter.
• Voltmeter should always be connected in parallel to resistor.
• The pointers of the ammeter and voltmeter should be at zero mark when no current
through the circuit. If not, then ask your teacher to correct it.
• Current should be passed through the circuit for a short time while taking observations;
otherwise current would cause unnecessary heating in the circuit. Heating may change
the resistance of resistors.

Left side
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
(i) Range of the ammeter = ___ - ___ A.
(ii) Least count of the ammeter = ___ A.
(iii) Range of the voltmeter = ___ − ___ V.
(iv) Least count of the voltmeter = ___ V.

Mean value of resistance R of the resistor = _____ Ω.