Place Two Light Bulbs in Series to Calculate Resistance

Introduction

The resistance of each bulb may vary depending on the type of bulb and the condition of the bulb. Also, when connecting multiple bulbs in series, the total resistance of the circuit will increase, resulting in a lower current flowing through the circuit.

Experiment Procedure

To carry out this experiment and calculate the resistance of each light bulb, follow these steps:
1. Gather your materials: two light bulbs, a battery or power supply, a multimeter (for measuring voltage and current), and connecting wires.
2. Connect the two light bulbs in series with the battery or power supply. To do this, connect one end of the first bulb to the positive terminal of the battery, then connect the other end of the first bulb to one end of the second bulb. Finally, connect the other end of the second bulb to the negative terminal of the battery.
3. Measure the voltage across each bulb using the multimeter. Set the multimeter to the voltage setting (V) and connect its probes across the terminals of the first bulb. Record the voltage reading (V1). Repeat this process for the second bulb, recording the voltage (V2).
4. Measure the current flowing through the bulbs using the multimeter. Set the multimeter to the current setting (A), and connect it in series with the bulbs (i.e., break the circuit at any point and connect the multimeter probes in between). Record the current reading (I).
5. Calculate the resistance of each light bulb using Ohm's Law, which states that resistance (R) equals voltage (V) divided by current (I). For the first bulb, R1 = V1 / I, and for the second bulb, R2 = V2 / I.