p6 - circuit components

Question 1

measure p.d.

Answer 1

connect an voltmeter in parallel with the component

Question 2

measure current

Answer 2

connect an ammeter in series with your component and the power supply
when you have taken a set of measurements for the current flowing in one direction, swap the connections to the power supply so that the current flows in the opposite directions and repeat your measurements
you need to swap the connections to each meter to avoid damage

Question 3

drawing a characteristic curve

Answer 3

1) connect up a circuit with the component that you are investigating
2) vary the p.d. across the component and measure the current through it each time
3) use measurements to plot graph of current against p.d. showing both positive and negative directions