Required Practical 3✔️ (resistance And I-V Characteristics)

Question 1

what is the aim of the experiment?

Answer 1

To investigate the relationship between current and potential difference for a resistor, bulb and diode

Question 2

Explain step 1 of the method?

Answer 2

1)set up the circuit (ensure the power supply is set to 0) and begin to vary the variable resistor which alters the current flowing through the circuit and the pd across the component

Question 3

Explain steps 2 to 4 of the method?

Answer 3

2)take several readings from the ammeter and voltmeter to see how pd across the component varies as current changes - repeat each reading twice to get an average pd at each current

3)swap over the wire connected to the cell - so direction of the current is reversed

4)plot a graph

Question 4

What is the dependent variable?

Answer 4

Voltage and current taken from the ammeter and voltmeter

Question 5

What are the Independent variables?

Answer 5

• The type of component in this case resistor , filament lamp and diode
• current flowing through the circuit varied by the variable resistor

Question 6

What are the control variables?

Answer 6

• wire used
• circuit
• ammeter and voltmeter

Question 7

List of the equipment used?

Answer 7

• circuit
• voltmeter and ammeter
• components (eg diode or filament lamp)
• variable resistor

Question 8

What does the term I-V characteristic refer to?

Answer 8

Refers to the graph which shows how the current flowing through a component changes as the pd across it is increased

Question 9

What shape do linear components have on an I-V characteristic graph

Answer 9

Straight line (eg a fixed resistor)

Question 10

What shape do non-linear components have on an I-V characteristic graph

Answer 10

Curved (eg a filament lamp or a diode)

Question 11

Give and example of a hazard and a control measure?

Answer 11

Heating of the resistance wire which could burn your skin - can be prevented by not touching the wire and allowing it time to cool