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OBJECTIVE:
1. To become familiar with basic D.C. power sources and D.C. meters.
EQUIPMENT:
¯ 1 Volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM)
¯ 1 Circuit Board
¯ Resistors
BACKGROUND:
The D.C. power supply is a source of energy which is used to supply power to
electric circuits. Another source of D.C. energy is a battery.
The two common types of electric meters used in the laboratory are the
voltmeter and the ammeter. The ammeter is an instrument which measures the
flow of electric charge (which is, of course, the current). An ammeter should
always be connected directly in series with a resistor through which
current is to be measured. The voltmeter is an instrument which measures
potential difference (which is, of course, voltage). A voltmeter should always
be connected between two points whose potential difference is to be
determined.
PROCEDURE:
A. EQUIPMENT TABLE
B. VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
1. Examine the D.C. power supply and determine the function of each switch
and knob (consult the operating manual and /or the instructor). Check that all
controls are set to zero positions.
3. Plug the D.C. power supply into the A.C. power line, but leave the power
supply switch in the OFF position.
5. Next, connect the VOM to the power supply terminals (use + and -
terminals of the power supply) as shown below. This connection will allow the
VOM to measure the voltage supplied by the D.C. power supply.
6. Select the highest D.C. voltage range on the VOM, and set the range
selector to this range. Now, have the instructor approve your circuit
connection before proceeding.
7. Next, turn on the power supply, and increase its voltage until the meter
on the supply indicates approximately 5 volts.
8. The VOM will not indicate a response at this time, since the range
selector is the set on the highest volt range. Move the range selector of
the VOM until an accurate reading of the voltage can be read on the VOM
scale.
9. Read and record this voltage reading and draw a sketch of the circuit
diagram.
10. Now, without changing the power supply voltage setting, turn the supply
off and disconnect the VOM. In its place, connect the D.C. voltmeter to
the power supply. Be sure to select a proper voltage range for the
voltmeter. Again, have your instructor check the circuit before proceeding.
(Digital VOM).
11. Then, turn on the D.C. power supply and read and record the voltage on
the D.C. voltmeter, and draw a sketch of the circuit diagram.
12. Repeat steps 5 through 11, except now adjust the power supply to
approximately 10 volts, read and record this first with the analog VOM and
next with the D.C. voltmeter of the digital VOM.
C. Current Measurements:
With the circuit connected in this way, current will flow through the
resistor, and a voltage will appear across the resistor.
It is desired to measure both the current and voltage. To do this, two meters
must be connected into the circuit:
Meter symbols:
VOLTMETER AMMETER
3. Do not proceed until your instructor approves the circuit which you have
set-up.
5. Set the power supply voltage control to zero, and switch the supply on.
6. Adjust the power supply control until the VOM reads 12 volts. Read the
current indicated on the DC milliammeter. Record these readings (voltage and
current) in the data table.
7. Next, readjust the power supply control until a voltage reading of 10 volts is
obtained on the VOM. Again, read the current and record both readings in the
table.
10. Turn the power supply off, remove the R2 ohm resistor, and replace it with a
R4 ohm resistor.
11. Now, repeat steps 4 through 9 above, constructing a table and inserting the
appropriate voltage and current measurements.
12. Turn the power supply off, remove the R4 resistor, and replace it with a R6
resistor.
DATA TABLE
W V mA
ACTUAL COMPUTED
R2 12 V
R2 10 V
R2 8V
R2 6V
R4 12 V
R4 10 V
R4 8V
R4 6V
R6 12 V
R6 10 V
R6 8V
R6 6V
REPORT:
1. What are the D.C. voltage scales on each meter used during this
experiment?
2. If the digital VOM or analog VOM shows a negative reading, what should
you do?
3. What is the maximum D.C. voltage which can be read with each meter?
4. What is the maximum D.C. current which can be measured with each
meter?
6. It is desired to use the VOM to measure the following D.C. voltages: 0.8
volts, 2.4 volts, 4.7 volts, 8.9 volts, 16.2 volts, 89 volts, 120 volts, and 180
volts. For the most accurate measurements, what ranges will you select on
the VOM for each voltage reading?
7. For the measurements made during part C of this experiment, how does
the current change as the voltage is decreasing in steps of 2 volts?