CALT Flash 5 Interactive Teaching Examples
Example 2: DC Circuits
Procedures: You can increase or decrease the voltage output of the power supply by clicking the up or down arrows. Clicking the green buttons will open or close the corresponding switches. (Note: Assume the voltmeter has a very large internal resistance.)
Qualitative
With the voltage turned up on the power supply and the ON/Off switch On predict what will happen to the voltage across the 1000 Ohm resistor when switch A is closed. Will it increase, decrease, or stay the same? Check to see if your prediction is correct.
Experimental
Take the necessary data to establish the functional relationship between the voltage across the 1000 Ohm resistor and the power supply voltage. Determine all appropriate constants in this relationship. (Do not use any physics to obtain these constants.) Do this first with switch A open and then find the function when switch A is closed.
Theoretical
Derive the theoretical relationship between the voltage across the 1000 Ohm resistor and the power supply voltage for both cases (switch A open or closed). Compare your theoretically derived constants in the functional relationships with your experimentally obtained constants. Do they agree?