Determine the amount of current passing through one resistor and the potential difference across the resistor when a number of resistors are connected in series. Determine the amount of current passing through one resistor and the potential difference across the resistor when a number of resistors are connected in parallel. Use proper care and caution when handling resistors - they can get very hot when a current passes through them. Today, we simply call these devices resistors because all they do is resist the flow of current. He discovered that for each resistor, no matter what potential difference he applied, the resistance was the same.
Resistors are very important in circuits.
They are used to control current or potential difference in a circuit. In this activity, students will examine the coloured bands on a variety of resistors and use the chart provided to determine their resistance. The second part of the activity explores series resistance and involves incorporating the resistors into a simple circuit and using an ammeter to determine the effect that they have on the amount of current flowing through the circuit. The third part of the activity explores parellel resistance. Working in groups of two or three, examine a variety of resistors.