EXPERIMENT N0.

Measuring Resistance using the Voltmeter-Ammeter Method

UNIVERSITY OF JORDAN
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY MEASUREMENTS and CONTROL LAB. 0908448

EXPERIMENT N0. 1

Measuring Resistance using the Voltmeter-Ammeter Method

Prepared by: Dr. Lutfi Al-Sharif in October, 2008

OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this experiment is to familiarize the student with the method of measuring resistance using the voltmeter-ammeter method and to allow him/her to appreciate the errors involved in the two different cases of measurement.

EQUIPMENT and PARTS LIST:

1234Decade resistance boxes (3 boxes, 2 boxes of high values; 1 box of low values). Two galvanometers (one to be used as a voltmeter, one to be used as an ammeter). Power supply. Connecting leads.

PRE-LAB ASSIGNMENTS:
The lab preparation and assignments must be completed before coming to the lab. Show it to the lab supervisor for checking at the beginning of the lab.

Pre1. Read this lab handout completely, and do all the problems indicated. Pre2. Read Chapter 15 (Resistance Measurement) from the online measurements material, especially the voltmeter-ammeter method and how to convert a galvanometer into an ammeter or voltmeter. Visit: http://fetweb.ju.edu.jo/staff/Mechatronics/LShareef/MandI.htm and open Chapter 15: Resistance Measurement. Pre3. Revise the method of converting a galvanometer (PMMC) into an ammeter. Pre4. Revise the method of converting a galvanometer (PMMC) into a voltmeter and how to calculate the suitable resistor. Pre5. Revise the error involved in using case I and case II when measuring the resistance verify the results.

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Measuring Resistance using the Voltmeter-Ammeter Method

PROCEDURE
Background The voltmeter Ammeter method relies on using a voltage source to pass a current into the unknown resistor and then measuring the current flowing through the resistor and the voltage across it. By dividing the voltage across the resistor by the current flowing through it, the value of the resistance can be derived. Case I and case II There are two possible arrangements: Case I and case II. In case I the voltmeter is placed directly in parallel with the unknown resistor while in case II the ammeter is placed directly in series with the unknown resistor. Note that case I and case II are each suitable for certain values of unknown resistors. During the work in this experiment, show which method is suitable for high values of resistance and which method is suitable for low values of resistance. Decade Resistance Boxes (DRB) One of the decade resistance boxes will be used to represent the unknown resistance to be measured. This decade resistance box (DRB) will be referred to as DRBX. Remember that the galvanometers (PMMC: permanent magnet moving coils) provided are not suitable to directly be used as voltmeters or ammeters. They need to be converted to a higher scale instruments by the use of shunt resistor (for the ammeter) and by the use of a series resistor (for the voltmeter). In order to do this use the decade resistance boxes (DRB) provided. One of those DRBs will be used to convert one galvanometer (the one marked with a V) into a voltmeter with a higher voltage range. This DRB will be referred to as DRBV. The other DRB will be used to convert the galvanometer (the one marked with an I) into an ammeter with a higher current range. This DRB will be referred to as DRBA. Galvanometer Specifications The galvanometer specifications should be known, in order to increase their full scale deflections (FSD). There are shown below. Galvanometer to be used as an Ammeter: resistance: 75 ohms. Full scale deflection (FSD) 0-1 mA, internal

Galvanometer to be used as a voltmeter: Full scale deflection: 0-100 micro-A, Internal resistance: 1300 ohms.

Case I Practical
Fill in the table below by following the steps below: 1- For each value of Rx, find the expected value of current that will flow (assuming a voltage source of 10 V) by dividing 10 V by the value of Rx. 2- Based on the value of current expected to flow, calculate the required value of the DRB to convert the ammeter to the suitable full scale deflection (FSD). 3- Set the DRBX to the value of Rx. 4- Calculate the required value of DRBV to a value suitable for a FSD of voltage of 10 V.

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Measuring Resistance using the Voltmeter-Ammeter Method

5- Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 1 below. Remember that the voltmeter shown might include DRBV in series. Also remember that the ammeter shown might include DRBA in parallel. Carry out the measurements required and fill in - 7- Table 1below.

Important note: Remember that the internal resistance of the voltmeter or ammeter will depend on the value of the series or shunt resistor used, not only on RV and RA. For the voltmeter, its internal resistance will be the series combination of RV and DRBV. For the ammeter, its internal resistance will be the parallel combination of RA and DRBA. Table 1. Results for Case I measurements. Rx (k) 5 10 50 100 Expected ia (mA) Measured ia (mA) DRBA Measured voltage across resistance (V) Calculated value of Rx (Rx) Measured value of Rx (Rx) Calculated percentage error (e%) Measured percentage error (e%)

500

1000

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Measuring Resistance using the Voltmeter-Ammeter Method

Case II Practical
Fill in the table below by following the steps below: 12- For each value of Rx, find the expected value of current that will flow (assuming a voltage source of 10 V) by dividing 10 V by the value of Rx. 3- Based on the value of current expected to flow, calculate the required value of the DRB to convert the ammeter to the suitable full scale deflection (FSD). 4- Set the DRBX to the value of Rx. 5- Calculate the required value of DRBV to a value suitable for a FSD of voltage of 10 V. 6- Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 2 below. Remember that the voltmeter shown might include DRBV in series. Also remember that the ammeter shown might include DRBA in parallel. Carry out the measurements required and fill in - 8- Table 2 below.

Important note: Remember that the internal resistance of the voltmeter or ammeter will depend on the value of the series or shunt resistor used, not only on RV and RA. For the voltmeter, its internal resistance will be the series combination of RV and DRBV. For the ammeter, its internal resistance will be the parallel combination of RA and DRBA. Table 2. Results for Case II measurements. 5 10 50 100 Rx (k) Expected ia (mA) Measured ia (mA) DRBA Measured voltage across resistance (V) Calculated value of Rx (Rx) Measured value of Rx (Rx) Calculated percentage error (e%) Measured percentage error (e%)

500

1000

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Measuring Resistance using the Voltmeter-Ammeter Method

RESULTS and DISCUSSION:

In writing the report, address the following questions: 1. What are the values of the series and shunt resistances that were needed to convert the ammeter and voltmeter to the required new scales? Show all calculations. 2. Plot the percentage error (e%) versus Rx for Cases I and II. percentage error and measured percentage error. 3. Derive the expression for the error (e%) for both Case I and II. 4. Discuss the effects of RV and RA on measuring voltages and currents. 5. When will use each of the configurations (i.e., Case I or Case II)? 6. What can be done if there is no idea regarding the value of Rx? 7. What is the minimum possible full scale deflection (FSD) of the current galvanometer? What is the maximum possible FSD? 8. Repeat the same analysis as in 6 above for the voltmeter galvanometer? 9. What is the voltmeter sensitivity of both galvanometers above in V-1? In order to understand this question refer to Chapter of the measurement material at: http://fetweb.ju.edu.jo/staff/Mechatronics/LShareef/MandI.htm and open Chapter 13: Voltage Measurement. 10. Can the voltage galvanometer be used as an ammeter? Explain. 11. Can the current galvanometer be used as a voltmeter? Explain. 12. While changing the value of Rx in Case I and II above, was the voltmeter reading changing? Explain. Repeat this for calculated

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