1. Meters in a Circuit
Voltmeter – a device used to measure potential difference across a circuit.
Connect outside the direct path of the current (parallel connection)

2. Meters in a Circuit
Ammeter – a device used to measure the current through a circuit.
Connect in the direct path of the current (series connection)

3. Meters in a Circuit
Ohmmeter – a device used to measure the resistance of a circuit element
Touch each test probe firmly to either end

5. Overload
If a 1 appears by itself on the far left the multimeter has overloaded.
Try going to a higher setting
If at highest setting, record Overload or OL on lab

6. A Simple Circuit Model
What is the purpose of a battery?
To store charges that will flow as current when properly inserted into a circuit. Also a battery creates a potential difference between each terminal.

7. A Water Analogy

8. What is a cell?
A cell (wet or dry), releases energy due to a chemical reaction.
A cell stores charges.

9. How is a battery different from a cell?
A battery is just two or more cells wired together.

10. What is the difference between a D and AA cell?
Both cells do 1.5 J of work for each Coulomb of charge moved from one side to the other
However, a D cell stores more coulombs of charge, so it will last longer and do more work overall.

12. Two Types of Current

15. Drawing Circuit Schematic Diagrams
Circuit Schematic – a diagram of an electric circuit using standard symbols for the circuit elements.

16. Steps for Drawing Schematic Diagrams
Begin by drawing the symbol for the battery or other source of electric energy (such as a cell or generator).

17. Steps for Drawing Schematic Diagrams
2. Draw a wire coming out of the power source.
Draw wires as straight lines (use a ruler if needed)

18. Steps for Drawing Schematic Diagrams
When the path of the current reaches a resistor or other device, draw the appropriate symbol with values.

19. Steps for Drawing Schematic Diagrams
4. Follow the current path until you reach the other terminal of the battery.

20. Drawing Circuit Schematic Diagrams

21. 3.0 Ω
1.5 V