1. Simple parallel circuit

Construct a circuit in which the battery, 6 resistor, and 12 resistor are connected in parallel. Use the ammeter to measure the current through the battery and through the 6 resistor. Answer the following:

What do you notice about the current through the source and the current through the 6 resistor?

How do you expect the electric potential differences across each resistor to compare to one another and to the electric potential rise across the source?

Now use the voltmeter to measure the electric potential difference across the source and across each resistor. Do the voltmeter readings verify your prediction?

You know that the total resistance in a simple parallel circuit can be found by reciprocal addition. Calculate this value.

Now, using the values for electric current in the circuit and the total electric potential drop across the circuit, calculate the total resistance using Ohm's law. How do these values compare?

Is the total resistance in a simple parallel circuit greater than, less than, or the same as the resistance of any one individual resistor?

How would adding another resistor in parallel change the total resistance in the circuit? Try it and take the necessary measurements to verify your prediction.

2. Mixed circuit

Create the mixed circuit in the following diagram using the simulation. Answer the following:

Calculate the total resistance in the circuit. Verify your answer using source voltage and the ammeter measurement of current through the source.

Calculate the electric potential drops across R1, R2, and R3. Verify your answer using the voltmeter.

Calculate the electric current travelling through R1, R2, and R3. Choose a different resistor and calculate the voltage drop across that resistor. Verify your answer using the voltmeter.