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Bahria University, Islamabad

Department of Software Engineering

Applied Physics lab (Fall-2024)

Student : Abdullah Dilawar

Enrollment : 09-131242-005

Lab Journal: 3
Date: 24 OCT 2024

Documentation
Task Wise Marks Total
Task Marks Marks
No:
Assigned Obtained Assigned Obtained (20)

1 3
2 3
3 3
4 3
5 3

Comments:

Signature:

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Objectives:
The objective of this Lab is to measure resistance using Color Code.

Questions:
Question No 01:

What are some practical challenges you might face when using the color
code to identify a resistor's value?

Answer:

Using the color code to identify a resistor's value can present several practical challenges:

1. Color Perception: Variations in individual color vision can make it difficult to accurately
identify colors, especially for those with color blindness.
2. Faded or Damaged Bands: Resistor bands can fade or become damaged over time, making it
hard to determine their original colors.
3. Poor Lighting Conditions: Inadequate lighting can affect color perception, leading to incorrect
readings.
4. Precision: Distinguishing between similar colors (like red and orange) can be tricky, potentially
leading to errors in value interpretation.
5. Tolerance Bands: Some resistors include a tolerance band, which can complicate reading if
you're not accustomed to the color coding.

Question 2:

A) Describe the significance of each band color in a 4-band, 5-band, and 6-

band resistor?

Answer:

4-Band Resistor

1. First Band: First significant digit

2. Second Band: Second significant digit

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3. Third Band: Multiplier (the power of ten by which to multiply the two
digits)
4. Fourth Band: Tolerance (the percentage variation from the stated
value)

5-Band Resistor

1. First Band: First significant digit

2. Second Band: Second significant digit
3. Third Band: Third significant digit
4. Fourth Band: Multiplier
5. Fifth Band: Tolerance

6-Band Resistor

1. First Band: First significant digit

2. Second Band: Second significant digit
3. Third Band: Third significant digit
4. Fourth Band: Fourth significant digit
5. Fifth Band: Multiplier
6. Sixth Band: Tolerance

B)

How does the number of bands affect the precision of the resistor?

Answer:

The number of bands on a resistor directly affects its precision by increasing the number of
significant digits and allowing for a finer resolution in resistance values. Here's how it works:

4-Band Resistors

 Significant Digits: 2
 Multiplier: 1 (power of ten)
 Tolerance: Standard (typically ±5% to ±10%)

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Precision: Suitable for general applications but limited in accuracy due to the broader tolerance
range.

5-Band Resistors

 Significant Digits: 3
 Multiplier: 1 (power of ten)
 Tolerance: Generally tighter (commonly ±1% or ±2%)

Precision: Increased precision due to the extra significant digit, allowing for finer resistance
values and tighter tolerances, making them better for applications requiring more accuracy.

6-Band Resistors

 Significant Digits: 4
 Multiplier: 1 (power of ten)
 Tolerance: Very tight (can be ±0.1% or even better)

Precision: The highest precision among standard resistors, suitable for highly sensitive
applications, such as in precision circuits, calibration, and specialized electronic devices.

Question 3: For a circuit using resistors with different tolerances (e.g., 5%, 10%), how does the
tolerance affect the circuit's performance?

Answer:

Here's how different tolerances (like 5% and 10%) can affect circuit performance:

1. Accuracy of Resistance Values

 Higher Tolerance (e.g., 5%): Resistors with a 5% tolerance can vary

by only ±5% from their specified resistance. This results in more
accurate voltage and current calculations in the circuit, leading to
better overall performance.
 Lower Tolerance (e.g., 10%): With a 10% tolerance, resistors can
vary by ±10%, which can introduce larger discrepancies in resistance
values, affecting circuit performance, particularly in precision
applications.

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2. Impact on Circuit Functionality

 Critical Applications: In sensitive circuits (like audio or precision

measurement devices), a resistor with a higher tolerance might cause
noticeable variations in output, distortion, or inaccuracies.
 General Applications: In less critical applications (like simple LED
circuits), a 10% tolerance might be acceptable without significant
impact on functionality.

3. Voltage and Current Levels

 Voltage Dividers: In voltage divider circuits, the output voltage

depends on the ratio of resistances. If one resistor has a 10%
tolerance, the output voltage can vary more widely than if both
resistors have a 5% tolerance.
 Current Flow: Variability in resistance can affect current flow in
circuits, potentially leading to overheating or insufficient current in
certain parts of the circuit.

4. Thermal Stability and Reliability

 Thermal Effects: Resistors with tighter tolerances often have better

thermal stability. In circuits with varying temperatures, resistors with
higher tolerances may drift more, affecting circuit reliability and
performance.

Question 4: How can you calculate the resistance value of a resistor with the following color
bands: Brown, Black, Red, and Gold? Explain each step in the calculation process.

Answer:

Step 1: Identify the Color Code

Using the standard resistor color code, we can assign values to each color band:

1. First Band (Brown): 1

2. Second Band (Black): 0
3. Third Band (Red): Multiplier of 10^2 (or 100)
4. Fourth Band (Gold): Tolerance of ±5%

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Step 2: Apply the Multiplier

Now, we apply the multiplier from the Red band:

10×100=1000 ohms (or 1 kΩ)

Step 3: Note the Tolerance

The Gold band indicates a tolerance of ±5%. This means that the actual resistance can vary by
5% from the nominal value:

 Calculate 5% of 1000 ohms:

0.05×1000=50 ohms

Step 5: Determine the Resistance Range

Now, determine the range of resistance values based on the tolerance:

 Minimum Resistance:

1000−50=950 ohms

 Maximum Resistance:

1000+50=1050 ohms

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