Experiment: 03

Experiment Name: Measurement and verification of resistance

theoretical calculations vs digital multimeter analysis.

Objective:
This experiment is done to measure and verify resistance values using theoretical calculations
and compare them with digital multimeter readings.

Equipment Required:
• Resistors connecting wires.
• Digital Multimeter.
• Breadboard.
• Calculator.

Resistor:
A resistor is an electrical component with two terminals that stops
the flow of electric current in electrical circuits. In electronic circuits
resistors are used to reduce current flow, adjust signal levels to
divide voltages and terminate transmission lines. Fixed resistors have
resistances that only change slightly with temperature, time or
operating voltage. Variable resistors can be used to adjust circuit
elements (such as a volume control or a lamp dimmer) or as sensing
devices for heat, light, humidity, fore or chemical activity. The main
purpose of resistor is to reduce the current flow and to lower the voltage in any particular
portion of the circuit.

Color Code:
The resistor color code is a system of colored bands printed on resistors that represent their
resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes reliability or temperature coefficient.
There is a Mnemonic to remember colors
B B R O Y Good Boy Very Good Worker
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Color Band Decoding:
➢ To read them, hold the resistor such that the tolerance band is on your right. The
tolerance band is usually gold or silver in color and is placed a little further away from
the other bands.
➢ Starting from the left, note down all the colors of the bands and write them down in
sequence.
➢ Next, use the table given below to see which digits they represent.
➢ The band just next to the tolerance band is the multiplier band. So if the color of this
band is Red (representing 2), the value given is 102.
The band colors for resistor color code in the order:

The tolerance values represent by how much the resistance can vary from its mean value in
terms of percentage.
The value of the given resistance is: 22 Ω ± 5%. The tolerance of the resistor can be calculated
as follows:
Tolerance=Value of resistor × value of tolerance band
= 22 Ω × 5% = 1.1 Ω
This means that the 22 Ω resistor with a tolerance value of 1.1 Ω could range from the actual
value as much as 23.1 Ω to as little as 20.9 Ω. It is important to note that the band next to the
tolerance band represents the multiplier. All the bands to the left of this band represent the
significant digits. There can be more than two such bands.

Digital Multimeter:
Digital multimeter is measuring instruments that can measure quantities such as voltage, current
and resistance. The standard and basic measurements of amps, volts and ohms. Apart from that,
these digital multimeters perform many additional measurements by using digital and logic
technology which may include temperature, frequency, continuity, capacitance etc.
How to use a multimeter?
Digital multimeters combine the testing capabilities of single-task meters—the voltmeter (for
measuring volts), ammeter (amps) and ohmmeter (ohms). Often, they include several
additional specialized features or advanced options. Technicians with specific needs, therefore,
can seek out a model targeted to meet their needs.
The face of a multimeter typically includes four components:
• Display: Where measurement readouts can be viewed.
• Buttons: For selecting various functions; the options vary by model.
• Dial (or rotary switch): For selecting primary measurement values (volts,
amps, ohms).
• Input jack: Where test leads are inserted.

Procedure:

• Theoretical Calculation:
1. Use a standard chart with color-coded bands to find each resistor's nominal
resistance.
2. Check the tolerance level to see the acceptable range.

• Using a Digital Multimeter for Measurement:

1. Set the multimeter to the precise settings required.

2. Choose the resistance mode on the multimeter.
3. Securely connect the resistor terminals to the multimeter probes.
 • Verification of the Environment:

1. Check outside humidity and temperature to ensure optimal performance.

2. Establish and maintain stable, clean connections to drop outside interference.

• Comparison:
1. Check that multimeter readings align with theoretical resistance values.
2. Analyze differences and ensure they fall within specified tolerance levels.

Observation & Data:

Trial Color Code Theoretical Tolerance Measured % Error

Resistance (Ω)
01 Red-Red-Black- 22Ω ±5% 20 Ω 9.1%
Gold
01 Red-Black-Red-
2,000 Ω ±5% 1.92 kΩ 4.0%
Gold
03 Brown-Black- 100 Ω ±5% 98.2 Ω 1.8%
Brown-Gold
04 Yellow-Violet- 4,700 Ω ±5% 4.63 kΩ 1.49%
Red-Gold
05 Orange-Orange- 3,300 Ω ±5% 3.28 kΩ 0.61%
Red-Gold

Analysis & Discussion:

• We assure the precision of our fabrication, which remains within the ±5% tolerance.
• Minor variations, between 0.61% and 9.1%, may arise from:
o Manufacturing tolerances of resistors,
o Issues with probe placement or loose connections,
o Changes in environmental temperature affecting readings,
o Errors in interpreting color codes.
• The most significant error appeared with the 22 Ω resistor in Trial 1. This likely stems
from low resistance values being more susceptible to contact resistance.

Conclusion:

The experiment showed that our theoretical resistance calculations were spot on! We used a
digital multimeter, and the results fell within the expected ranges. This confirms that our
calculations and tools are reliable. We want to improve our work. So, we will simplify our
approach. We will also enhance our setups for better accuracy.