5F20.50-Series and Parallel Lights
Video: Watch this demo
Description: This configuration shows a set of series and a set of parallel lights connected to AC voltage.
Other things can be shown, such as what happens when you remove a light bulb, or use different wattage bulbs.
Equipment:
- VariAC
- Set of light bulbs connected in series
- Set of light bulbs connected in parallel
- VariAC to banana plug cable with an alligator clip (or two)
Setup Procedure:
- Check to make sure all light bulbs have the same power rating and are screwed in tight.
- Check to make sure the VariAC works and all lights work.
- If the professor requests, include light bulbs of different wattage’s.
- When the professor is done, make sure all bulbs are the same power rating before putting away.
Demonstration Procedure:
Series Lights
- Connect the cable to include all the lights in series.
- Turn on the VariAC and set it to a high voltage. Note that the lights don’t get very bright.
- (Optional) With the VariAC off, you may also connect the cable to fewer lights to show that the remaining become brighter.
- Unscrew one light and show that all the lights go out.
- (Optional) You may swap out a few bulbs with ones of different wattages and note the effect it has.
Parallel Lights
- Connect the cable to include all the lights in parallel.
- Turn the VariAC to a lower voltage and turn it on. Note that even at a lower voltage the bulbs are brighter.
- Unscrew one bulb and note that the rest of the lights stay on.
- (Optional) You may swap out a few bulbs with ones of different wattages and note the effect it has.
- When finished, turn off the VariAC.