Using Ohm's Law to Build a Voltage Divider

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In this activity, learners apply Ohm’s Law to construct voltage divider circuits. Learners discover how to read resistor codes and calculate resistor values. Using breadboards, learners build voltage dividers and predict and measure output voltage values. Learners are given the electrical requirements for an LED, and are then challenged to design and verify a voltage divider circuit to illuminate it.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
2 to 4 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Multimeter
  • Breadboard with wire set
  • Calculator
  • LED - Super Red, Clear Lens
  • 9V Alkaline Battery
  • 9V Battery holder with wire leads
  • Resistor: 100 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 150 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 220 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 330 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 470 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 560 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 680 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 820 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 910 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%
  • Resistor: 1000 ohm, Carbon Film, 1/2W, 5%

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
    • Technology
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electric Circuits
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
    • Number and Operations
      • Fractions
      • Operations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Informal Categories

  • Electronics

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, IEEE,