Resistors in Series - Lab data confusion

[shmoop]

Homework Statement

(see my attached photo to better understand where I am coming from!)

So after some research, I've discovered that the current at different points in a simple series circuit is supposed to be the same value, and that the voltage is supposed to be different values.

I performed a lab on resistors in series the other day, and I believe my data is incorrect.
The majority of the data I got tells me that I may have set my circuit up as a parallel series - however the fact that the total measured current is not equal to the sum of the separate currents measured at each resistors conflicts with this. (see attached image of my lab data for clarity!)

Furthermore, due to the value of the total current as well as the value of the total voltage, the total R calculated using Ohm's law is equal to the Req that was calculated through adding the individual resistances up (which were also calculated through Ohm's law).

I am wondering, what did I do to obtain this kind of data information? As it does not conform what I would designate as a series circuit, nor a parallel circuit.

Does anyone have any idea what I have done to obtain this lab data? What kind of circuit did I create?

Thanks a lot in advance.

Homework Equations

Variables:
V=Voltage (V)
I=Current(A)
R=Resistance (Ohms)

V=IR

R_total(series circuit)=R₁+R₂+R₃

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm not sure. I know that when I compare my total resistance with my individually calculated resistances (which were then used to, I get the same value. However, the current and voltage do not follow the trends of a series circuit. I thought potentially I mixed up the voltage and current values - but that is not the case. Because then the comparative resistance values do not match as they currently do.

 

[Charles Link]

It would be nice if they would let you repeat this laboratory experiment, but oftentimes, in the introductory courses, laboratory time is at a premium. It looks like you may have set the resistors in parallel as you mentioned, but I think you also misread the scale on the current meter. Most likely you measured milliamps and not amps. You would not have a current of 50 amperes=that is some very hefty current that would require thick cables and a powerful power supply to generate.

 

[shmoop]

It would be nice if they would let you repeat this laboratory experiment, but oftentimes, in the introductory courses, laboratory time is at a premium. It looks like you may have set the resistors in parallel as you mentioned, but I think you also misread the scale on the current meter. Most likely you measured milliamps and not amps. You would not have a current of 50 amperes=that is some very hefty current that would require thick cables and a powerful power supply to generate.

You're probably correct. However this was my set up... and it looks alright to me?

Is there a reason why when I use R=R1+R2+R3
That it works? If it were parallel it would not... correct?

 

[NascentOxygen]

You show the resistors connected in series. Explain how you measured the individual current in each resistor.

 

[CWatters]

I see you have a similar/same thread...
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/resistors-in-series-lab-data-confusion.924623/

 

[shmoop]

I see you have a similar/same thread...
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/resistors-in-series-lab-data-confusion.924623/

Yes, sorry about that. I thought the other thread was the incorrect place to post it.

Thanks everyone for helping me figure it out. :)