Why Does My Series Circuit Show a Voltage Discrepancy?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a series circuit with three bulbs, where measured voltages were A: 1.75V, B: 1.6V, and C: 1.75V, totaling 5.1V, while the total voltage supplied was 6V. The discrepancy of 0.9V can be attributed to potential issues such as resistance in connections, variations in bulb resistance, or measurement inaccuracies. The difference in voltage across bulb B compared to bulbs A and C suggests a possible fault in bulb B or an uneven load distribution in the circuit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of series circuits and voltage distribution
  • Knowledge of electrical resistance and Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with using a calibrated multimeter for voltage measurements
  • Basic concepts of electrical connections and circuit design
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate the effects of resistance in series circuits
  • Learn about measuring voltage drop across circuit components
  • Research troubleshooting techniques for series circuits
  • Explore the impact of bulb specifications on circuit performance
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, electrical engineering students, and hobbyists working with series circuits who seek to understand voltage discrepancies and circuit behavior.

Ry122
Messages
563
Reaction score
2
I setup a series circuit with 3 bulbs and I measured the voltages across each one
The potential differences were
A: 1.75V
B:1.6V
C: 1.75V
The sum of these voltages was 5.1V
The voltage measured across all three bulbs was 6V.
What are some possible causes for this discrepancy of .9V?

Also can someone tell me why bulb B's voltage is different from bulb A and bulb C?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Did you use a calibrated meter?
What type of connections are used in this circuit?
Did you measure from A-B, B-C, C-D, and A-D where A,B,C,D represent specific points in the circuit?
Why shouldn't there be a difference of Voltage?
 

Similar threads

Ohm's Law - Finding Source Voltage
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why a 20 Ohm lightbulb won't light up in a closed circuit?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Which bulb will glow brighter in a series and parallel circuit?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Differences in the Brightness of bulbs for 2 separate circuits
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Understanding example in Wikipedia entry for open circuit voltage
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Power Source at 6.0V: Analyzing Current, Voltage, & Resistance
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Calculation of current in driven series RLC circuit
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
In a series circuit with 3 bulbs, does the voltage decrease?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Ranking brightness of lightbulbs in a circuit
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
3 bulbs at different brightness
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K