Calculators | Science | Examples - Ohm's Law

Examples - Ohm's Law

By Dave Moulden & Chris Watts, Collie SHS
If you use or quote from the following publication, please acknowledge the authors above.

Set up the equipment as shown in the circuit diagram below, Connect the voltage probe to channel 1, current probe to channel 2.

Enter the following program into your calculator

{1, 0} List6 Enter

Send (List6) Enter

{1, 1, 1} List6 Enter

Send (List6) Enter

{1, 2, 1} List6 Enter

Send (List6) Enter

{3, 2, 15, 0} Enter

Send (List6)

Receive (List1) Enter

Receive (List2) Enter

This sets up the DA to collect data through channels 1 and 2. Data will be collected 15 times at 2 second intervals, time will not be recorded.

With the circuit connected, the power pack on 10 volts and the power on, the DA and calculator connected, press Trigger on the Data Analyser. You now have 30 seconds to slowly slide the rheostat to a number of different positions, or from one end to another, while the DA will collect a reading every 2 seconds. When the data has been collected, press EXE on your calculator to collect the data.

Sample List Data

This would then be plotted on a scatter graph.

Scatter Graph

A line of best fit then plotted, graphed and the gradient found. This should correspond to the resistance of the resistor and confirm Ohm's law.

Graph Showing Equation of Curve & Derivative at Point Shown

The resistor used in this case was 50 Ohm.