LAST READING—
Drag the first piece onto the bench.
Which resistor works best?
Build a circuit. Test three resistors. Use the results to choose one.
Lab options
Your next action
YOUR MISSION
Find a resistor that keeps current in the target range.
You’ll compare 40, 70, and 100 ohm resistors using the same 3 V supply. Measure each one three times to check your results.
Target: 35–55 mAPower limit: 0.250 W
A resistor controls current in this model circuit. These limits belong to our fictional test load, not a real warning device.
We’ll guide the assembly and handle the calculations. Your job is to observe, compare, and explain.
Why repeat the measurement? What is being controlled?
Three readings help you see whether the result is consistent. We keep voltage, instruments, and circuit connections the same. Only nominal resistance changes. Small supply variation, meter noise, and a fixed resistor tolerance are modeled; repeated displayed readings can still be identical.
The meters are connected and zeroed automatically after assembly. Current is measured in series; voltage is measured across the load. This introductory version saves readings and calculates means and power for you.
Your readings
| Resistor | Reading 1 | Reading 2 | Reading 3 |
|---|
3 / CHOOSE AND EXPLAIN
Which resistor meets both limits?
Compare the repeated readings and average power. Then choose a resistor and explain the pattern.
| Resistor | Average current | Current range | Average power | Meets both limits? |
|---|
Help me explain my results
Measurements from your investigation
These are your recorded model results. Choose the evidence that supports your own conclusion.
- Make a claim.
- Use evidence.
- Explain the science.
- Set a limit.
Before downloading: Does your explanation answer the question, use a number with units, explain why, and state a limit? Revise it above if needed.
This guide does not write or grade your explanation. A teacher reviews your scientific reasoning.
The choice and trend are checked automatically. Your written explanation is saved for teacher review.