Measure instead of guessing
See this course’s project requirements
A simulation test report with labeled circuits, predictions, meter readings and an explained fault repair.
Keep your working files in your own notebook or software. Save a private description, checklist, and work link in My Proof.
What to include
- Three labeled circuit configurations with voltage, resistance and current units.
- Predicted and observed measurements with meter positions recorded.
- A series voltage-sum and parallel current-sum check.
- One open-branch fault with a single-change test and results.
- A report distinguishing simulation from physical measurement.
Review and revise
Use these criteria to check your work and choose what to improve.
- Connections match the intended series or parallel network.
- Arithmetic, signs and units are consistent.
- Fault diagnosis is supported by before/after evidence.
- The report states settings and model limits.
Want more background?
The idea in everyday life
Reset or rebuild the 9 V, 10 ohm circuit with the switch closed. Use the simulation’s voltmeter and non-contact ammeter where provided.
Voltage compares two points; current describes charge flow through a branch.
Measure instead of guessing — guided practice
Read voltage across a resistor and current in the loop.
Reset or rebuild the 9 V, 10 ohm circuit with the switch closed. Use the simulation’s voltmeter and non-contact ammeter where provided.
1. Predict
Write I=9/10=0.9 A and resistor voltage 9 V for the ideal circuit before using meters.
You should see: The prediction has values and units.
A prediction makes a mismatched reading informative.
2. Place the voltmeter
Drag the voltmeter out. Put the red probe on the resistor side toward battery positive and black on its other side.
You should see: The reading is approximately+9 V.
A voltmeter compares potential on two sides of a component.
3. Read current
Drag the non-contact ammeter onto a wire in the single loop. If using an inline ammeter, insert it in series, following the simulation guidance.
You should see: The current is approximately 0.9 A under ideal settings.
The same current passes every point of a one-path loop.
4. Reverse only the probes
Swap the voltmeter probes and record the sign; restore them afterward. If readings differ materially, inspect connections and component settings.
You should see: Voltage changes sign while its magnitude remains about 9 V.
Probe order defines the sign convention, not a new battery strength.
What to finish
A meter-placement sketch with predicted and observed readings.
Watch for this
Treating a negative reading as a negative magnitude.
How can I tell I understand it?
Explain the result, reproduce the procedure, and complete the changed-input check.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
You’ll get an explanation for each answer. Signed in? Your results save to your account.
Pass the check. We’ll save the progress.
Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
Building Series & Parallel Circuits with PhET Simulations
From Step by Step Science. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
Optional course overview. Follow the written steps below at your own pace.Tools, templates, and lesson sources
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Sources and further reading
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Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-12
Read substantive page text and examples.
Access: Public reading without a paid account; reviewed September 12, 2026.
Reuse: Link only. Lessons and practice assets are original; free access does not grant permission to copy the provider's material.
Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-12
Read substantive page text and examples.
Access: Public reading without a paid account; reviewed September 12, 2026.
Reuse: Link only. Lessons and practice assets are original; free access does not grant permission to copy the provider's material.
Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-12
Simulation landing shell and indexed component/measurement descriptions inspected; interactive execution not tested.
Access: Public reading without a paid account; reviewed September 12, 2026.
Reuse: Link to the hosted simulation; do not redistribute or embed the simulation without checking current PhET terms. Original diagrams and numerical fixtures supplied.
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