Build a circuit in a simulator
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
Use the browser PhET Circuit Construction Kit: DC, Intro screen. All work stays in simulation. Sample circuit: 9 V battery, 10 ohm resistor, four wires and one switch. No real wires, batteries, outlets or appliances.
Current needs a complete conducting path; a drawing that almost connects is still open.
Build a circuit in a simulator — guided practice
Make a complete battery–resistor loop and recognize an open path.
Use the browser PhET Circuit Construction Kit: DC, Intro screen. All work stays in simulation. Sample circuit: 9 V battery, 10 ohm resistor, four wires and one switch. No real wires, batteries, outlets or appliances.
1. Reset the workspace
Open the simulation from the source link and choose Intro. Press Reset All if a circuit is already present. Drag a battery, resistor and switch onto the workspace.
You should see: The components begin unconnected.
A known starting state makes comparisons meaningful.
2. Make a loop
Use wire segments to join battery positive→switch→resistor→battery negative. Drag endpoints until they snap together. Close the switch.
You should see: One uninterrupted loop connects both battery terminals through the resistor.
Snapped endpoints define actual connections in the simulation.
3. Set the values
Click the battery and set 9 V; click the resistor and set 10 ohms. Leave wire and battery resistance at ideal/default settings and record what is set.
You should see: The intended ideal circuit predicts 9/10=0.9 A.
Record settings so another test uses the same model.
4. Open one connection
Open the switch. Observe the current animation, then close it again. Sketch the closed loop and label 9 V and 10 ohms.
You should see: The open switch stops the loop current; closing it restores flow.
An open circuit and a complete circuit are different network states.
What to finish
A labeled closed-loop sketch and open/closed observation.
Watch for this
Copying a simulated experiment onto real electrical equipment.
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
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
Tools and templates
Tools open in a new tab so you can keep your place here.
Sources and further reading
Explore the references behind this lesson.
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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