Equipment List:
    two resistors, not too far apart in value. One resistor should be two to six times as larger than the other.
    DC power supply
    HP DMM
    Hand held DMM
    Breadboard
    assorted bananas and alligators
 

We can predict the currents through, and the voltages across, two resistors in series or in parallel. The purpose of this lab is to check the predictions from DC circuit theory with experimental measurements.

Theory: Derive a set of equations that predicts the current through each of  two resistors and the voltage across each as a function of the power supply voltage and each resistor's value.  Derive one set of equations for the two resistors in parallel and another set when they are in series. Your set of equations should also include a predition for the total current in each circuit.

Procedure: 
Take the two resistors and directly measure the ressitance of each using the HP-DMM as an ohmeter; no power supply is used here.  

Construct a circuit with the two resistors connected in series. Turn the power supply to an arbitrary voltage that allows for measureable values. From this measured power supply voltage and the measured values of the two resistors, use the equations derived above to predict all measureable voltages and currents. Use the HP-DMM (as an ammeter) and the hand-held DMM (as a voltmeter) to measure those quantities.

Repeat for the two resistors in parallel. 

Analysis: Compare your predicted values to your measured values. You should expect excellent agreement, less than five percent or even less than one percent.