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K5-44. Non-Ohmic Device - Light Bulb

Purpose

To show the change in resistance of a light bulb with temperature.

Equipment

Mounted light bulb with double-pole double-throw switch and digital meter.

Setup Time

5 minutes.

Images

k5-44

Description

A 60 watt light bulb is connected to a switch so that it can be quickly disconnected from the 110 VAC◙power to an ohmmeter. The resistance of the 60 watt bulb in operation at a high temperature is R = V^2/P = 110^2/60 = 200 ohms. The resistance cold is about 18 ohms. Turn the bulb on, then switch it to the ohmmeter. The resistance starts high and drops quickly as the bulb cools.