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Decaying Batteries Investigation I

Making a circuit and spreadsheet

  1. Obtain a battery. Note the type of battery (D-, C-. AA-, AAA-).

    Batteries

  2. Using your spreadsheet program, make a chart to record time and voltage of your type of battery. Refer to Technical Hints to see how to make a spreadsheet.

  3. Work within a group to make a circuit using one battery, one bulb, wire and a switch so that the bulb lights.

    D-Cell Circuit

  4. If necessary use masking tape to secure the wire leads of your circuit and the multimeter to the two terminals of your cell if an appropriate battery holder is not available. Make sure the leads are secure by wrapping the battery several times with the tape once the top voltage is achieved.

    Taping a Circuit

  5. Close the switch to make sure you have a complete circuit and that your bulb works. Open the switch once the bulb is tested.



  6. Connect the multimeter probe cable to your computer in the modem/printer port and open the CC DMM program. Set the collection time for 60 minutes, however you will run the program for only 30 minutes. Refer to Technical Hints to see how to use the CC DMM program.


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