In this laboratory, you are going to make some simple measurements of some battery voltages.  We'll start with some simple things and work up.  The first thing you need to do is measure the voltage of a single battery.  (And, if you need a little refresher on how to use the voltmeter, click here.)

        Here's the physical set-up and the equivalent circuit diagram.

• Connect this circuit, then measure and record the battery voltage.
• The Physical Circuit

• The Equivalent Circuit Diagram

• Now, reverse (interchange?) the leads from the voltmeter, measure the voltage and record your results.  Notice any change in the reading and you should understand and be able to explain why any change occurs.

• Next, connect two batteries in series as shown below.  Measure the total voltage across the two batteries and record your result.  You may have a battery holder.  Use it if you have it.

• Now, reverse one of the batteries and measure the voltage again, and record your results.  Explain what happens.
•  
•  
• Now, add another battery and measure the voltage again, and record your results.  Explain what happens.
•  
•  
• Now, reverse one battery and measure the voltage again, and record your results.  Explain what happens.  The middle battery is reversed in this example.  Draw the circuit diagram for this situation.