Resistor Color Code Experiment

Resistor Color Code Experiment

• The experiment aims to learn and determine the stated value of a resistor by interpreting the color code indicated on the resistor.

Theory of Resistor Color Code

• There are two ways to find the resistance value of a resistor: by interpreting the color bands on the resistor body and by measuring it with an ohmmeter.

5-Band and 4-Band Resistors

• The color bands on 5-band and 4-band resistors indicate the resistance value, with the last band indicating tolerance.
• The tolerance value can be found by consulting the “Resistor Tolerance” chart in Table (2).

Color Code Interpretation

• The first band represents the first significant figure, the second band represents the second significant figure, and the third band represents the multiplier.
• The color code is represented by a word, with each letter corresponding to a color, as shown in Table (1).

Example of Resistor Value Calculation

• If the first band is brown (1), the second band is black (0), and the multiplier band is red (103), the resistance value is 10 * 1000 = 10,000 Ohms.

Measuring Resistance with an Ohmmeter

• Another way to determine the resistance value is to measure it with an ohmmeter, with an explanation provided in a later tip.

Experiment Procedure

• Measure and record the values of twenty 1 kΩ resistors.
• Calculate the maximum (Rmax) and minimum (Rmin) resistance values, and then calculate the percentage error using the formula: Rmax = R + (R * T).