Experiment 1 - The Resistor

In electronic circuits you encounter quite often the problem of too much current. Therefore you need a component that is able to regulate the current and this can be done by resistors.

To experience the effect of a resistor, set up the circuit shown. When you press the pushbutton switch, the LED lights up with normal brightness.

Circuit with resistance. (Enlarge)   Resistor Never connect the LED directly to the battery. Without the resistor too much current would flow through and damage the LED. The resistor is often referred to as protective resistor.

Circuit diagram of the circuit with resistor. In the circuit shown, you should not use a resisor with less than 470 Ω. But what result do you get when you increase the resistor?