Measuring Current-Voltage Characterictics of Incandescent Lamps through Science Process Skills

Abstract

This research aims to measure and analyze the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of incandescent lamps using a develop practical tool designed to support science process skills (SPS). The tool integrates a DC power supply, digital ammeter, digital voltmeter, incandescent lamp, and connecting wires into a single compact setup. The experiment was conducted by gradually applying voltage from 0,8 V to 3,5 V and recording the resulting current. The data were analyzed through I-V graphs and resistance calculations. the result indicate that the current-voltage relationship appears linear within the tested voltage range, with resistance increasing alongside voltage. This reflects the influence of filament temperature on electrical resistance, although the non-ohmic behavior of the lamp is not significantly evident at low voltages. The linear regression model yielded cofficients of determination (R2) of 0.9943 for the 12V5W lamp and 0.9979 for the 12V10W lamp, indicating excellent model accuracy. These findings confirm that incandescent lamps exhibit temperature-dependent resistance and show that the developed tool is effective for reinforcing electrical concepts in basic physics instruction. Moreover, the practicum engaged science process skills (SPS) such as observation, measurement, classification, and interpretation, with user responses indicating positive perceptions of motivation, conceptual understanding, and active engagement. Thus, the tool not only strengthens conceptual learning but also fosters SPS with clear pedagogical significance.