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A challenge
In pairs:
Using only the items provided, make the bulb light in as
many different ways as you can.
Sketch every configuration you try, whether it works or
not. (pictures, not circuit diagrams)
Getting
started
Learning outcomes
recognise that charge is a fundamental property of matter
begin to use the field model of interactions to predict forces
explain the attraction between neutral and charged objects in terms
of polarisation of molecules
infer the existence of an electric current from its effects
define electric current as a flow of charge
use rope loop(s) to model electric current in simple circuits
describe how currents behave in series and parallel circuits,
relating this to ideas of resistance and charge conservation
draw and interpret relevant circuit diagrams and symbols
appreciate the distinction between modelling the behaviour of
electric circuits and explaining it at a fundamental level
develop confidence in using an ammeter & troubleshooting
Misconceptions
Battery
• stores electricity, sources current, or supplies charges but
eventually runs out of them
• Few learners do know that charged objects of either sign will attract a
neutral object.
• Most learners are aware of the need for a ‘complete circuit’ but they
experienced directly.
In pairs:
What different, perceptible effects might indicate an
electric current?
Moving charges constitute an
electric current
Q
I
t
Current is the rate of flow of charge past a point.
I = current an amps, Q = charge in coulombs.
Experimenting with circuits
series and parallel, batteries and bulbs, ammeter(s)
Students learn
• rules for current (current the same everywhere in
series circuits, adds with parallel branches)
• semi-quantitative idea of resistance
Why?
An A-level explanation
I nAve where n = charge density, A = cross-sectional
area, v = drift speed, e = electron charge
In copper wires: 1 free electron per atom (8.5 x 1028 electrons per m3),
in random thermal motion.
Battery makes all of these electrons drift the same way, colliding with
metal ions. Drift speed ~0.02 mm/s
Lamp filament made of tungsten (3.4 x 1028 electrons per m3), with
smaller cross-sectional area. Drift speed ~250 mm/s more frequent
collisions heating effect
TRY
• Single and series LEDs (use same colour)
• Switches
• Traffic lights
Support, references
www.talkphysics.org
SPT 11-14 Electricity & Magnetism
Ep1 Developing an electric circuit model
Ep2 More about electric currents
Ep3 Adding elements to circuits