E&M D3.1 Voltage Lab

FQ:  What is the difference between voltage and current?

1.  In-class activity:  Kinesthetic circuit

Furry Elephant video from 6:00 - 8:50 to see difference between energy and charge in a circuit.  

2.  Lab:  Investigating Voltage in a Circuit

NOTE: This is an in-class assignment. If you were not in class, you can complete this assignment with the DC Circuit Kit Simulation - go to the link and choose "LAB." When using the simulation batteries, click and decrease the voltage from 9V to 1.5V.

Objective: You will measure the voltage of batteries in and out of circuits with a voltmeter to determine how batteries must be connected in order to increase voltage in a circuit.

Background: Have you ever wondered how a battery works or what “volt” means?

You know that batteries have one end marked positive and one end marked negative.  A battery transforms chemical energy into electric energy which will flow as electric current, from positive to negative.  The electric current that flows through a wire can also do work.  Voltage describes how much energy is available to make electric current flow and do work.  The higher the voltage, the more current will flow and do work for us.  The work includes lighting bulbs, heating toast, and turning electric motors.

Safety: Be careful when working with batteries.  If they are damaged, return them immediately to your teacher.  If a battery or wire gets hot, disconnect the circuit and ask your teacher for help.  Always have a bulb somewhere in your circuit.  Do NOT connect a wire directly from one terminal of a battery to the other terminal.  This is a short circuit, which can start a fire.

Gather the following materials: electrical meter and its two test leads, and a battery. Once you have these, click "take the quiz" to get started. 

3.  Lab:  Measuring Current