We now apply the principle of charge and fields and voltage to situations which are best described as electrical circuits. In its simplest form a a power source, such as a battery provides a potential difference, a voltage. An electric field is set up in the wiring, and as a result electrical charges, namely electrons, now move at a specific rate which we refer to as the current. However, the rate is not only determined by the voltage set, but also the resistance of the circuit. And it is this resistance that transforms the energy gained by the charges into other forms such as light heat and other forms of energy.
These lessons provide an overview of the key principles of circuit electricity, including different types of circuits and electrical power
These lessons provide an overview of the key principles of circuit electricity, including different types of circuits and electrical power
Understanding voltage, current and resistance and their relationship
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worked solution
pHET
pHETand resistance
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coming soon
worked solution
pHET
A simple pHET animation that allows you to see how Ohm's Law works
pHETand resistance
This simple animation allows you to see what affects the resistance of a substance
2. Series and Parallel Circuits
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the maths version
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interactive
problems
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Using the analogy of a water slide, this willhelp you understand the comparison of a simple circuit vs a series circuit vs a parallel circuit.
Once you have mastered the key concepts, move on to the maths version, where Kirchoff's Laws are used to analyse circuits Examine the worked solution, as well as play with the pHET interactive, before string some question on your own. |
the maths version
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A look at the effects on current, voltage and resistance in parallel circuits containing ohmic resistors. |
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interactive
Use this animation from pHET to set up your own circuits. A good way. to apply your skills to to determine the various values using the maths, and then use the ammeter and voltage tools to confirm your calculations
problems
- w_intro_to_serires_and_parallel.pdfIntro to series and parallel circuits - a 'rough' worksheet I got from a scanned text. A good start
- Circuits from Ingrum - another outsourced worksheet (answers)
4. Power and energy in circuits, what is a kilowatt?
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worked solution
problems
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Electrical power is the rate of transformation of energy. This video examines this in context of electrical circuits, reviews the mathematical principles and discusses power in terms of series and parallel circuits
Your electricity bill is in kilowatt hours (KWh), what does than mean? This video looks at energy in power in circuits and how they are measured. |
worked solution
problems