PRAC 5: ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

Introduction
What does it mean to be charged? All matter is made up of atoms.
At the centre of each atom is a heavy nucleus. Surrounding the
nucleus is a lot of empty space and tiny particles called
electrons. Electrons carry negative electric charges. Inside
the nucleus there are two different types of particles. The
protons are much heavier than the electrons and carry a
positive electric charge. The neutrons inside the nucleus are
similar to protons but carry no electric charge (they are neutral).
The charge of an electron balances the charge of a proton.
Any particle or substance that has more protons than electrons is
said to be positively charged. Any particle or substance that has more electrons than
protons is said to be negatively charged. Any particle or substance that has equal
numbers of protons and electrons is said to be neutral.
Substances usually become charged by the addition or removal of electrons

Glossary Terms
Static Electricity The electric charge that builds up in clouds and objects such as plastic
rulers and balloons that is not moving (static). When enough static electrical energy builds
up it can move very quickly, as it does when lightning strikes or when you get a small
electric shock when you step out of a car or touch a metal door handle.
An Electric Circuit is like a pathway for an electric charge to flow through. It is called a
circuit because it needs to reconnect to itself or the electricity cannot flow. Electric circuits
require three essential items:
A power supply (to provide the electrical energy)
A load (or loads) in which electrical energy is converted into other (useful) forms of
energy
A conducting path that allows electric charge to flow around the circuit

Aim
To observe and compare the flow of electrical energy through some simple circuits

Materials
6-Volt Battery
Three 6-volt light globes and holders
6 connecting leads with alligator clips or banana plugs
Piece of plastic
Iron nail

Method and results

1. In this experiment, you will be setting up each of the circuits shown in the
diagrams on the next page. Draw each circuit diagram in your workbook and
record your observations of the globes next to them.
Procedure
1. Set up circuit 1. Ensure that the voltage is set to 6 volts and the connecting leads
are connected to the D.C. (direct current) connectors. When the circuit is
complete, switch on the power supply. Record the changes that takes place in the
globe

2. Set up circuit 2. Use the alligator clips to connect to both sides of the piece of
plastic. Switch on the power supply. Turn off the power, replace the plastic with
the iron nail and switch the power back on. Record the change that takes place in
the globe when the plastic is replaced with an iron nail.

3. Set up circuit 3 so that both globes light up. The two globes are connected in
series. Disconnect the lead between the two globes. Record what happens.

4. Set up circuit 4 so that both globes light up. The two globes are connected in
parallel. Disconnect one of the leads between the two globes. Record what
happens.

Observations
1. Describe what happens to the globe when the circuit is connected
2. Describe what happens when the plastic is part of the circuit. Describe what
happens when the plastic is replaced by the iron nail.
3. Are the globes glowing as brightly as the globe in circuit 1?
What happened when the lead between the globes was removed?
4. Are the globes glowing as brightly as the gloves in circuit 1?
Describe what happened when one of the leads between the two globes was
disconnected

Discuss and explain Describe

Give an
Circuit 1 account of the
1. Using the terms electric circuit, power supply, load, conducting characteristics
path and current, explain the change that you observed in the or features of
globe when the power supply was turned on. something.
Provide details
Circuit 2 about
2. Explain the change that took place when the plastic was Explain
replaced by the iron nail. Provide
additional
Circuit 3 information of
3. Explain why the globes behaved differently from the way the the reasoning
globe behaved in circuit 1. and/or
application of
something
that
demonstrates
an
4. Explain the change that took place when you disconnected the lead

Circuit 3
5. Explain why the globes behaved differently from the way the globes behaved in
circuit 3.
6. Explain the change that took place when you disconnected the lead