2.

1 – Controlling The Flow of Electrical Current

Read pg. 297 and answer the question

“How do neon lights work?”

 Conductors and Insulators
• the electrons in insulators are tightly bound to the positive
nucleus of their atoms and they cannot flow
• e.g.) glass, rubber

• in conductors, electrons are not tightly bound and are free to

move (with some resistance)
• e.g.) metals
Superconductors

• superconductors are perfect conductors

• the electrons have no resistance to flow

• the temperature must be very low (close to absolute zero)

for superconductivity
 Resistors

• resistors allow only a certain amount of electric

current to pass
• resistance is a measure of how difficult it is for
electrons to flow through a substance
• resistance is measured in Ohms (Ω)
• the resistor gains energy from each electron
that passes through it
• this energy can be released as heat or light
• E.g.) in a space heater or light bulb

• liquids can also be good resistors

Switches

• switches are used to control the flow of electricity through a circuit

• when the switch is on, two conductors are pressed together, closing
the circuit and making electricity flow
• switches are enclosed in an insulating case for protection
 Variable Resistors
• variable resistors allow the gradual adjustment of electric
current
• also called rheostats
• made of one single curved resistor
• a dial changes the amount of the resistor that is used

Dimming the lights

Stereo volume control

Mini-Lab
Either use lab materials or go to PHET Circuit Construction and try
adding resistors and switches to your circuits. Explain how a switch
effects your circuit. Explain how a resistor effects your circuit.

Challenge: Are you able to add a switch to a circuit that shuts off only
one light while one light in the circuit remains on?