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Current Electricity PDF
Current Electricity PDF
JC-Learn
Science Notes
Current Electricity
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Current Electricity Science Notes JC-Learn
Current Electricity
An electric current is a flow of electric charge.
Mandatory Experiment
*To test if a substance is a conductor or an insulator
Method
1. Make list of all materials you are going to test. Divide them into
two columns, predicting whether they are conductors or
insulators.
2. Set up circuit. At beginning there is gap between crocodile
clips. The bulb does not light. The circuit is not complete yet.
3. Now, bridge the gap with each item you are testing, by
inserting them between the clips. Note the result each time.
Result
The materials that cause the bulb to light brightly, like copper,
steel and most metals, are good conductors.
Other materials, like plastic, paper etc., are insulators. Charge
cannot travel through these materials. Thus, the light does not
come on.
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Current Electricity Science Notes JC-Learn
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Current Electricity Science Notes JC-Learn
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Current Electricity Science Notes JC-Learn
Mandatory Experiment
(a) To measure the resistance of a coil (or resistor)
Method
1. Set the multimeter to act as an ohmmeter by changing the dial
to lowest resistance setting. Switch it on.
2. Connect test leads to each end of resistor. Note reading on
ohmmeter.
Result
The reading on ohmmeter is resistance of coil.
Method
1. Use connecting wires to connect up circuit.
2. Switch on power supply at lowest setting. Close switch. Current
will flow.
3. Note reading on voltmeter and ammeter.
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Current Electricity Science Notes JC-Learn
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Current Electricity Science Notes JC-Learn
Mandatory Experiment
*To demonstrate simple series and parallel circuits, containing a
switch and two bulbs
Method
1. Set up series circuit. Close switch and observe bulb brightness.
2. Then set up in circuit. Here, an extra similar bulb is added in
series with first bulb. Close switch. Observe bulb brightness.
3. Now remove one of these two bulbs from its holder.
4. Set up parallel circuit. This time, second similar bulb is added
in parallel with first bulb. Close switch. Observe bulb
brightness.
5. Remove one of these bulbs from its holder.
Results
Two bulbs in series shine less brightly than if one of these
bulbs was on its own. If one bulb is removed/blows, the circuit
is no longer complete.
Two bulbs in parallel shine as brightly as one of these bulbs on
its own. If one bulb is removed/blows, the circuit is still
complete.
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