Name:Kauê

PHET Simulation: Conductivity

Procedure:

Locate the PHET “Conductivity” Simulation (either on a classroom computer or at

http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Conductivity )

Part I--Conductors
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
R=Ok
2. Under the materials menu, select metal. What, if anything, happens?
R=Energy levels are low.

3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a diagram.

4. The little spheres rotating around the ring represent electrons in a wire. Look at the battery.
What terminal (positive or negative) is supplying the electrons? (hint: look for the side of the
battery that has a “button”. That would be the positive terminal. The opposite side is the
negative terminal).

R= Negative
 PHET Simulation: Conductivity
5. The battery and the wires form an electric circuit, that is, a complete path from the power
source, through a wire and back to the same power source.. If an electric circuit is broken in
any spot, the flow of electrons will stop.
R=Yes, because there is no other way for electrons to pass.

6. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R= The movements get faster.

7. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.

R= They move more slowly and in circulation.

8. With the battery voltage at 0.5. Shine the light. What, if anything, happens?

R= It stays the same with the flashlight off.

9. Set the battery voltage to zero

10. Complete the following statement. Metals are conductors because they will allow a current of
electrons to:

R=Move and transmit energy.

Part II-Non-Conductors
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
R= Yes
2. Under the materials menu, select plastic. What, if anything, happens?
R= The energy level gets high.

3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a diagram.
 PHET Simulation: Conductivity

4. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.

R= He stands still.

5. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R= He stands still.

6. With the battery voltage at 0.5, Shine the light. What, if anything, happens?
R= He remains still.

7. Set the battery voltage to zero

8. Complete the following statement. Plastics are non-conductors because
R=Because it is an insulator, so it does not conduct electricity.

Part II-Photoconductor
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
2. Under the materials menu, select Photoconductor. What, if anything, happens?
R=The electron levels increase and energy gets higher.

3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a diagram.

R= The electric current is stopped without the movement of the electrons.

 PHET Simulation: Conductivity

4. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R=This current is still stopped because the flashlight is off.

5. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R=Stays still.

6. With the battery voltage at 0.5. Shine the light. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a
diagram.

R= The current kicks in and the electrons start to move.

7. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R=Electrons move through more levels and become more accelerated.

8. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire
R=Some electrons return and decrease their acceleration in the wires

9. Set the battery voltage to zero

R=
10. Complete the following statement. Photoconductors are semi-conductors because
R= They work in dark places with a flashlight