Science – Grade 8

Quarter 1 – Module 8: Ohm’s Law

What I Need to Know

This module is designed to guide and help you learn the basics of current, voltage,
and resistance that will lead you understand the Ohm’s Law. The contents were
simplified, organized, and logically developed.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Infer the relationship between current and charge.
2. Define current, voltage, and resistance.
3. Discuss the relationship of current to voltage and resistance in an electric circuit.
4. Solve problems involving Ohm’s Law.

What I Know

Directions: Choose the letter that corresponds to the best answer. Write the letter on
a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which is TRUE about Ohm’s Law?
A. Voltage and resistance are inversely proportional
B. Current in a circuit is directly proportional to voltage
C. Current in a circuit is inversely proportional to voltage
D. Current in a circuit is directly proportional to resistance
2. What is electric current?
A. The rate of flow of electric charges
B. The rate at which electrical energy is transferred
C. The opposition of the material to the flow of charges
D. The potential difference between two points in an electric circuit
3. In an electrical circuit, what will happen to the current flowing through the wire if the resistance is
increased by adding more loads in the circuit where the voltage is remained constant?
A. Current will increase C. Current will remain constant
B. Current will decrease D. Current will increased, then will decrease
4. If there are 50 Volts and 4 Amps running through an electrical circuit, what is the
resistance of the circuit?
A. 12.5 Ω C. 104.0 Ω
B. 54.0 Ω D. 200.0 Ω
5. The resistance of a hotplate is 50 Ω. How much current does the plate carry when it is
connected to a 120-V source?

A. 0.04 A B. 2.4 A C. 120.0 A D. 6 000.0 A

 Lesson Ohm’s Law
In the previous lesson, we treated the concept of electric charges, which can be
positive or negative charges, how the charged object can induce static electricity and
the significant difference between static electricity and current electricity. In this lesson,
we will discuss about the electric current, voltage, electrical resistance, and how Ohm’s
Law connects the relationship of these three quantities.

“ This is why I loved technology. If you used it right, it could give you power and
privacy.” --- Cory Doctorow, a Canadian-British blogger, journalist and science fiction
Author

What is your insight on the given quotation? The whole idea is not about the
choice between using or not using technology. The challenge is to use it right.
Technology makes this life easier. It gives you the power to communicate, work, and
collaborate with the other people. Literally, at every instance of time, you are surrounded
by technology. One thing is we need to think about, what makes every technology work
– the device that we use every day? Electric current, voltage and resistance have vital
role why the different devices work. By understanding the basics of current, voltage,
and resistance, it will give you a feeling of amazement that in your device, charges are
working for you.

What’s In

Activity 1.0 Brain Teaser

Directions: Answer the following questions briefly.
1. If a glass rod were rubbed with silk and a plastic rod with wool, how would
a. the glass rod reacts with the plastic rod? Why?
b. the glass rod reacts with the wool? Why?
c. the silk reacts with the wool? Why?
b. the plastic rod reacts with the silk?

2. What is the significant difference between static electricity and current electricity?
 What’s New

Activity 1.1. Ohm’s Law: Demystified

A. What You Will Need

2.2 V light bulb with bulb holder

2 1.5 V battery with holder,
3 connecting wires with alligator clips

B. What To Do

Part 1

▪ Using the wires, connect the positive terminal of the 1.5 V battery to one end of
the light bulb and the negative terminal to the other end of the light bulb.
What happens to the light bulb when it is connected to the battery?

Part 2

a. Add another battery in the circuit. Connect the positive terminal of the 2 nd
battery to the negative terminal of the 1st battery.
b. Connect the positive terminal of the combined batteries to one end of the light
bulb and the negative terminal to the other end of the light bulb.
How is the brightness of the light bulb affected by the increase of the
number of batteries?

Part 3

a. Maintain the two batteries in the circuit.

b. Add another light bulb in the circuit.
How is the brightness of light bulb 1 affected by adding another light bulb
in the circuit?
 What is It

Electric Current

In the activity, when the light bulb is connected to the battery, the bulb glows
because of the charges in the circuit flowing through it. The flow of electric charges is
called electric current. These charge carriers are the electrons. Protons do not move
because they are bound inside the nuclei of atoms. Electric current is what makes the
electric devices work, like the bulb in the circuit.

We can think of the amount of water flowing through the hose from the tank as
electric current. The flow of water depends on the pressure. The higher the pressure,
the higher the flow, and vice-versa. With water, we would measure the volume of the
water flowing through the hose over a certain period of time. With electricity, we measure
the amount of charge flowing through the circuit over a period of time. The rate of electric
flow is measured in Amperes, in symbol, capital A (usually just referred to as “Amps”).
The unit Ampere is named after Andre-Marie Ampere because of his contributions to
electrical theory. One Ampere is a rate of flow equal to 1 Coulomb of charge per second.
Recall,

1 C = 6.25 x 1018 electrons

Thus, 1 A or electric current is equal to 6.25 x 1018 electrons flowing through a wire per
second. In symbols,

1 A = 1 C/s

Electric current has given a symbol capital I. But why I? Ampere referred to
current as “intensity”, which is why I is frequently used to stand in for current in
common electrical equations. In a wire that carries 4 A of current, for instance, 4 x 6.25
x 1018 electrons pass any cross section of wire per second. With 8 electrons, twice as
much electrons flow in the wire per second.

Current that flows in one direction or unidirectional is called direct current (dc)
and is used in many household electronics and devices that use batteries. While current
that periodically reverses direction and constantly changes magnitude is called
alternating current. Ac is generated by the majority of power plants and used by most
power distribution systems and is commonly used by every household worldwide.
Voltage

Consider again the water

system which uses the water pump
to push water to go up and make it
flow through the pipe. Water will
then continue to flow because of the
difference in pressure across or
between its ends. Pressure 1, P1,
where the water pump is connected
is higher than Pressure 2, P2. Water
flows from the high- pressure end to
the low-pressure end. In the same
manner, electric charge flows from
high potential to lower potential.
The potential difference (p.d.) is https://i.stack.imgur.com/f6eVT.jpg
called voltage.

In the activity, you have observed that light bulb

glows at an instant it is connected to a battery. A
battery pushes charges to flow from lower potential (-),
does work on the bulb and ejects it at higher potential
(+). Charges flow only when they are pushed or driven.
Like the water pump, the battery can provide a
potential difference or electrical pressure which can
push the charges to flow.
https://elimufeynman.s3.amazonaw
s.com/media/resources/simple-
The potential difference or voltage is represented circuit.jpg

in equations and schematics by the capital letter “V”.

Voltage is expressed in a unit of Volt, V, after Alessandro Volta, an Italian Physicist who
invented what is considered the first chemical battery.

It is important to note that the charges flow through the circuit, the voltage does
not. The voltage is placed or impressed across the circuit. Like the water (charges) that
flows through the pipe because of the difference in pressure (potential difference or
voltage) across or between its ends.

Electrical Resistance

The rate of water flow in a pipe depends not only on the pressure difference
between the ends of the pipe but also on the faucet opening. The faucet opening can be
adjusted, narrowed or widened. The narrower the opening of the faucet, the greater the
resistance to the flow of water, the lesser the volume of water can be collected in the
pail.
 Similarly, the rate of flow of charges in
the circuit depends not only on the potential
difference (voltage) or the electrical pressure of
the of the battery or generator, but also on the
electrical resistance that the circuit and device
itself offer. In the activity, the total resistance
in the circuit is increased by connecting
another bulb. This results to the decrease of
the amount of charges or current that flow
through the wire and light bulbs. Thus, makes
the bulbs glow dimmer.

For the wires that carry current, the

following are the factors that affects its Water Tank with Faucet
electrical resistance: https://i.stack.imgur.com/f6eVT.jpg

▪ Thickness or diameter – Thick wires have less

resistance than thin wires. Thicker wires allow
a greater amount of charges to pass through at Low resistance, More current
a given period of time compared to thinner wire
with the same length and connected to the same
voltage. High resistance, Less current
▪ Length – Longer wires have more resistance than short wires. Greater amount
of charges can pass through a shorter wire per second.
▪ Temperature – The resistance of most conductors increases with the increase of
temperature. Except for the superconductors with a resistance that zero at very
low temperatures.
▪ Nature of material – Wires of different materials offer different amounts of
resistance. The measure of how much a material resists carrying an electric
current.

The electrical resistance has a symbol R and is expressed in a unit called ohm. The
symbol of ohm is the Greek letter omega (Ω). This unit is named after the German
physicist – Georg Simon Ohm.

Ohm’s Law

George Simon Ohm, after many experiments, discovered the mathematical

relationship that links current, voltage and resistance, later known as Ohm’s law. This
law states that the current ( I ) in a circuit is directly proportional to the voltage ( V )
established across the circuit and is inversely proportional to the resistance ( R ) of the
circuit. Hence,
𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑽
𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 = or 𝑰=
𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑹
Note that current is expressed in standard unit Ampere ( A ), voltage in Volt ( V ), and
resistance in ohm ( Ω ). Thus,
𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒕 𝑽
𝑨𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒆 = or 𝑨=
𝑶𝒉𝒎 Ω

The concept of Ohm’s law can be understood using the water tank -circuit
analogy. Relate the water pump to the voltage, water to the charges or electric current,
and the faucet to the electrical resistance. The rate of water flow or the volume of water
that is collected in the pail is directly proportional to the pressure difference that can be
provided by the pump and is inversely proportional to the water flow resistance by the
faucet.

Water Tank – Circuit Analogy

In the activity, the brightness of the bulb indicates the amount of charges that
passes and does work on it. The voltage across the circuit is increased by adding another
battery. This in turn result to the increase of the electric current as observed through
the brighter glow of the bulb. There is an increase of resistance when another bulb is
added in the circuit. Ohm’s law suggests that this increase of resistance results to the
decrease of electric current that the circuit allows to pass through it. The bulbs then
glow dimmer.

The following sample problems involving Ohm’s law will be solved using GRESA
(Given-Required-Equation-Solution-Answer method). Study the process for you will
apply the same method in the next activity.

1. A frying pan is connected to a 220-volt circuit. If the resistance of the frying pan is
10 ohms, how many amperes does the frying pan draw?
Given: V = 220 V Solution:
R = 32 Ω I V
R
Required: I I = 220 V
32 Ω
Equation: I = V I = 6.9 A or 7 A
R current drawn by the
2. When a current of 4.5 amper
I= V es is run through the flat iron, the refsriysitan
ngcepaon
f this electrical
appliance is 50 ohms. What iR
s the voltage impressed across the flat iron?
Given: I = 4.4 A Solution:
R = 50 Ω V = IR
V = 4.4 A ( 50 Ω )
Required: V
V = 220.0 V
Equation: V = IR voltage impressed
across the flat iron
 3. A lightbulb carries 0.5 ampere when 4 volts is impressed across it. What is the
resistance of the filament in the lightbulb?

Given: I = 0.5 A Solution:

R= V
V = 4.0 V I
R=4V
Required: R 0.5 A

Equation: R = V R = 8.0 Ω
I resistance of the filament

What’s More

Activity 1.2 Metacognition for Stating Knowledge

Directions
▪ Choose a term or principle that you know something about from the lesson about Ohm’s
law.
▪ Follow the outline of the frame to write what you know about the term or principle. The
frame has starter phrases that you must complete.

▪ Metacognition Template

My chosen word is .
I know that I know .
First I know .
In addition, I know that .
Finally, I know that .
Now you know something that I know .
Activity 1.3 Problem Solving
Apply the GRESA method in solving the following problems on Ohm’s law:

1. A PSP player with a resistance of 40 ohms has a current of 0.1 ampere flowing through it.
Calculate how many volts supply the PSP player.

2. A 220-volt power source supplies a lamp with a resistance of 29 ohms. What is the current
flow of the circuit?

3. A resistance of 20 ohms is across a 3-volt battery. What is the current in the circuit?
4. When a 21-volt battery is connected to a load, the current in it is 0.4 ampere.

a. What is the resistance of the load?

b. What would be the current through it when it is connected to a battery of 6 volts?

5. A 220-volt wall outlet supplies power to a strobe light with a resistance of 2,200 ohms. How
much current is flowing through the strobe light?

What I Have Learned

▪ Electric current, I, is the rate of flow of charges across a cross section of a material,
expressed in ampere ( A )
▪ Voltage, V, is the difference in electric potential between two points, measured in
volts ( V ).
▪ Resistance, R, is the opposition of the material to current, measured in ohm ( Ω ).
▪ Ohm’s law states that “ current in the circuit varies directly with the voltage across
the circuit and inversely with the circuit’s resistance.” In symbols,
I = V/R
 What I Can Do

Activity 1.4 Ohm’s Law and Electric Shock

Directions: Answer the following questions briefly.

1. If current causes damage when you get electrocuted, why does

the warning say “ Danger High Voltage and not Danger High
Current?”

2. What is the function of the round third prong in a modern household electric plug?

Assessment

Directions: Choose the letter that corresponds to the best answer. Write the letter on
a separate sheet of paper.

1. Current involves the movement of charged particles in metallic wires. How is

voltage related to current?
A. Voltage resists current and slows it down.
B. Voltage is the pressure that drives current.
C. Voltage is related to how many electrons are in the wires.
D. Voltage involves the type of wire and how much it is able to conduct
current.
2. What is electric voltage?
A. The rate of flow of electric charges
B. The rate at which electrical energy is transferred
C. The opposition of the material to the flow of charges
D. The potential difference between two points in an electric circuit
3. If the voltage in an electrical circuit is constant, what will happen to the current if
the resistance increased.
A. The current will increase C. The current will stay the same
B. The current will decrease D. The current will increase, then decrease
4. If there are 7 A running through a 20 Ω resistor, what will the voltage be across
the resistor?
A. 27 V B. 110 V C. 140 V D. 220 V
5. How much current is drawn by a lamp that has a resistance of 50 Ω when a
voltage of 12 V is impressed across it?
A. 0.24 A B. 4.17 A C. 67 A D. 600 A
References

Giancoli, Douglas C. Physics Principles with Applications, 6 th edition. Pearson

Education,Inc.,2005.

Hewitt, Paul G. Conceptual Physics,10th edition. Pearson International Edition. 2006

Basic Electrical Units. 2020. https://www.lunchboxsessions.com/materials/basic-

electrical-concepts/basic-electrical-units-lesson?fbclid=IwAR0N0PsP3pvwIaoZvU
Baws75_H4HyOzdY2tEUHUDQBi6Mnpi_Mal9Gqi1WM.

Ohm’s Law.2020. ByJu’s The Learning App.https://byjus.com/physics/ohms-law/.

Taylor, C. Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Ohm’s Law. 2020. SparkFun: Start
Something. https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/voltage-current-resistance-and-
ohms-law/voltage?fbclid=IwAR1Fs_TFSBSXO96UmcNQLoWKqGtBDC4MMtDMlV
ln7EBDITV7MLzT9n5RjPw#:~:text=When%20describing%20voltage%2C%20current%2
C%20and,represented%20by%20the%20water%20flow.