07. Resist, resist!

ATL

• • Affective skills: Demonstrate persistence and perseverence

How do resistors help us to control circuit p.d. and current?

We have already explored series and parallel circuits.

How do resistors behave in these combinations?

Inquiry: To measure the effect of resistors in circuit combinations.

Method

Build the two circuits shown below using fixed resistors.

Hypothesis

What do you expect to be the total resistance of the combinations shown as R here? Which resistor network will result in the highest total resistance? State your hypothesis for each resistor network and then justify with scientific reasoning about the currents, potentials and resistances.

Now use a resistance meter to measure the total resistance of each combination.

Conclusion

Was your hypothesis correct?

If not, look at the next lesson and then return to your explanation to reflect on what you misunderstood.

After you have learnt more, write a new conclusion that improves on the explanation you gave for your hypothesis.

Assessment opportunities

In this activity you have practiced skills that are assessed using Criterion B: Inquiring and designing.