Embedded Files
Unit Schedule
Day 1 - Atomic and Subatomic Particle Discussion
Day 2 - Universal Force Laws
Day 3 - Static Electricity Formulas for Force; Three-point force calculations
Day 4 - Introduction to Current Electricity
Day 5 - Series and Parallel Circuits
Atomic Particles - Fields - Forces
Atomic Particles - Fields - Forces
Any discussion of electricity in Physics has to begin with a discussion of "fields" and "forces". Although we've covered forces extensively, we've only looked at the topic of fields briefly as it applies to gravity. Electricity brings together the need for discussion on how fields and forces apply to gravity, electricity, and magnetism, in addition to the concern as for why these fields and forces actually occur. This leads to the topic of fundamental forces and exchange particles.
The Current Model of Fundamental Particles
The Current Model of Fundamental Particles
(Sub-Sub-Atomic Particles that make up protons, neutrons, and electrons)
(Sub-Sub-Atomic Particles that make up protons, neutrons, and electrons)
This is a great introductory explanation of fundamental particles and forces:
Four Fundamental Forces
Four Fundamental Forces
(These forces are typically described in Physics as having an "unexplained source", when in reality they are controlled by the exchange of sub-sub atomic particles)
(These forces are typically described in Physics as having an "unexplained source", when in reality they are controlled by the exchange of sub-sub atomic particles)
Video Examples of Fundamental Particles, Forces, and Force Causes
Putting It All Together
Putting It All Together
Feynman Diagrams
Feynman Diagrams attempt to explain changes in fundamental particles as they undergo fundamental forces (or experience particle exchange).
Electrical Fields For Charged Particles
Simulation #1 - The simulation shown below is a PhET application on charges and fields from the University of Colorado.
Throughout this unit, there are embedded PhET simulations from the University of Colorado. There are a total of five simulations to try out. The summary sheet to the left will help you to organize and summarize what you tried on the simulation and what you found out.
Coulomb's Law and the Universal Law of Gravitation
Simulation #2 - This is a PhET simulation involving Coulomb's Law.
Intro Lab - Triboelectric Series
We live in a world of electrical charges and fields. For the most part, we are unaware of this electrical phenomena unless we pick up charge and incur random electrical discharges or "shocks".
Although these electrical charges and fields pose little threat to humans, the electronics industry must be constantly aware of when and where these charges occur. In order to track charges, the industry typically uses a "triboelectric series", a ranking of the positive and negative charges associated with various materials.
Either or both of these series will work for making lab predictions!
Simulation #3 - This PhET simulation involves Faraday's Law.
Calculating Fields
These are the formulas and sample problems for calculating with electrical fields and forces.
Charge and Field Formulas.pdfCharge and Field Problems.pdfForces Involving Multiple Charges
Skeptical Questions In Science
Skeptical Questions In Science
The skeptical question topic for this unit involves lightning. Skeptical questions are thoughtful "Why-based" questions which address biases in scientific material. This type of question is not seeking scientific facts.
The articles associated with this topic are listed below:
An Introduction to Current Electricity
Most student find current electricity much easier to understand than static electricity...until the topic of "which way does current go" arises. Before going any further in current electricity, complete the introduction assignment shown to the right.
Water Analogies are often used to explain electrical current and circuit concepts in a simple manner.
AC/DC Current and the difference in electrical power and energy are more complex to explain with a simple analogy.
What does this have to do with electrical current...especially AC current?
What does this have to do with electrical current...especially AC current?
Calculating Current Electricity
The following problems are typical current electricity or Ohm's Law problems. There are some calculations that required a "transitional formula". These are listed on the previous formula documents.
ElecVoltCurrentProblemSet.pdfSimulation #4 - This Ohm's Law simulation is a PhET from the University of Colorado.
These is a series of Google slideshows and videos used during the first COVID-19 shutdowns in the spring of 2020:
Series and Parallel Circuits
The following Google slideshows and videos from the spring of 2020 demonstrate how to calculate the parameters for simple series and parallel circuits.
Simulation #5 - The following PhET simulation involves DC circuit building.
Series vs Parallel Circuit Full Lab
The full lab for this unit involves creating and analyzing the differences between series and parallel circuits.
The purpose of the lab is "To determine how the type of circuit (series vs parallel) and the number of loads (light bulbs) affects circuit performance.
Lab Questions:
How does series and parallel circuit structure affect circuit performance?
How does the number of loads affect circuit performance?
When would series and parallel circuits be used in electrical applications?
If-Then-Due-To Hypothesis:
"If the circuit type is varied from series to parallel, the resistance should decrease due to the additive nature of series resistance and the reciprocal nature of parallel resistance."
"If circuit type is varied from series to parallel then current should increase due to a decrease in resistance for parallel circuits."
Variables: (x1) circuit type, (x2) number of loads; (y1) resistance, (y2) current
Constants: Battery voltage, Individual light bulb resistance (???)
Control: Internal comparison, Expected behavior for series and parallel circuits
Required Graphs (Section 2c):
(x) number of loads; (y) resistance - both series and parallel lines
(x) number of loads; (y) current - both series and parallel lines
Multimeter Use
Multimeter Use
Before completing this lab, it is essential to understand the placement of measuring devices within the circuit. When measuring VOLTS, the device is placed OVER the measurement point without breaking the circuit. When measuring AMPS, the circuit is opened, and the device is placed BEFORE the measurement point.
L2L Assignment Check
L2L Assignment Check
Intro Lab (Triboelectric Series Lab)
Practice (Problem Sets (Charges, Ohm's Law, Circuits))
80% Quiz #1
80% Quiz #2
Quiz Reflection s
Report abuse