All+Charged+Up



__** Introduction **__

We all use it, but what is this stuff we call electricity? We can't weigh it and often we can't see it, but we know it's there, because it keeps so many of our modern conveniences functioning. In this unit we will gain an understanding of the fundamental nature of electricity by first studying electrostatics. We will learn that there is an electrostatic force and natural laws that explain it's behaviour. Then we will move on to a basic study of electric circuits which will start to provide an understanding of how we can use electricity for so many things. Electricity can be shocking, but life without it would even more shocking to most of us and a lot darker.

__** Key words **__

Electrostatic force, positive/negative charge, Law of Electrostatics, repel, attract, electrons, protons, insulator, conductor, electroscope, series/parallel circuits, voltage/potential difference, current, resistance, battery/cell, switch, globe, fuse, resistor, ammeter, voltmeter, components, Ohm's Law

Conductors and Insulators - an animation and explanation
 * __ Static Electricity __**

Conductors and Insulators Game Conductors and Insulators Quiz


 * Simulations**: explore the two animations below and describe what is happening using the words: **//charge, negative, positive, attract, repel, build up, discharge//**

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Click here to learn more about static electricity

__** Electric Circuits **__ Electric Circuits Game Electric Circuits Game Quiz


 * Simulation**: open the circuit simulation below and create series and parallel circuits to measure see the relationships to voltage and current values.

Open this document: and follow the instructions. Write the answers in your practical book.

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__** Resistance/Ohm's Law (Extension) **__


 * Simulation**: open the Circuit Construction Kit simulation above and follow the experiments in the Word document to get an understanding of resistance

The second experiment will allow you to take measurements that help verify Ohm's Law (V = I x R).



__** Electricity Videos **__

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