Physics I Name: __________________________________________

Electric Current and Circuits

Study Guidelines

Describe the flow of electric charge.
Describe what is happening inside a current-carrying wire.
Give examples of voltage sources that can maintain a potential difference in a circuit.
Describe the factors that affect the resistance of a wire.
Describe Ohm’s Law
Explain the causes of electric shock.
Distinguish between DC and AC and describe how AC is converted to DC.
Compare the drift speed of conduction electrons in a current-carrying wire to the signal speed of changes in current.
Compare the motion of electrons in a wire carrying AC to the flow of energy through the wire.
Relate the electric power used by a device to current and voltage.
Describe the configuration of a working circuit.
Distinguish between series and parallel circuits.
Describe the characteristics of series connections and of parallel connections.
Interpret circuit diagrams.
Determine the equivalent resistance of circuits having two or more resistors.
Explain the cause and prevention of overloading household circuits.

State Standards Addressed:

P.1.18	Explain the concepts of electrical charge, electrical current, electrical potential, electric field, and magnetic field. Use the definitions of the coulomb, the ampere, the volt, the volt/meter, and the tesla.
P.1.19	Analyze simple arrangements of electrical components in series and parallel circuits. Know that any resistive element in a DC circuit dissipates energy, which heats the resistor. Calculate the power (rate of energy dissipation), using the formula Power = IV = I²R.

Activities and Assignments (75 points maximum)

1. Batteries and Bulbs (5 points)
2. Video Notes - Electric Current (5 points)
3. Batteries and Bulbs Part 2 - Mystery Box (5 points)
4. Lab 92 - Three Way Switch (5 points)
5. Batteries and Bulbs Part 3 (5 points)
6. Batteries and Bulbs Part 4 (5 points)
7. Concept page 34-1 (5 points)
8. Concept Page 34-2 (5 points)
9. Concept Page 35-1 (5 points)
10. Concept Page 35-2 (5 points)
11. Chapter 34 Review Questions p. 545-546 #1-25 (10 points)
12. Chapter 35 Review Questions p. 559-560 #1-15 (7 points)
13. Chapter 34 Assessment Questions p. 546-547 #26, 28, 31, 33, 35-40, 43, 46, 50, 52 (10 points)
14. Chapter 35 Assessment Questions p. 560-561 #16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31, 33 (10 points)
15. Lab 91 - Cranking up (10 points)

Grades 60-69 D 70-79 C 80-89 B 90+ A

Activities Points Earned _________ Project Points Earned __________ TOTAL _______

Projects – Use an A Layer Research Form for your research.

(Choose one – 25 points Maximum)

1. Why do some materials begin to superconduct at very low temperatures? Present your findings to the class in the form of a report, poster, or presentation.

2. Tantalum is widely used in electrolytic capacitors. Research tantalum, its properties and how it is used. Present your findings to the class in the form of a report, poster, or presentation.

3. Unlike pure electric vehicles, Hybrid Electric Vehicles still burn gasoline in combustion engines. Do you think the increase in fuel economy and the reduced emissions of HEVs go far enough to address the problems at hand? - Present your findings to the class in the form of a report, poster, or presentation.

4. Research hydrogen fuel cell technology. Use the following questions to guide your research: How do fuel cells work? Do they produce any harmful emissions? In what form is the hydrogen stored? What are some possible sources of hydrogen fuel? What problems must be solved before hydrogen fuel cells are ready for widespread use? -Present your findings to the class in the form of a report, poster, or presentation.