The Day of Fry

Honors Physics spent time discussion the results of the Ohm’s Lab and then moved into a review of potential difference. From this we added current and resistance to the mix and ended up at Ohm’s Law. The structure and function of batteries was also discussed and related to charge motion and DC current. On Monday, we will continue on with our examination of electricity with a discussion of factors affecting electrical resistance and properties of capacitors.

Physical Science B went over their electricity worksheet, which nicely covered the mathematical elements of the chapter. Then, we took time to preview our unit on circuit building by looking over the Snap Circuits kit, discussing proper use of the kit and safety and highlighting the types of components the kits contain. Students will start by examining series and parallel circuits and then move toward an examination of other circuit configurations/functions and the nature of special circuit components.

Physical Science E spent time working on their math worksheet for electricity. Make sure to carefully read each question/problem and have relevant resources at hand, such as your sheet that summed up properties of series and parallel circuits. We’ll go over this sheet on Monday and then preview our work with building circuits.

Physics F was introduced to the concept of electric potential energy and potential difference today and looked ahead to the other major players in the electricity game – current and resistance. On Monday, the investigation will target Ohm’s Law, which shows the relationship between current, voltage and resistance for many materials. Physics G conducted this lab today, with very good results. The linear relationship between voltage and current for the resistors was very clean and the slopes of the lines closely matched the stated values for the tested resistors. The light bulb did not demonstrate a linear relationship for the entire range of voltages – this is characteristic of non-ohmic substances. The LED lit only when the input and output wires were correctly connected. Diodes are often used to help direct current flow in circuits and do not allow the current to flow “backwards” through the circuit. We’ll talk more about diodes and other circuit components a little later on.

Homework

Honors Physics A: Complete 19B and the 19.2 Section Review
Physical Science B: None
Physical Science E: Complete electricity math worksheet
Physics F: Read lab protocol sheet
Physics G: Complete lab write up