An Electrical Day

Honors Physics reviewed the structure and function of series circuits and then turned attention to parallel circuits. Parallel circuits offer more than one path for charge travel, so if one device is damaged, no other device will be affected. Adding more resistors in parallel decreases overall circuit resistance and increases current and can pose an overload danger if too many parallel devices are connected. We also introduced the idea of circuits that combine both parallel and series elements and you will get practice working with these in class tomorrow.

Physical Science B and E began working on the second portion of their electrical circuits unit. Groups investigated the polarity of LED’s and motors, tested materials for their ability to conduct electrical charge and began to reflect on the function of motors. B Block will continue tomorrow, but E Block has to wait for Monday, since tomorrow is a half-day.

Physics F and G discussed the structure and function of capacitors in electrical circuits. Different types of capacitors were demonstrated as was the ability of a capacitor to store electrical charge and electrical potential energy. Neither of these sections meets tomorrow, so we’ll review capacitors on Monday and continue on with a deeper look at electric circuits.

Homework

Honors Physics A: Practice 20B and the 20.2 Section Review
Physical Science B and E: None, unless you choose to begin working on the research potion of your circuit unit
Physics F and G: None