Potential Difference and Capacitance

B and C Blocks took on the topic of batteries and potential difference. We discussed the structure and function of a battery (or other power supply) in an electric circuit and how that function was based on the concept of potential difference. Expose charges to a potential difference and you promote motion in the direction of the low electric potential area in the circuit which, for a battery, is the positive terminal. Tomorrow, we'll look at another component of electric circuits - the capacitor and show how they function as a storehouse of electric potential energy.

F Block had that discussion today, looking at the property 'capacitance' and how certain devices are built to have certain capacitance values, based on their function in a circuit. Capacitance describes how much charge can be stored for a specific potential difference and is independent of charge - more charge, more voltage; less charge, less voltage. We looked at some examples of capacitors and that will be the focus of our lab work in class tomorrow.

E Block reviewed their capacitors homework and took a walk back through the topics in Chapter 17 and 18 in preparation for the exam. Tomorrow, we'll get some more math practice on these topics and, on the Monday we return from vacation, there will be labwork on capacitors in electric circuits.