Electricity model Contents Introducing the model A series

Electricity model Contents Introducing the model A series circuit with two bulbs A parallel circuit with two bulbs Things to think about

Model click here to close the switch off! Return to menu

click here to increase voltage push! click here to open the switch on! dim bulb Return to menu

click here to decrease voltage push! click here to open the switch on! bright bulb Return to menu

Series circuit click here to close the switch off! Return to menu

Series circuit push! click here to open the switch on! very dim bulbs Return to menu

Parallel circuit click here to close the switch off! Return to menu

Parallel circuit push! click here to open the switch on! Return to menu

Things to think about… 1 The flow of electricity is called the current. Ammeters are used to measure this current (symbol A ) • Where in the circuit do you have to place an ammeter to measure the flow of electricity? The energy (or push) on the charges is called the voltage. Voltmeters are used to measure this voltage (symbol V ) When the charges are in the bulb they transform their energy into thermal energy (heat) and light energy. • Where in the circuit do you have to place a voltmeter to measure energy lost from the circuit in the bulb? Return to menu

Things to think about… 2 Remember: the flow of electricity is called the current. Look back at the first circuit. • What do you notice about the current along all four sides of the circuit? • What do you notice about the current when the voltage is increased? Now look at the series circuit. • What do you notice about the current when you put two bulbs together in series? • Is the current larger or smaller when you put more bulbs in a circuit? Return to menu

Things to think about… 3 Remember: the flow of electricity is called the current. Now look at the parallel circuit. • What do you notice about the current when you put two bulbs together in parallel? • Is the current after the first branch in the circuit larger or smaller than the current before the branch? • What happens at the second branch in the circuit? In which circuit will… a) The cell run out of energy first? b) The cell run out of energy first? • Why do you think this? Return to menu