Electricity & Magnetism: Current
Establish the difference between series and parallel in a circuit. Then investigate the relationship between the current in a circuit and the number of light bulbs that are connected in series or in parallel in the circuit.
Making these basic measurements helps your students build their mental models of how circuits work.
Method
Use a Voltage-Current Sensor to measure that of current through a series circuit and a parallel circuit. Determine the difference between the current in each type of circuit.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Required for Xplorer GLX-based lab: (See lab download for computer-based lab requirements, which may differ)
Probeware
PASPORT Voltage-Current Sensor (PS-2115) - $99
Allows students to safely measure voltage and current simultaneously without overloading the sensor. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Products
Lightbulb and Stand (EM-9099) - $16
Miniature socket has a plastic base with spring loaded metal clips to hold wire leads, and accepts screw type miniature bulbs.
Alligator Clip Leads (Set of 10) (EM-8634) - $15
Use these 30 cm long alligator clip cords for almost any application.
Other Materials
- Battery Holder 'D' size
Lab Manual
The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX
(PS-2826). The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Physics
(PS-2810). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student
instructions and handouts, and sample data.
For your convenience, we
offer bundles which provide the probeware for the activities in the manual. For
more, please see:
Xplorer GLX-based Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
Computer-based Physics Lab Manual
and Bundles
