Completing the Circuit
In the everyday electrical devices we use – calculators, remote controls and cell phones – a voltage source such as a battery is required to close the circuit and operate the device. In this hands-on activity, students engage in the science and engineering practice of making observations as they use batteries, wires, small light bulbs and light bulb holders to explore the phenomenon of electricity and learn the difference between an open circuit and a closed circuit. Students engage in the disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts of electric current and energy transfer as they make sense of the idea that electric current only occurs in a closed circuit.
Students explore electric current through a closed circuitCopyright UK Power Networks http://powerup.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/media/21651/37_nogapincircuit.jpg
Electrical engineers design the circuits and batteries that are in the devices and appliances that we use every day. Circuits can be found in music players, computers, video games, appliances, microwaves, phones, televisions, cameras, medical equipment, vehicles and so many more products. Engineers take seriously the responsibility of designing circuits that work dependably and safely. While new devices are constantly being developed around the world, engineers strive to create safer, more efficient products that ultimately help improve people's lives.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define, recognize, build and draw a closed circuit.
- Explain why a closed circuit is required for any electrical device to operate.
- Describe the transformations of energy that occur in the circuit.
- Use correct operations and appropriate methods to solve Ohm's law problems.