Basic Electricity

Basic Electricity Worksheet

38 questions By Tony R. Kuphaldt

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Question 22 of 38

Given a battery and a light bulb, show how you would connect these two devices together with wire so as to energize the light bulb:

Reveal answer

This is the simplest option, but not the only one.

Notes:
This question gives students a good opportunity to discuss the basic concept of a circuit. It is very easy to build, safe, and should be assembled by each student individually in class. Also, emphasize how simple circuits like this may be assembled at home as part of the “research” portion of the worksheet. To research answers for worksheet questions does not necessarily mean the information has to come from a book! Encourage experimentation when the conditions are known to be safe.

Have students brainstorm all the important concepts learned in making this simple circuit. What general principles may be derived from this particular exercise?
Question 23 of 38

Draw an electrical schematic diagram of a circuit where a battery provides electrical energy to a light bulb.

Reveal answer

This schematic diagram is not the only valid way to show a battery powering a light bulb:

Other orientations of the components within the diagram are permissible. What matters, though, is for there to be a single, continuous path for electric current from the battery, to the light bulb, and back to the other terminal of the battery.

Notes:
Impress upon the students the importance of learning to “communicate” in the language of schematic diagrams. The symbols and conventions learned here are international, and not limited to use in the United States.
Question 24 of 38

Most electrical wire is covered in a rubber or plastic coating called insulation. What is the purpose of having this “insulation” covering the metal wire?

Reveal answer

The purpose of insulation covering the metal part of an electrical wire is to prevent accidental contact with other conductors of electricity, which might result in an unintentional electric current through those other conductors.

Notes:
Not only is this question practical from the standpoint of understanding circuit function, but also from the perspective of electrical safety. Why is it important for wires to be insulated? Are overhead power lines insulated like the wires used in classroom projects? Why or why not? How were electrical wires insulated before the advent of modern plastics technology?