Facebook
Google
GitHub
LinkedinBasic Electricity
Simple Circuits
41 questions By Tony R. Kuphaldt
-
Question 37 of 41
Re-draw this circuit in the form of a schematic diagram:
Reveal answer
Notes:One of the more difficult skills for students to develop is the ability to translate the layout of a real-world circuit into a neat schematic diagram. Developing this skill requires lots of practice.
It is very worthwhile for students to discuss how they solve problems such as these with each other. For those students who have trouble visualizing shapes, a simple hint or “trick” to use when translating schematics to illustrations or visa-versa may be invaluable.
-
Question 38 of 41
What would happen if three 6-volt light bulbs were connected as shown to a 6-volt battery? How would their brightnesses compare to just having a single 6-volt light bulb connected to a 6-volt battery?
Reveal answerThe three light bulbs would glow dimly.
Notes:Here, the important principle of voltage “drops” in a series circuit is highlighted. This question serves to further define, in practical ways, what the term “series” really means.
-
Question 39 of 41
Qualitatively compare the voltage and current for each of the three light bulbs in this circuit (assume the three light bulbs are absolutely identical):
Reveal answerThe current through each of the lights bulbs is guaranteed to be equal. The voltage across each of the light bulbs, in this particular case (with identical bulbs), happens to be equal.
Notes:Here, the important principles of voltage and current in a series circuit are highlighted. This question serves to further define, in practical ways, what the term “series” really means.
An important lesson of this question is the distinction between measurements which are guaranteed to be equal versus measurements which just happen to be equal for a given selection of components.
