Module 9: Current Electricity & Magnetic Fields(12 Days)
Module Components
OverviewThis module bundles student expectations that address simple circuit analysis and create understandings as they relate to practical electrical devices.
The content also sets the stage for understanding magnetic fields and their origin. During this unit, students will begin to see the connection between electricity and magnetism and how moving charges (electrical currents) are recognized to be the source of magnetic fields. Students will also recognize there is no interaction (force) between a magnetic pole and an electric charge at rest, but a charge moving through a magnetic field experiences a strong force. After this unit, students will continue to apply these concepts while exploring the next unit on electromagnetism. |
Essential QuestionsWhy are some circuit elements placed in series and others in parallel?
What are the characteristics of series and parallel circuits in terms of current, voltage, and power? Why is it important for there to be different current pathways in a circuit? Why is it important for there to be different current pathways in a circuit? What are the electrical dangers to persons and equipment? How can they be prevented? Is there a basic magnetic unit analogous to a single charge? What are the sources of magnetic fields and what do these fields look like? How do materials interact with magnetic fields? How are the magnetic fields properties predicted from electrical currents? Do magnetic fields exert forces on electrical charges? Man vs. ElectricitySporting a stainless steel knitted mesh suit and a Tesla coil capable of producing 200,000 volts, Austin Richards ('Dr. Megavolt') puts on an electrifying performance at San Francisco's Exploratorium.
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Knowledge & SkillsP5.D
Identify examples of electric and magnetic forces in everyday life. Supporting Standard P5.E Characterize materials as conductors or insulators based on their electrical properties. Supporting Standard P5.F Design, construct, and calculate in terms of current through, potential difference across, resistance of, and power used by electric circuit elements connected in both series and parallel combinations. Readiness Standard |
Key UnderstandingsResistors can be combined in different ways to make a series or parallel circuit.
In a series circuit, the charge travels along one path. In a parallel circuit, the charge is divided into two or more paths. It is important to understand the consequences, causes, and prevention of electrical overloads and high voltage shock to persons and equipment. The fundamental magnetic field unit is the dipole, not monopoles; thus, magnetic fields loop back upon themselves. The properties of magnetic materials depend upon the atomic structure of materials. Magnetic fields are produced by electrical currents, and the description of these fields utilizes right hand rules. While stationary magnetic poles and charges do not interact, charges moving through magnetic fields experience forces. |
MisconceptionsStudents may think current flows around a complete circuit and is used by objects like light bulbs, so less current returns than leaves the source of the electricity.
Students may think current flows from a battery (or other source of electricity) to a light bulb (or other item that consumes electricity), but not from the light bulb to the battery. Students may think the larger the magnet, the stronger the pull. Students may think that only magnets have magnetic fields. Students may think magnetism doesn’t go through objects, that magnetism will be blocked by materials that are insulators. |
Key VocabularyElectric current – rate of flow of electric charge through a circuit
Circuit – a closed conducting circle or loop through which current can flow Magnetic force – force exerted by a magnet on a current carrying wire Magnetic field – force field that surrounds a magnet or current carrying wire Series circuit – an electric circuit in which the devices are arranged so that the charges must flow through each one |
.Parallel circuit – an electric circuit in which the devices are arranged on separate branches and charges have multiple paths to travel through
Potential difference – the difference in electric potential (voltage) between two points Resistance – slows the flow of current in a wire Power – rate at which work is done or energy is transformed |
Performance IndicatorsDesign, construct, and analyze DC circuits with batteries and resistors in series and in parallel. Create a graphic organizer, such as a layered book, to illustrate and summarize findings and include Ohm’s law in the analysis.
Create a poster that identifies situations involving electricity which are dangerous to people. Include a summary that explains how to prevent the dangerous situations. Create an informational booklet to sketch magnetic field patterns from dipole magnets and current in a straight wire and coils. Include written explanations of each and how they are used in loudspeakers, motors, and generators. Additionally, draw illustrations of magnetic fields interacting with different types of magnetic materials. Include explanations of how the interactions occur. |
Summative AssessmentsThis module will have the stated performance indicators as well as the unit assessment and one exam.
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