Resistance is Futile
Investigate how the transmission of electrical energy is affected by the properties of the material that conducts it.
Grade Level: High School
Discipline: Physics, Resistance, Voltage
Standards: National Science Standards Alignment
The lab exercise aligns with the content requirements for the AP Physics 2 Unit 4 on Electric Circuits. It would also align with NGSS standards concerning electric current, resistance and circuits as well as some standards associated with the engineering standards, science methods and data analysis.
In this laboratory you will investigate how the transmission of electrical energy is affected by the properties of the material that conducts it.
The transmission of electrons through a conductor is a complicated process to understand at the atomic level. However, we can investigate how different types of conductors affect the transmission of electrical energy. Different metals transmit electricity with different levels of effectiveness. Silver, copper and aluminum are the best electrical conductors, while chromium, iron and nickel are significantly less effective. In this laboratory exercise, we will use different grades of pencil lead to serve as our conductors.
Learn more by downloading the activity plan above.
Recommended Products
[StartProductBlock]
DC Power Supply 0 to 500 V
Low voltage power supply with four outputs primarily intended to simultaneously supply power for the Teltron line of electron tubes and Helmholtz Coils, with four independent, adjustable DC voltages.
[EndProductBlock]
[StartProductBlock]
Plastic Knife Switches
Virtually unbreakable, these sturdy knife switches feature brass poles and knives, making the switches well-suited for use in general-purpose classroom and laboratory experiments.
[EndProductBlock]
[StartProductBlock]
Student Electricity Assortment
Introduce students to the fascinating world of electricity with this convenient and economical package that includes all basic materials needed to investigate key electrical concepts.
[EndProductBlock]
