1.2 Explain the mechanisms of electrical conduction in a range of materials.
1.3 Explain energy changes when an electric current flows
In this investigation you are going to test a variety of materials to find out how they
conduct an electrical current.
Set up the circuit as shown above, with a cell, switch and ammeter in
series with the first test material.
Close the switch and measure the current on the ammeter. Record the
current in the table below. Record any other observations you make while the
current is flowing.
Repeat the experiment for different materials. (You may need to
change the range setting on the ammeter.)
Discussion
For each material:
a. Produce a diagram to show the structure of the material at an atomic
level and annotate the diagram to show the location of charges.
b. Use your diagram to explain the current observed in the experiment.
(AC 1.2)
c. Explain what happens to the chemical energy supplied by the battery
when a current flows through the material. (AC 1.3)
1.2 Explain the mechanisms of electrical conduction in a range of materials. 1.3 Explain energy changes when an electric current flows
In this investigation you are going to test a variety of materials to find out how they conduct an electrical current.
1.
Set up the circuit as shown above,with a cell, switch and ammeter in series with the first test material. 2. Close the switch and measure the current on the ammeter. Record the current in the table below. Record any other observations you make while the current is flowing. 3. Repeat the experiment for different materials. (You may need to change the range setting on the ammeter.)
Material Copper Graphite Plastic Deionised water NaCl solution
Current/A
Observations
Discussion
For each material: a. Produce a diagram to show the structure of the material at an atomic level and annotate the diagram to show the location of charges b. Use your diagram to explain the current observed in the experiment. (AC 1.2) c. Explain what happens to the chemical energy supplied by the battery when a current flows through the material.(AC 1.3)