Activity 3.1 – Series/Parallel Circuit Construction Lab
Purpose
During the kayaking competitions in the Olympics, the athletes have a single course they are to follow. As long as they stay within the boundaries that have been set, they will have a clean run, and their time will count. If they veer off the course, they are disqualified and cannot win a medal. You could say they are like the series circuit. The course allows only one path to follow. No doubt the river they are competing on has tributaries and other twists and turns that would allow them to reach the bottom of the course, as in the case of a parallel circuit or a combination circuit. However, because of the restrictions placed on them, they cannot pursue them.
In a series circuit, components are connected one after another so they have only one path to follow. In a parallel circuit, components are arranged in branches, allowing the electricity multiple paths to follow. Circuits must have a load, such as a motor, light, or buzzer; a power source, such as a battery, solar cell, or electricity; and a conductor, which in this activity will be the wire.
In this activity, you will assemble series, parallel, and combination series/parallel circuits using the schematics below. After assembling them, you will investigate what happens when you manipulate the load devices.
Equipment
· Breadboard
· Light bulbs, switch, and wire
· DC power supply
Procedure
1. Assemble the circuits diagrammed below on a breadboard.
2. Power the circuits and observe what happens when you disconnect each light bulb in turn.
3. Record your observations on the Circuits Checklist handout. Answer the 3 conclusion questions in the space provided for each of the circuits. You will be evaluated on the mechanics of your sentences, as well as the technical accuracy.
4. Show each assembled circuit to the teacher for evaluation.
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GTT – Magic of Electrons Unit – Lesson 3 – Activity 3.1 – Series/Parallel Circuit Construction Lab
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Conclusion
1. When a bulb is disconnected, what happens to the remaining bulb(s)? Why?
2. What is the real world application of the combination circuit?
3. What happens when the switch is open? Closed?
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GTT – Magic of Electrons Unit – Lesson 3 – Activity 3.1 – Series/Parallel Circuit Construction Lab
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Series CircuitCircuit Construction / Circuit Operation
3 Conclusion Questions
Parallel Circuit
Circuit Construction / Circuit Operation
3 Conclusion Questions
Combination Circuit
Circuit Construction / Circuit Operation
3 Conclusion Questions
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Copyright 2005
GTT – Magic of Electrons Unit – Lesson 3 – Activity 3.1 – Series/Parallel Circuit Construction Lab
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