An Electricity & Magnetism Game Show
Charge Challenge
Core Theory: Protons are (+), Electrons are (-). Opposites attract, likes repel! This is the basis of all electricity.
1. Current
2. Resistance
3. Voltage
4. Power
A. Ohms
B. Watts
C. Amperes
D. Volts
Match the Quantity to its correct Unit!
Get ready... GO!
We use letters as symbols in formulas. Write down the correct symbol for each quantity!
The "Big Three": V, I, R
The "PUSH" or "pressure" in a circuit. It's the potential difference that makes charge want to move.
Analogy: The height of a waterfall.
Unit: Volts (V)
The "FLOW" of electric charge (electrons) through a wire. It's how many charges pass a point per second.
Analogy: The amount of water flowing.
Unit: Amperes (A)
The "FRICTION" or opposition to the flow. It slows the current down and often creates heat.
Analogy: A narrow pipe or rocks in the water.
Unit: Ohms (Ω)
This is the most important formula in basic electricity! It's the law that connects the "Big Three" (V, I, and R).
(Voltage = Current × Resistance)
You can rearrange it to find any value. This is the "F=ma" of electricity!
A toaster is plugged into a 120 V wall outlet (Voltage).
It draws 10 A of current (Current).
What is the resistance of the toaster?
Hint: You're solving for R. Which version of Ohm's Law do you need?
A small LED has a resistance of 300 Ω (Resistance).
It can only handle 0.03 A of current before it burns out (Current).
What is the MAXIMUM voltage you can safely use?
Hint: You're solving for V. Don't fry the LED!
Circuit Showdown!
One single path for the current. The electrons have no other choice.
If one bulb goes out, the path is broken and they all go out. (Like old holiday lights!)
Total Resistance:
Multiple paths for the current. It splits up and rejoins later.
If one bulb goes out, the other paths are still open, so the others stay lit.
Total Resistance is tricky!
Your team must design a circuit for a new house. You have lights in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Discuss: Should you use a series or a parallel circuit to wire the house?
Draw a simple diagram of your choice and be ready to defend why it's the best design!
Power, Energy & Staying Safe
Electrical Power (P): The rate at which energy is used. (How "powerful" a device is).
Unit: Watts (W)
Formulas:
Electrical Energy (E): The total power used over time. This is what you buy!
Unit: Kilowatt-hours (kWh)
Formula: (Energy = Power × time)
Your new gaming PC runs on 120 V and pulls 5 A of current when you're in a big boss fight.
1. How much power (in Watts) is it using? (Hint: P = I × V)
2. If you game for 4 hours, how much energy (in kWh) have you used? (Hint: E = P × t... but watch your units!)
A small wire designed to melt and break the circuit if the current gets too high.
This is a one-time-use safety device. You have to replace it.
A switch designed to trip (open) and break the circuit if the current is too high.
It's reusable; you can just flip it back on (after fixing the problem!).
Too much current (an "overload" or "short circuit") makes wires dangerously hot and can start fires!
These devices are the #1 fire prevention tool in your home.
The "Magnetism" Part!
We didn't forget! But did you know electricity and magnetism are two sides of the same coin?
This is called Electromagnetism. It's how motors, generators, and speakers work. But that's a story for another day...
Great work, everyone! Any final questions?