Exploring Circuit Design
Considering your assessment requires you to construct your own torch, it is important for us to identify how the circuit design is developed in a torch. That way you will be able to successfully construct your own torch!
But what is circuit design? Circuit design is the process of working out the physical form a circuit will take. To do this we need to establish whether a torch has a series circuit design or a parallel circuit design. Here you will need to remember the information you have already learnt.
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In a series circuit, the charge flowing from the battery can only flow along a single path to return to the battery.
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In a parallel circuit, the charge flowing from the battery can flow along multiple paths to return to the battery.
Take a look at the diagram below. This will provide you with a visual representation of a series and parallel circuit:
Now take a look at the circuit design of a torch below. Does it show a series or a parallel circuit design?
Well done! Now that we know that a torch has a series (simple) circuit design, the next thing we need to do is learn how to construct a series circuit. The online game below will provide you with opportunities where you will be able to construct a variety of circuits. You will be able to change a variety of different elements of a circuit and find out what makes lights shine brighter, dimmer or blow.
Click the button below to be linked to this online game.
Instructions:
Step 1: Get your materials. You will need a flashlight (torch) and a piece of wire. Your teacher will supply you with this.
Step 2: Pull apart your flashlight. You will need to remove the batteries and the lightbulb.
Step 3: Tape one end of the wire to one end of the battery.
Step 4: Hold the lightbuld, so it is touching the other side of the battery.
Step 5: Have the other end of the wire touching the lightbulb.
To make the light shine brighter, add another battery, and repeat steps 1-5.
Fabulous! It is now time for you to apply your knowledge and make your own simple circuit. Your teacher will place you into a small group, and will also supply your group with the required materials.
You will need to watch the Youtube clip, shown on the left. Firstly, you will watch the video to see how the man makes the simple circuit. Next, you and your group will follow the instructions printed underneath the video.
Remember that you are able to refer to the video and watch it as many times as you like, for further assistance.
Good luck!!