Static Electricity and Magnetism

Electricity and Magnetism

8th Grade Physical Science

Poll

What is electricity?

• An invisible force that we don't understand.

• An invisible force that relies on the movement of electrons.

• A force that can be used for human activities.

What is electricity?

Here is a short video about electricity and some things that we need to know to move forward. 

Multiple Choice

What are the moving particles that move to create an electrical current?

• Protons

• Neutrons

• Atoms

• Electrons

Charges of Subatomic Particles

• Protons are in the nucleus of the atom and have a positive charge. (+)

• Neutrons are in the nucleus of an atom and have a neutral or no charge.

• Electrons orbit the atomic nucleus and have a negative charge. (-)

Current & Circuits

• Ampere: continuous flow or charge that we call an electric current. This is measured in amperes or amps.

• Voltage: pressure in the wire that creates a difference in potential energy. We measure this in Volts.

• Resistance: the tendency for certain materials to slow or impede the flow of electrons. This is resistance and we measure it in Ohm's.

• Electrical current will flow through a connected conductor that does not have any gaps or empty spaces. We call those loops circuits.

What is a circuit?

• Series circuits are circuits with only one path for electrons to flow.

• Parallel circuits have more than one path for electrons.

• These circuits are used for different purposes.

• You have circuits in any place that has electricity.

Multiple Choice

Which type of circuit does this represent?

• Parallel

• Series

Conductors and Insulators

Conductors allow for an easier flow of electrons.

Insulators resist the flow of electrons.

Multiple Select

Pick all the materials that would be a conductor.

• Metal frying pan

• Rubber

• Plastic

• Copper wire

• Stainless Steel

Multiple Select

Which of these is an insulator?

• Rubber

• Copper penny

• Iron nail

• Plastic

• Cloth