Current, Voltage and Resistance, Part 1 (15 points)

Your name - first and last

Learning Goals:

Explore the characteristics of a resistor that are variable in this model.

Identify how each characteristic affects the resistance and current flow.

Explain your ideas about why the characteristics change the resistance and current flow.

Use understanding to make predictions about a circuit with lights and batteries.

Do you recall what resistance is? Look at your notes from last week.

• Yes

• No

Explore the simulation for a few mintues to develop your own ideas about how the construction of a resistor affects its resistance and also ability to allow current to flow. 

O/A: Type your ideas below.

In the simulation, adjust the length of the wire and observe the effect on the resistance.

MC Question: What happens to the resistance of the wire when you increase its length?

• The resistance decreases.

• The resistance increases.

• The resistance stays the same.

D/D Questions:

When the length of a wire increases, resistance​ ​ (a)   .

When the length of a wire decreases, resistance ​ (b)  

• decreases
• stays the same
• doubles
• increases

In the simulation, adjust the area of the wire and observe the effect on the resistance.

M/C Question: What happens to the resistance of the wire when you increase its area?

• The resistance increases.

• The resistance decreases.

• The resistance stays the same.

D/D Question:

The resistance of the wire ​ (a)   when you increase the area of the wire.

The resistance of the wire ​ ​ (b)   when you decrease the area of the wire.

• decreases
• increases
• stays the same
• triples

In the simulation, adjust the length and diameter (area) of the wire and observe the combined effects on resistance.

M/C Question: What happens to the resistance when you both lengthen the wire and decrease its diameter?

• 
  The resistance increases.

• The resistance decreases.

• The resistance stays the same.

O/E Question:

If you change the resistivity of the resistor, is the effect like changing the length or changing the area?

(answer, explain, evidence)