Chapter 6 – Electricity for Everyone Learning Objectives Objectives ...

Chapter 6 – Electricity for Everyone
Learning Objectives
Objectives: By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
1. Define the terms voltage, current, and resistance and know their respective units ([V], [A], and []).
2. Build a series circuit consisting of a battery, one or more light bulbs and/or resistors, and switches.
3. Measure the voltage across any circuit element and/or current at any point in a series circuit.
4. Build a parallel circuit consisting of a battery, one or more light bulbs and/or resistors, and switches.
5. Measure the voltage across any circuit element and/or current at any point in a parallel circuit.
6. Create a voltage vs. current plot for an electrical device by hand (i.e. using paper and pencil) AND by
using an electronic spreadsheet.
7. Determine the resistance for a circuit element based on the slope of its V vs. I plot both by hand and
using an electronic spreadsheet.
8. Given the equation: V = IR (Ohm’ s Law), where V = voltage, I = current, and R = resistance, solve
for any variable given the other two.
9. Given the energy equation: E = Pt, where E = energy, P = power, and t = time, solve for any variable
given the other two.
10. Given the power equation: P = IV, where P = power, I = current, and V = voltage, solve for any
variable given the other two.
11. Given the power equation: P = I 2 R, where P = power, I = current, and R = resistance, solve for any
variable given the other two.
12. Given the power equation: P = V 2 /R, where P = power, V = voltage, and R = resistance, solve for any
variable given the other two.
13. State Kirchoff’s Current Law: I total = I 1 + I 2 + I 3 + … + I N and use it to solve problems involving
series and parallel circuits.
14. State Kirchoff’s Voltage Law: V total = V 1 + V 2 + V 3 + … + V N and use it to solve problems involving
series and parallel circuits.
15. State the equation for total resistance for resistors placed in SERIES: R total = R 1 + R 2 + R 3 + … + R N
and use it to solve problems involving series and parallel circuits.
16. State the equation for total resistance for resistors placed in PARALLEL: 1/R total = 1/1R 1 + 1/R 2 +
1/R 3 + … + 1/R N and use it to solve problems involving series and parallel circuits.
Loyola Physics
Chapter 6 Learning Objectives

17. Given the equation: E = mcT, where E = energy, m = mass, c = specific heat, and T = change in
temperature, solve for any variable given the other three.
18. Calculate the cost in dollars for using an electrical device given its power consumption P, the time of
use t, and cost of electrical energy in $/kWhr.
Loyola Physics
Chapter 6 Learning Objectives