Physics Lab Activity

Bulbs & Batteries

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Discussion:

If current passes through a light bulb, it will light. No current - no light. In this activity you will investigate the conditions necessary for current to flow by trying to construct arrangements that light a bulb and studying the arrangements that work, as well as the ones that don't work.

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Equipment:

1 battery

1 piece of wire

1 bulb

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Procedure:

Using the only equipment shown above:

1. Find at least 4 different arrangements that cause the bulb to light. Draw a clear, well-labeled diagram of each arrangement.

2. Find at least 4 different arrangements that cause the bulb not to light. Draw a clear, well-labeled diagram of each arrangement.

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Questions:

1. What would be a general rule that you could use to decide whether an arrangement of a battery, bulb, and wire will light the bulb or not?