Curre n t in wires

How much current will flow through different lengths of wire?

Prediction
I think that ______________ (more/less) current will flow through short wires than long wires. It is
easier for current to flow through ______________ (short/long) wires.

Apparatus

1 metre of wire
Connecting wires
Cells/power pack
Ammeter
Crocodile clips
Ruler
Heatproof mat

The wire can get hot.

Take care not to burn your fingers.

Method
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Set up the circuit as shown in the drawing, using one plug into the ammeter as a switch which
is not yet connected.
Clip the crocodile clips onto the wire 10 cm apart.
Have the circuit checked by your teacher.
Switch on (by plugging into the ammeter and completing the circuit).
Read the ammeter. Write the current in the table.
Switch off again by un-plugging the ammeter.
Move the crocodile clips until they are 20 cm apart, and repeat step 4.
Keep moving the crocodile clips 10 cm further apart and measuring the current until you have
completed the table.

Year 7 2013-2014 Key Stage 3 Science Unit: Electrical energy

Recording your results

Length of wire (cm)

Current (A)

10
20
30
40
50
60

Plot a graph of your results on graph paper. Your axes should look like this:

Considering your results/conclusion

I have found out that when the wire is ________________ (longer/shorter) the current is
________________ (bigger/smaller). This is because it is ________________ (easier/more difficult)
for current to get through a long wire.

Evaluation
Was your experiment a fair test? Explain your answer.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Is there any way you could have done your investigation more accurately?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Explain how you could improve your investigation.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Year 7 2013-2014 Key Stage 3 Science Unit: Electrical energy