Physics

1st Term
 Investigation (4)
Electric force

Gr.10 Physics Booklet Page 2

 Experience 3: Electric Current

Main point

 Conductor: materials containing electrons or charged ions that

can move easily
 Insulator: it is the material in which electrons cannot move easily
as wood or plastic.
 Delocalized electron: are electrons that are not associated with
a single atom or covalent bond.
 Cold welding: it is a processes of joining two metals together
without heat.
 An electric current: it is the rate at which charge passes through
an area of wire
SI unit for electric current is (A) ampere which equals to (C/S)
 Intensive property: it is a property that does not change with
scale.
 Extensive property: a property does a change with a scale.
 Resistivity: how much a unit amount of material opposes the flow
of electric current.
 Resistance: it is how much a particular object opposes the flow of
current.
 Current density: the amount of current flow through an area.
And it is a vector quantity.
 Ohm’s law: the proportional relation of current and field.
 Resistor: it is a zigzag line represents an object that has
resistance.
 Series combination: the arrangement in which multiple resistors
are connected one after another.
 Equivalent series resistance: the total resistance of the
combination.
 Parallel combination: when resistors are connected such as that
both ends of each resistor.

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Electric Current

While resistors connected in series can be added to find the total

resistance, resistors in parallel cannot. The total resistance (or
equivalent resistance) of resistors connected in parallel is lower than
any of the individual resistances.

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Defend Your Claim Suppose the three resistors in the diagram have
the following resistances: 𝑅1 = 220 Ω, 𝑅2 = 100 Ω, and, 𝑅3 = 150 Ω.

A student claims that the equivalent resistance is approximately 155

Ω. Is the student correct? Defend your claim with evidence.

No, the equivalent resistance of resistors in parallel should be lower

than any of the individual resistances, so it must be less than 100 Ω.
The equivalent resistance can be found by using the following
equation:
1 1 1 1
= Ω+ Ω+ Ω
Requ 220 100 150
𝑅equ = 47 Ω
Mathematical Practices:
Look for Repeated Reasoning

Complex circuits include resistors in series and in parallel. Solving for

the total resistance of a complex circuit might involve calculating
equivalent resistances multiple times. Locating and marking where
you will repeat this step can help you develop a solution strategy.

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 Step 1 The resistors in series can be added to find Requ-1. Use the
equation for resistors in series: Requ-1 = R3 + R4

Step 2 A second equivalent resistance (Requ-2) can replace the

resistors in parallel. Use the equation for
resistors in parallel

Step 3 By drawing a new circuit diagram with Requ-2 replacing the

parallel branches, it is easier to see that Requ-2 is in series with R1. Use
the equation for resistors in series to find Requ-3, which is the total
resistance:

3-Dimensional Review

1. DCI Relationship Between Energy and Forces Describe how a

uniform field will impact electron movement if two terminals of a
battery are connected together using a silver wire.
The silver wire is a conductor so charges will be able to move
freely within the wire. As a result, the delocalized electrons in the
wire will experience a constant force due to the uniform field
within. The electrons within the wire will move and collide with the
metal’s inner electron clouds, causing a type of friction that will
cancel the force due to the field. This will cause the electrons to
move at a constant velocity known as drift velocity.

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 2. SEP Developing and Using Models A resistor is an object
which opposes the flow of electric current. Answer the following
questions about the resistance model shown:

a. Are resistors 1 and 2 in series? Explain why or why not.

Resistors 1 and 2 are notin series. There is more than one branch for
current.

b. What type of combination are resistors 2 and 3 in? What is their

equivalent resistance?
Resistors 2 and 3 are in parallel. Their equivalent resistance is 5 Ω.

c. Do resistors have equivalent greater resistance in parallel or in

series? Explain why your answer makes sense based on the current.
Resistors have greater equivalent resistance in series. When
connected in parallel, each resistor is not getting the full current but
has to divide the total current amongst each resistor, making them
less effective than in series, when each resistor receives the full
current.

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CCC Cause and Effect Current density is a vector quantity
representing the amount of current flow through an area. Circle all of
the following that would not result in an increased current.

a. increased drift velocity b. decreased electric field

c. increased resistance d. increased conductivity

Skills Practice

4. Three resistors are connected in a combination of series and

parallel. Resistor R1 is in series with the combination of resistors R2
and R3 in parallel. The resistors have resistance R1 = 8.000 Ω, R2 =
8.000 Ω, and R3 = 8.000 Ω. Sketch a picture of the situation and
determine the equivalent resistance of the combination of resistors.
Requ = 12.00 Ω

5. Three resistors are connected in a combination of series and

parallel. The combination of parallel resistors R1 and R2 is in series
with resistor R3. The resistors have resistance R1 = 12.00 Ω, R2 =
13.00 Ω, and R3 = 14.00 Ω. Sketch a picture of the situation and
determine the equivalent resistance of the combination of resistors.
Requ = 20.24 Ω

6. Three resistors are connected in a combination of series and

parallel. Resistor R1 is in series with the combination of resistors R2
and R3 in parallel. The resistors have resistance R1 = 10.00 Ω, R2 =
15.00 Ω, and R3 = 20.00 Ω. Determine the equivalent resistance of
the combination of resistors.

a. 5.03 Ω
b. 8.57 Ω
c. 10.12 Ω
d. 18.33 Ω

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Electric Current

1. Students are creating circuits using household items. The students

create four setups. Each setup starts with a battery, a wire, and a
variable object. The wire connects both sides of the battery to the
variable object. The battery has internal resistance to avoid
overheating. The wire composition and variable objects used are
listed in the table. Setup Wire Composition Variable object
Setup Wire composition Variable object

A Metal Glass ball

B Ionic solid Resistors in parallel

C Copper Ionic solution

D Ionic solution Resistors in series

Which of the following is correct about the functionality of the

setups?

A. Setup D is the only circuit that will function because it is the only
wire made of a conductive material, and the current will flow through
the resistors in series.
B. Setup C will function because the wire is made of a conductive
material and the ionic solution conducts electricity, so current will
flow.
C. Setup B will function better than setup D because resistors in
parallel allow less current to flow through the circuit than resistors in
series.
D. Setups B and C will function because the wires are made of highly
conductive materials, and both variable objects allow current to flow.

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2. The densities of a conductor and an insulator are shown in the
images.

Which wire, A or B, most likely portrays a conductor, and how does

the increased density impact the force between charges?
Wire A most likely resembles a conductor because there are more free electrons.
The electrons will collide and repel each other more, causing more friction. The
electrons in a conductor are denser and closer together, so the electrostatic force
between them will be stronger. However, when the charges are in an electric
field (from the battery) they will all move together and push each other forward

Read the passage and use the diagram to answer the next two
questions.
Standard light bulbs can be incandescent, LED, or fluorescent.
Incandescent bulbs work by running current through a filament. As
shown in the image, the light bulb is connected to an electrical circuit
that acts as a source of current. Two wires act as contacts and
supports to the filament. The current runs up one wire, through the
filament, and down the other wire. The filament material must be
able to be pulled thin and wrapped tightly into a coil. The more
resistive the wire, the hotter the bulb will be. As electricity runs
through the filament, light is produced proportional to the current in
the wire.

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3.Incandescent bulbs rely on the heat produced from the resistance
in the wire. A brighter bulb is the result of a greater current running
through the wire. Four different filaments are tested for brightness
with varying properties.

Wire Average Length of Cross area

material resistivity wire of wire

Tantalum 12.4 × 10-8 Ω∙m 3.0 m 0.05 cm2

Carbon 4000 × 10-8 Ω∙m 1.0 cm 0.3 cm2

Tungsten 5.65 × 10-8 Ω∙m 2.0 m 0.2 cm2

Copper 1.68 × 10-8 Ω∙m 1.0 m 0.4 cm2

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Based on the table, which wire material will make for the
brightest light bulb, and what is the resistance of the wire?

A. Tantalum will make the brightest bulb, with a resistance of 7.4 ×

10-3 Ω.
B. Carbon will make the brightest bulb, with a resistance of 1.33 ×
10-3 Ω.
C. Copper will make the brightest bulb, with a resistance of 4.2 × 10-
5 Ω.
D. Tungsten will make the brightest bulb, with a resistance of 5.65 ×
10-4 Ω.

4. Although lightbulb filaments have a high resistance, they are

conductors.

How do the function and structure of the filament rely on the

material being a conductor? Include which properties the amount
of free electrons affects in the material and what types of bonds are
present.
The amount of delocalized electrons is related to the conductivity, ductility,
malleability, and resistivity of the filament. The amount of free electrons allows
the cations in the filament to be able to shift and move without interfering. The
filament must be a conductor so that current can flow through the bulb. When a
filament breaks or current stops, the light will not work. The delocalized electrons
allow the filament to be pulled into a wire by giving the cations space in the wire.
The free electrons also allow the filament to be malleable by being able to shift in
the wire. The filament is required to be malleable in order to bend it into a coil.
The more delocalized electrons in a material, the more the wire can bend and be
pulled. The electrons should be held by covalent bonds in order for current to run
through the material. If current does not flow through the material, the lightbulb
will not light.

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5. A battery is placed in a
circuit with four resistors. The
electric field between the
battery terminals forces the
movement of charged particles
along the wire.

Which of the following

correctly labels the parts of
the circuit, in order from A
to E?

A. battery; direction of electron flow; resistors in parallel; resistors in

series, direction of current.
B. resistor; direction of current; resistors in parallel; resistors in
series; direction of electron flow.
C. battery; direction of electron flow; resistors in series; resistors in
parallel, direction of current.
D. battery; direction of current; resistors in series; resistors in
parallel; direction of electron flow

6. Three resistors of equal strength are arranged in two setups, as

shown in the image. The battery is identical in both setups, and the
wire is made of copper.

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Compare the total resistance and current for both setups. How does
the material of the wire impact the flow of charge in the circuits?
Explain your reasoning.

The total resistance is lower for setup A than setup B because the
resistors are in parallel. In setup B, they are in series, so the
resistance will be higher. According to Ohm's law, the current and
total resistance are inversely proportional. So, the current through
setup A will be higher than setup B. Most wires are made of very
conductive material. If the material of the wires were to change to
one with high resistivity (ex: nonmetal), the electrons would not flow
through the wires as easily.

7. A wire made of boron and a wire made of copper are compared.

The copper wire has more delocalized electrons, and the valence
electrons in copper are farther away from the nuclei. Which option
correctly compares the two wires? Select all that apply.

A. Boron is more likely to become a conductor because it has fewer

valence electrons.

B. Copper’s valence electrons have a weaker electrostatic force, so

the electrons are more likely to be delocalized.

C. Copper is more malleable because it has less space in its outer

shell and a stronger electrostatic force, so its cations can easily
change positions.

D. Copper is more ductile because it has more valence electrons that

can easily move around and keep metal cations separate.

E. Boron and copper’s valence electrons can freely move the same
amount, so they are equally as conductive.

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8. A technique known as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
has been used to change the properties of materials. The technique
can transform insulators into conductors and conductors into
insulators. By adjusting the properties of the electrons in the
material, the technique is able to forcefully slow the electrons’ speed.
With a slower speed and momentum, the electrons’ impact on the
electrons around them is increased.

Why would increasing the sensitivity of electrons around other

electrons in a material affect the material’s conductivity?

A. Increasing the impact of electrons around other electrons will

decrease the resistivity of a material. A decrease in resistivity causes
a decrease in the conductivity of a material.

B. Increasing the number of electron interactions will increase the

free-flowing electrons. An increase in free-flowing electrons will
increase the conductivity of a material.

C. When more negative charge is in a confined area, the current will

increase. If the current is increased through a material, the material
is less conductive.

D. When electrons are around other electrons, they repel each other.
Increasing the amount of electron interactions will increase electric
friction. A decrease in free-flowing electrons will decrease the
conductivity of a material.

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9. A simple circuit is set up with a battery, resistor, and conductive
wire. What is true about the design of the resistor and its
impact on the current density in the wire? Select all that apply.

A. A resistor that has a very large cross-sectional area will create a

greater electron drift velocity. This will increase the current density in
the wire.

B. A resistor that has a very small cross-sectional area will create a

lesser electron drift velocity. This will increase the current density in
the wire.

C. Decreasing the length of the resistor will create a greater electron

drift velocity. Because there will be less resistance, the current
density in the wire will increase.

D. Increasing the length of the resistor will create a greater electron

drift velocity. Because there will be more resistance, the current
density in the wire will increase.

E. A resistor that has a very large cross-sectional area will create a

lesser electron drift velocity. This will decrease the current density in
the wire.

10. A simple circuit is set up with a battery, two resistors, and a

conductive wire. Choose the option that identifies the missing terms,
in order of their appearance in the sentences.

The wire of the simple circuit should be made of a material with more
__________. In order for the circuit to produce the largest current,
the two resistors are put in__________ with each other. Both
resistors should have a very __________cross-sectional area and a
________________ to increase the flow of electrons.

A. bound electrons; series; small; low resistivity

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B. delocalized electrons; series; large; short length

C. delocalized electrons; parallel; small; high resistivity

D. bound electrons; parallel; large; long length

11. Electric taste simulation relies on the use of electrode-embedded

utensils to deliver a small electric current to the taste buds on the
tongue. The current runs through silver channels in the utensils.
When they come into contact with the tongue, they deliver a signal
that stimulates the perception of various tastes. Humans perceive
taste based on an interaction between taste buds that send electrical
signals to the brain. During an experiment, a salty taste was the
easiest to replicate using the electric utensil.

Why might the designers use silver as a utensil material to

carry the electric current, and why are salty tastes easier to
replicate with an electric current simulation?
The utensils use silver to carry the current because silver is a conductor. The
electric current will be able to move through the silver more easily than a
nonmetal. Salty flavors may be easier to replicate through electric current
because when salt is mixed with water, it forms charged ions. Since taste relies
on electrical signals to the brain, and salt mixtures are good conductors, the salt
simulation is easier to copy with electricity.

Choose the correct answer

1. Electric current in a wire is the

a. number of electric charges moving from one location to another
in the wire.
b. net movement of electrical energy through the wire.
c. rate at which electric charges move through an area of the wire.
d. rate at which electrical energy is used to move charges through
the wire.

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2. One ampere of current is the movement of ______________
through a given area in one second.
a. one coulomb of charge
b. one volt of potential difference
c. one joule of energy
d. one electron

3. The diagram above represents a wire in which the net flow of

electrons is to the right. The direction of the conventional current in
the wire
a. depends on the potential difference.
b. is to the left.
c. is the same direction as the electron flow.
d. cannot be determined.

4. The speed at which an electron moves in an electric field in a

conductor is the
a. speed of light.
b. average collision speed.
c. drift velocity.
d. average electron speed.

5. When a current move through a copper conductor, electrons collide

with copper atoms. The result of these collisions is
a. an increase in voltage.
b. a decrease in resistance.
c. an increase in temperature.
d. a decrease in voltage.

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 6. What is the potential difference across a 10  resistor if the current
in the resistor is 3.0 A?
a. 0.3 V
b. 3 V
c. 30 V
d. 15 A

7. Which factor is least likely to affect the resistance of a conductor?

a. the length of the conductor
b. the temperature of the conductor
c. the overall shape of the conductor
d. the material the conductor is made from

Essay questions

1. When a light switch is turned on, the light comes on almost

instantly. Why does the light come on so quickly if the drift velocity
of the electrons in the wires is very small?

The electric field that provides the energy for the light moves at
nearly the speed of light.

2. A current of 295 A passes through an automobile starter motor.

How long does the starter motor operate if 377 coulombs pass
through the starter?
q 377 C
t    1.28s
I 295 A



Gr.10 Physics Booklet Page 19