Electricity is an essential energy source for modern living. Disruption to supply or isolation can lead to the development of alternative methods of obtaining this essential energy resource. For electrical energy to be useful it must be harnessed through the use of an electrical circuit and an energy-converting appliance.
As electricity became increasingly used as the main power supply in homes and electrical appliances became an integral part of daily life for many Australians, the dangers associated with electricity became more prominent. Voltages as low as 20 volts can be dangerous to the human body depending on the health of the person and length of time of contact with the current. Safety devices in household appliances and within the electric circuits in the home can prevent electrical injury or assist in reducing the potential for electric shock.
This module increases students’ understanding of the history, nature and practice of physics and the applications and uses of physics.
Domain: knowledge and understanding:
Refer to the Science Stages 4–5 Syllabus for the following:
5.6.3a Design, construct and draw circuits containing a number of components.
5.6.3b Describe voltage, resistance and current using analogies.
5.6.3c Describe qualitatively, the relationship between voltage, resistance and current.
5.6.3d Compare advantages and disadvantages of series and parallel circuits.