3-ELE-03

Outcomes

• Pupils can identify the coulomb as the unit of charge
• Pupils can identify the Ampere as the unit of current and that it is a SI Base Unit
• Pupils can use the equation Q = It and define current as the rate of flow of charge

Specification References

• 2.15 understand that current is the rate of flow of charge
• 2.16 recall and use the relationship between charge, current and time : charge = current × time, Q = I × t

Starter

• Shuttling ball demonstration. The pupils (using the mini white boards) are asked to explain why the ball shuttles- testing their understanding of the different types of charge, induced charge and interactions between different polarities of charge. This leads to the discussion of the movement of charge being current and what factors affect the rate at which it is being moved.

Main Body of Lesson

• The pupils observe a demonstration in which a nanocoulombmeter is charged with a constant current. The current is controlled using a potential divider. The charge is measured every 5 seconds for 45 seconds and a graph of charge against time is plotted. This can be repeated using a lesser current to charge the nanocoulombmeter.

Plenary

Simple Q = It questions.

Additional Information

Resources Required

• Practical equipment for the shuttling ball demonstration and charging the nanocoulombmeter.

Skills Addressed

• Circuit building skills