Compare and contrast AC and DC current. Explain why AC rather than DC current is used in homes to supply electricity.

Circuit diagrams Circuit diagrams

Draw a circuit diagram for the descriptions below. Remember to use the proper symbols and ensure that your diagrams have a rectangular shape. You do not have to put in the arrows showing the flow of electrons.

1. a) Three cells in parallel, two light bulbs (loads) in series, with one switch

b) Three cells in series and three light bulbs in parallel, with each light bulb being

Three cells in parallel, two light bulbs (loads) in series, with one switch. able to be switched on independently.

c) Two cells in series, a light bulb in series with one switch, and two light bulbs in parallel.

d) Two cells in series, parallel to another two cells in series, and two bulbs in parallel and another two bulbs in series. There is one switch.

2. In circuit (a), assume the voltage in the circuit is 1.5 V in total. How much voltage is passing through each light bulb?

3. In circuit (b), assume the cells produce 4.5 V in total. How much voltage is passing through each light bulb?

Task 2: Problem solving

1. A 14 V battery powers the headlights of a car. What is the resistance of the headlights if they draw 3.0 A of current when turned on?
2. A toaster has a resistance of 28 Ω and is plugged into a 110 V circuit. Using the GRASS method, what current is measured?
3. A microwave oven draws 12 A of current on a 110 V household circuit. What is its power rating?
4. What current is drawn by a 90 W light bulb on a 110 V household circuit?

Task 3: AC and DC current

Compare and contrast AC and DC current. Explain why AC rather than DC current is used in homes to supply electricity.

Last Completed Projects