AC Circuits: Crash Course Physics #36

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This episode of Crash Course Phyics delves into the world of AC Circuits (or Alternating Currents). We’ve talked about how they change voltage, which helps transmit electricity over long distances, but there’s so much more to the physics of AC circuitry.

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Physics

SC15.PHYS.12

Use the principles of Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws to design, construct, and analyze combination circuits using typical components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, diodes, sources of power).

UP:SC15.PHYS.12

Vocabulary

  • ammeter
  • voltmeter
  • series
  • parallel
  • model
  • Kirchhoff's laws
  • Ohm's law
  • resistance
  • current
  • electric potential
  • multimeter
  • positive
  • negative
  • electrical components
  • circuit
  • voltage source
  • conductors
  • resistor color code
  • circuit diagram
  • heat
  • charge
  • static electricity

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The color code for the resistance of resistors.
  • The basic principles of static electricity.
  • How to construct electrical circuits.
  • Several different components can be used to build an electrical circuit.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Design and use models.
  • Develop an appropriate experimental procedure.
  • Create a data sheet.
  • Collect and organize experimental data.
  • Follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Make measurements using standard units.
  • Effectively manipulate laboratory equipment.
  • Work safely in collaborative lab groups.
  • Manipulate equations.
  • Interpret graphical data.
  • Solve mathematical equations.
  • Use a multimeter.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Circuits are complete pathways through which current will flow predictably and will provide energy to the connected component(s).
  • Circuits may be simple or complex.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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