Cells, brightness and volume
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Say that a cell gives a voltage, and that cells joined end to end add their voltages
- Find the total voltage of cells in a circuit, using 1.5 volts for each cell
- Describe how more cells, and a higher voltage, make a bulb brighter
- Describe how more cells, and a higher voltage, make a buzzer louder
- Explain that a circuit must be a complete loop for a bulb or a buzzer to work
- Plan and read a fair test on the number of cells, keeping the other variables the same
You should already know
- Electricity and circuits from Year 4 Science, including cells, bulbs and buzzers at a simple level
- Fair tests, tables and bar charts (Chapter 1 of this book)
Where this leads
- Components and circuit symbols, including switches (Year 6 Science, Chapter 10)
National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 science, Year 6. Content: EL1 associate the brightness of a lamp or the volume of a buzzer with the number and voltage of cells used in the circuit.
Exercise P Do you remember?
Method. Recall the word.
- Recall. A material that lets electricity flow through it is a conductor.conductor
- Write the answer. conductor
Check. Wires are made of conductors such as metal. ✓
Method. Recall the word.
- Recall. A material that does not let electricity flow through it is an insulator.insulator
- Write the answer. insulator
Check. Plastic is often used as an insulator. ✓
Method. Recall the unit.
- Recall. Voltage is measured in volts, abbreviated V.volts
- Write the answer. volt
Check. Voltage is the push that moves the electricity. ✓
Method. Recall the name.
- Recall. A circuit that is joined all the way round is a complete circuit.complete circuit
- Write the answer. complete circuit
Check. A break in the loop stops the flow. ✓
Method. Recall the part.
- Recall. A cell (or battery) gives the energy to the circuit.cell
- Write the answer. cell
Check. A bulb uses the energy from the cell. ✓
Cells and their voltage
A cell gives a voltage, measured in volts (V). A standard cell gives 1.5 volts. Cells have a positive end, marked +, and a negative end, marked -.
When cells are joined end to end, with positive to negative, their voltages add up. The total voltage is the number of cells multiplied by 1.5 volts.
The table gives the total voltage for one, two and three cells.
| Cells in the circuit | Total voltage (volts) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5 |
| 2 | 3.0 |
| 3 | 4.5 |
Key ideas
- A standard cell gives 1.5 volts.
- Cells joined end to end, positive to negative, add their voltages.
- Total voltage = number of cells x 1.5 volts.
- More voltage means more push on the electricity in the circuit.
Method. Multiply the number of cells by 1.5 volts.
- Count the cells. There are two cells.2
- Multiply. Each cell gives 1.5 volts, so 2 x 1.5 volts.2 x 1.5 = 3.0
- Write the answer. 3.0 volts
Check. The table gives 3.0 volts for two cells. ✓
Method. Multiply the number of cells by 1.5 volts.
- Count the cells. There are three cells.3
- Multiply. So 3 x 1.5 volts.3 x 1.5 = 4.5
- Write the answer. 4.5 volts
Check. Adding 1.5 volts three times gives 4.5 volts. ✓
Method. Subtract the one-cell voltage from the three-cell voltage.
- Read the voltages. Three cells give 4.5 volts and one cell gives 1.5 volts.4.5 and 1.5
- Subtract. The difference is 4.5 minus 1.5.4.5 - 1.5 = 3.0
- Write the answer. 3.0 volts
Check. 1.5 + 3.0 = 4.5. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: cells must be joined positive to negative to add their voltages. A cell joined the wrong way round takes away voltage from the others.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Multiply the number of cells by 1.5 volts, and give the unit: volts.
Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). With a teacher, look at the labels on two cells. Find the + and - ends. Join them end to end, + to -, and read the label or the chart that says the voltage. Never join the two ends of one cell with a wire, because that is a short circuit and makes the cell hot.
Exercise 9A Cells and their voltage
Method. Read the fact.
- Read the fact. A standard cell gives 1.5 volts.1.5
- Write the answer. 1.5 volts
Check. The table gives 1.5 volts for one cell. ✓
Method. Read the description.
- Read the description. A cell has a positive end, marked +, and a negative end, marked -.positive
- Write the answer. positive
Check. The negative end is marked -. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The table gives 3.0 volts for two cells.3.0
- Write the answer. So the total voltage is 3.0 volts.3.0 volts
- Write the answer. 3.0 volts
Check. 2 x 1.5 = 3.0. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The table gives 4.5 volts for three cells.4.5
- Write the answer. So the total voltage is 4.5 volts.4.5 volts
- Write the answer. 4.5 volts
Check. 3 x 1.5 = 4.5. ✓
Method. Read the rule.
- Read the rule. Cells joined end to end, positive to negative, add their voltages.add up
- Decide. So the answer is yes.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. Each cell adds 1.5 volts. ✓
Method. Read the fact.
- Read the fact. Voltage is measured in volts, abbreviated V.volts
- Write the answer. V
Check. Volts are written as V. ✓
Method. Read the fact.
- Read the fact. One cell gives 1.5 volts.1.5
- Write the answer. 1.5 volts
Check. A standard cell is 1.5 volts. ✓
Method. Multiply by 1.5 volts.
- Multiply. Four cells give 4 x 1.5 volts.4 x 1.5 = 6.0
- Decide. So the answer is yes.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. Four cells give 6.0 volts. ✓
Method. Multiply the cells by 1.5 volts.
- Multiply. Three cells give 3 x 1.5 volts.3 x 1.5 = 4.5
- Write the answer. 4.5 volts
Check. 1.5 + 1.5 + 1.5 = 4.5. ✓
Method. Multiply the cells by 1.5 volts.
- Multiply. Five cells give 5 x 1.5 volts.5 x 1.5 = 7.5
- Write the answer. 7.5 volts
Check. Half of 15 is 7.5. ✓
Method. Check the table.
- Check the table. Three cells give 4.5 volts, not 3.0 volts.4.5
- Decide. So Mo is not right.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. 3.0 volts is the voltage of two cells. ✓
Method. Think about the direction.
- Think about the joining. Positive to negative lets each voltage add to the next.add
- Think about the wrong way. A cell joined the wrong way takes voltage away.takes away
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says joining positive to negative makes the voltages add up, while a cell the wrong way takes voltage away.
Check. The direction of the cells matters. ✓
Method. Think about adding.
- Think about each cell. Each cell gives 1.5 volts.1.5
- Think about the total. Joined end to end, the voltages add: 1.5 + 1.5 = 3.0 volts.3.0
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says the voltages of the two cells add together, so the total voltage is 1.5 + 1.5 volts.
Check. Two cells, each 1.5 volts, add to 3.0 volts. ✓
Brightness of a bulb and the number of cells
The brightness of a bulb depends on the voltage across it. More cells joined end to end give a higher total voltage. A higher voltage makes more current flow through the bulb, so the bulb is brighter.
The class rated each bulb brightness out of 5. A rating of 5 is the brightest.
The table gives Priya's three trials for each number of cells, and the mean of the trials.
| Cells | Trial 1 | Trial 2 | Trial 3 | Mean brightness (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Key ideas
- More cells give a higher total voltage.
- A higher voltage makes a bulb brighter.
- Brightness is recorded as a rating out of 5, and repeats give a mean.
- Keep the bulb, the wires and the holder the same in a fair test.
Method. Read the mean column.
- Read the row. The row for two cells gives three trials of 4, 4 and 4.4, 4, 4
- Write the mean. The mean brightness is 4 out of 5.4
- Write the answer. 4 out of 5
Check. 4 + 4 + 4 = 12, and 12 divided by 3 is 4. ✓
Method. Subtract the one-cell rating from the three-cell rating.
- Read the ratings. The three-cell bulb is rated 5, and the one-cell bulb is rated 2.5 and 2
- Subtract. The difference is 5 minus 2.5 - 2 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. 2 + 3 = 5. ✓
Method. Find the highest rating.
- Read the ratings. The ratings are 2, 4 and 5 for one, two and three cells.5
- Write the answer. The highest rating is 5, for three cells.3
- Write the answer. 3 cells
Check. The bulb with three cells is the brightest. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: brightness is a rating out of 5 in this table. Do not compare it with a voltage; say the bulb is brighter because its total voltage is higher.
Exam tip
Exam tip. When you link brightness to the cells, say that more cells give a higher voltage, and that makes the bulb brighter.
Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). With a teacher, build a circuit with one cell and one bulb in a holder. Compare the brightness with a second cell added, joined end to end. Use the same bulb each time. Give each bulb a rating out of 5, and repeat the test three times. Switch off the circuit between tests.
Exercise 9B Brightness of a bulb and the number of cells
Method. Read the bar for two cells.
- Find the bar. The middle bar is for two cells.two cells
- Read the rating. That bar is rated 4 out of 5.4
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Two cells are brighter than one cell. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The one-cell bulb is rated 2 out of 5.2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. One cell is the least bright of the three. ✓
Method. Find the highest rating.
- Read the ratings. The highest rating, 5, is for three cells.5
- Write the number. So three cells give the brightest bulb.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. Three cells is the brightest in the table. ✓
Method. Add and divide by three.
- Add. The total is 5 + 5 + 5 = 15.15
- Divide. Divide 15 by 3.15 divided by 3 is 5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. The bulb is always rated 5 with three cells. ✓
Method. Add and divide by three.
- Add. The total is 2 + 2 + 2 = 6.6
- Divide. Divide 6 by 3.6 divided by 3 is 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. Each trial is 2 out of 5. ✓
Method. Subtract.
- Read the ratings. Two cells give 4 and one cell gives 2.4 and 2
- Subtract. The difference is 4 minus 2.4 - 2 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. 2 + 2 = 4. ✓
Method. Use the cells table.
- Find the cells. The brightest bulb had three cells.3 cells
- Find the voltage. Three cells give 4.5 volts.4.5
- Write the answer. 4.5 volts
Check. 3 x 1.5 = 4.5. ✓
Method. Compare the ratings.
- Read the ratings. Two cells are rated 4, and three cells are rated 5.4 and 5
- Decide. So three cells give the brighter bulb, and Ali is not right.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Three cells give more voltage, so a brighter bulb. ✓
Method. Subtract the first rating from the second.
- Read the ratings. The ratings are 2 and 4.2 and 4
- Subtract. The rise is 4 minus 2.4 - 2 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. 2 + 2 = 4. ✓
Method. Think about a fair test.
- Think about the test. Only the number of cells changes.number of cells
- Write one fixed variable. For example, use the same bulb each time.same bulb
- Write the answer. Accept any one of: the same bulb, the same wires, the same bulb holder, the same type of cell.
Check. Keeping the others the same makes the test fair. ✓
Method. Think about the voltage.
- Think about the voltage. Three cells give a higher total voltage than one cell.higher voltage
- Think about the current. A higher voltage makes more current flow, so the bulb is brighter.more current
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says three cells give a higher total voltage, so more current flows through the bulb and it is brighter.
Check. The bulb is brighter because of the higher voltage. ✓
Method. Think about repeats.
- Think about one trial. One trial may be judged differently by chance.chance
- Think about the mean. The mean of three trials evens out these differences.evens out
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says repeats show whether the rating is consistent, and the mean evens out chance differences in judging.
Check. Repeats make the result more trustworthy. ✓
Volume of a buzzer and the number of cells
A buzzer makes a sound when a current flows through it. A higher voltage makes more current flow, so the buzzer can be louder. The loudness in this table is a rating given by the class, out of 5.
As with the bulb, more cells give a higher total voltage. Each extra cell adds 1.5 volts.
The table gives the total voltage and the ratings for each number of cells.
| Number of cells | Total voltage (V) | Bulb brightness (out of 5) | Buzzer loudness (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | 3.0 | 4 | 3 |
| 3 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 |
Key ideas
- More cells give a higher voltage, and a louder buzzer.
- Loudness is recorded as a rating out of 5, using the same scale each time.
- A buzzer needs a complete circuit to make a sound.
- Compare the ratings with the table, not with memory.
Method. Read the row for two cells.
- Read the row. The row for two cells gives a loudness of 3 out of 5.3
- Write the answer. So the rating is 3 out of 5.3 out of 5
- Write the answer. 3 out of 5
Check. The rating goes up as the cells increase. ✓
Method. Subtract the one-cell rating from the three-cell rating.
- Read the ratings. The ratings are 5 for three cells and 2 for one cell.5 and 2
- Subtract. The difference is 5 minus 2.5 - 2 = 3
- Write the answer. 3 points
Check. 2 + 3 = 5. ✓
Method. Read the voltage column.
- Read the table. Three cells give 4.5 volts.4.5
- Write the answer. So the total voltage is 4.5 volts.4.5 volts
- Write the answer. 4.5 volts
Check. 3 x 1.5 = 4.5. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: the buzzer rating is a class rating out of 5. It is not a measurement in decibels, so do not give it a unit.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Link the volume to the cells: more cells, a higher voltage, and a louder buzzer.
Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). With a teacher, connect a buzzer to one cell, then to two cells joined end to end. Ask the class to rate each buzzer out of 5, using the same scale each time. Write the ratings in a table. Do not hold the buzzer near your ears.
Exercise 9C Volume of a buzzer and the number of cells
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The one-cell buzzer is rated 2 out of 5.2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. One cell gives the quietest buzzer in the table. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The three-cell buzzer is rated 5 out of 5.5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Three cells give the loudest buzzer. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. Two cells give 3.0 volts.3.0
- Write the answer. 3.0 volts
Check. 2 x 1.5 = 3.0. ✓
Method. Find the highest rating.
- Read the ratings. The highest rating is 5, for three cells.5
- Write the number. So three cells give the loudest buzzer.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. The rating rises with the number of cells. ✓
Method. Subtract.
- Read the ratings. The ratings are 3 for two cells and 5 for three cells.3 and 5
- Subtract. The rise is 5 minus 3.5 - 3 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. 3 + 2 = 5. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. One cell gives 1.5 volts.1.5
- Write the answer. 1.5 volts
Check. One standard cell is 1.5 volts. ✓
Method. Compare the ratings.
- Read the ratings. Two cells give 3, and one cell gives 2.3 and 2
- Decide. Since 3 is more than 2, the answer is yes.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. More voltage makes a louder buzzer. ✓
Method. Compare the ratings for each pair.
- Pair 1 and 2. The ratings are 2 and 3, a difference of 1.3 - 2 = 1
- Pair 2 and 3. The ratings are 3 and 5, a difference of 2.5 - 3 = 2
- Write the answer. So the pair with a difference of 1 is 1 cell and 2 cells.1 and 2
- Write the answer. 1 and 2
Check. Only the first pair differs by 1 point. ✓
Method. Check the voltage.
- Check the table. Three cells give 4.5 volts, not 3 volts.4.5
- Decide. So Ruby is not right about the voltage.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Each cell gives 1.5 volts. ✓
Method. Find the total voltage for three cells.
- Find the cells. Ali now has three cells.3 cells
- Multiply. Three cells give 3 x 1.5 volts.3 x 1.5 = 4.5
- Write the answer. 4.5 volts
Check. The rating 5 matches three cells in the table. ✓
Method. Think about the voltage.
- Think about the voltage. Adding a cell raises the total voltage by 1.5 volts.1.5
- Think about the current. A higher voltage makes more current flow, so the buzzer is louder.louder
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says adding a cell raises the total voltage, so more current flows and the buzzer is louder.
Check. More voltage gives a louder buzzer. ✓
Method. Think about comparing ratings.
- Think about the scale. The same scale of 1 to 5 must be used each time.same scale
- Think about the pattern. So the ratings can be compared fairly and the pattern can be checked.compared fairly
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says the same scale and the same judges keep the ratings comparable, so the pattern can be trusted.
Check. Fair comparison needs one scale. ✓
A complete circuit
A complete circuit is a loop. Electricity flows from the positive end of the cell, round the wires and through the bulb or the buzzer, and back to the negative end.
If the loop is broken, anywhere, the electricity cannot flow and the bulb or buzzer does not work. Each part of a circuit needs to be connected.
The table names the parts of a simple circuit, and what each one does.
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| cell | provides the energy; it has a positive and a negative end |
| wire | carries the current round the loop |
| bulb | lights up when current flows through it |
| buzzer | makes a sound when current flows through it |
Key ideas
- A complete circuit is a loop with no gaps.
- Electricity flows from the positive end of the cell, round the loop, and back to the negative end.
- A bulb or buzzer works only when it is part of a complete loop.
- More cells give more voltage, which makes a bulb brighter or a buzzer louder.
Method. Check the wires round the loop.
- Check the loop. The wires go all the way round, and the bulb is in the loop.all the way
- Decide. So the loop is complete, and the answer is yes.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. Every part is connected in the loop. ✓
Method. Think about the broken loop.
- Think about the gap. With a wire removed, the loop has a gap, so the electricity cannot flow.gap
- Decide. So the bulb does not light, and the answer is no.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. A gap in the loop stops the current. ✓
Method. Recall the name.
- Recall. A circuit joined all the way round is a complete circuit.complete circuit
- Check the meaning. Complete means there are no gaps in the loop.no gaps
- Write the answer. complete circuit
Check. Complete means there are no gaps. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a bulb may not light because the loop is broken, not because the bulb is faulty. Check every connection first.
Exam tip
Exam tip. When a circuit does not work, say that the loop must be complete, and check each connection.
Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). With a teacher, build a loop with one cell, one bulb in a holder and two wires. Make the bulb light. Then remove one wire, and watch the bulb go out. Put the wire back. Never connect a wire directly across the two ends of one cell.
Exercise 9D A complete circuit
Method. Read the idea.
- Read the idea. Electricity must flow all the way round, so the loop must be complete.all the way round
- Decide. So the answer is yes.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. A gap stops the current. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The cell gives the energy to the circuit.energy
- Write the word. So the part is the cell.cell
- Write the answer. cell
Check. The cell is the source of the voltage. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The bulb lights up when current flows through it.lights up
- Write the word. So the part is the bulb.bulb
- Write the answer. bulb
Check. A buzzer makes a sound instead. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The wire carries the current round the loop.carries
- Write the word. So the part is the wire.wire
- Write the answer. wire
Check. Wires must be joined without gaps. ✓
Method. Think about the loop.
- Think about the loop. A wire removed leaves a space in the loop.space
- Decide. So there is a gap, and the answer is yes.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. A gap breaks the circuit. ✓
Method. Think about the current.
- Think about the current. With a gap, the current cannot flow round the loop.cannot flow
- Decide. So the bulb does not light.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Without current, the bulb is off. ✓
Method. Read the definition.
- Read the definition. A complete circuit is a loop with no gaps.no gaps
- Write the answer. complete circuit
Check. Complete means joined all the way round. ✓
Method. Read the key idea.
- Read the key idea. Electricity flows from the positive end of the cell, round the loop, and back to the negative end.from the positive
- Write the answer. positive
Check. It returns to the negative end. ✓
Method. Think about the gap.
- Think about the gap. A gap stops the current, however strong the cell is.stops the current
- Decide. So Priya is not right.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. The loop must be complete. ✓
Method. Multiply by 1.5 volts.
- Multiply. Two cells give 2 x 1.5 volts.2 x 1.5 = 3.0
- Write the answer. 3.0 volts
Check. The bulb is rated 4 with two cells. ✓
Method. Think about the current.
- Think about the loop. A complete loop lets the current flow round to the bulb and back.flow
- Think about the gap. A gap stops the current, so the bulb is off.stops
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says a complete loop lets the current flow through the bulb, but a gap stops the current.
Check. A complete loop is needed for current. ✓
Method. Think about the cell.
- Think about the short circuit. The wire takes the current straight across the cell, with no bulb.straight across
- Think about the danger. This makes the cell and wire hot, so it is dangerous.hot
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says it makes a short circuit, which makes the cell and wires hot, and the cell can be damaged.
Check. Never connect a wire straight across a cell. ✓
Method. Compare the two circuits.
- Think about the complete loop. The two cells drive current round the complete loop.drive current
- Think about the gap. With a gap, the two cells cannot drive any current round.cannot drive
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says the complete loop lets the higher voltage drive the current round, while a gap stops it entirely.
Check. A complete loop is needed for voltage to work. ✓
A fair test with cells, and safety
A fair test changes only one variable. In this test, the changed variable is the number of cells. The measured variable is the brightness or the loudness, rated out of 5. The fixed variables are kept the same: the same bulb, the same wires, the same bulb holder and the same type of cell.
Safety is part of planning: use low-voltage cells only, and always work with a teacher present.
Key ideas
- A fair test changes only the number of cells.
- The fixed variables are the same bulb, wires, holder and type of cell.
- Repeat each trial, and find the mean.
- Never connect a wire straight across the two ends of one cell.
Method. Find the thing that changes on purpose.
- Read the plan. Aisha changes the number of cells on purpose.number of cells
- Write the words. So the changed variable is the number of cells.number of cells
- Write the answer. the number of cells
Check. The bulb stays the same. ✓
Method. Count the changes.
- Count the changes. She changes the number of cells and also the bulb.two changes
- Decide. Changing two things is not fair, so the answer is no.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Only one variable should change. ✓
Method. Count the fixed variables in the list.
- Count. The fixed variables are the bulb, the wires, the bulb holder and the type of cell.four
- Write the number. So there are four fixed variables.4
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Keeping four things the same makes the test fair. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a short circuit can make a cell and its wires hot. Connect the wires to the cell ends only through the bulb and holder.
Exam tip
Exam tip. When you plan a test on cells, name the changed variable, the measured variable and two fixed variables.
Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). Plan a fair test, with a teacher, on the number of cells and the brightness of a bulb. Write the changed variable, the measured variable, and three fixed variables, then carry out the test with three repeats for each number of cells.
Exercise 9E A fair test with cells, and safety
Method. Read the plan.
- Read the plan. The number of cells is the thing we change on purpose.changed on purpose
- Write the words. So the changed variable is the number of cells.number of cells
- Write the answer. number of cells
Check. The brightness is the measured variable. ✓
Method. Read the plan.
- Read the plan. The brightness of the bulb is measured, rated out of 5.brightness
- Write the word. So the measured variable is brightness.brightness
- Write the answer. brightness
Check. The loudness is the measured variable for the buzzer test. ✓
Method. Read the fixed variables.
- Read the list. The fixed variables include the same bulb.same bulb
- Write the words. So the fixed variable is the same bulb.the same bulb
- Write the answer. the same bulb
Check. The bulb must not change in the test. ✓
Method. Read the warning.
- Read the warning. A wire straight across a cell is a short circuit, which makes the cell hot.hot
- Decide. So it is not safe, and the answer is no.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Never connect a wire straight across a cell. ✓
Method. Read the safety rule.
- Read the rule. Only low-voltage cells and bulbs are used, with a teacher present.low-voltage
- Decide. So mains electricity is not used, and the answer is no.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Mains electricity is dangerous. ✓
Method. Count the list.
- Count. The list has four items: the bulb, the wires, the bulb holder and the type of cell.four
- Write the number. So there are four fixed variables.4
- Write the answer. 4
Check. Four things are kept the same. ✓
Method. Count the changed variables.
- Count the changes. Ruby changes two things: the number of cells and the holder.two things
- Decide. Changing two things is not a fair test, so the answer is no.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Only one variable should change. ✓
Method. Think about repeats.
- Think about repeats. Repeats let Tom find a mean, which is more reliable.mean
- Write one word. The word is mean.mean
- Write the answer. mean
Check. The mean evens out chance differences. ✓
Method. Read the warning.
- Read the warning. A wire across the two ends of a cell is a short circuit, which can make it hot.short circuit
- Decide. So it is not safe, and the answer is no.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Never connect a wire straight across a cell. ✓
Method. Think about what must stay the same.
- Think about the buzzer. The buzzer, the wires and the type of cell must be the same.same
- Write one. For example, use the same buzzer each time.same buzzer
- Write the answer. Accept any one of: the same buzzer, the same wires, the same cells type, the same holder.
Check. Only the number of cells changes. ✓
Method. Think about the bulb.
- Think about a different bulb. A different bulb may be brighter for its own reasons.own reasons
- Think about the test. So the bulb must stay the same, so only the cells change the brightness.only the cells
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says a different bulb could be brighter for another reason, so the bulb must be kept the same.
Check. Fair tests change one thing at a time. ✓
Method. Think about safety.
- Think about the connections. A teacher can check each connection before the cells are used.check
- Think about the risk. This prevents short circuits and other harm.prevents
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says a teacher can check the connections and make sure no wire is joined across a cell, so the test is safe.
Check. Safety comes first in every practical. ✓
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Voltage of cells | A standard cell gives 1.5 volts. Cells joined end to end add their voltages. |
| Brightness | More cells give a higher voltage, which makes a bulb brighter. |
| Volume | More cells give a higher voltage, which makes a buzzer louder. |
| Complete circuit | A bulb or buzzer works only in a complete loop with no gaps. |
| Fair test and safety | Change only the number of cells. Keep the bulb, wires and holder the same. Never join a wire across a cell. |
Can you…?
- I can say that a cell gives 1.5 volts, and cells joined end to end add their voltages
- I can work out the total voltage of a number of cells
- I can say how more cells make a bulb brighter, using a table of ratings
- I can say how more cells make a buzzer louder, using a table of ratings
- I can explain why a circuit must be a complete loop
- I can plan a fair test on the number of cells, and say how to keep it safe
Key terms
- cell
- a part of a circuit that gives a voltage, with a positive and a negative end
- voltage
- the push that makes electricity flow in a circuit, measured in volts
- volt (V)
- the unit of voltage
- complete circuit
- a circuit joined all the way round with no gaps, so current can flow
- bulb
- a component that lights up when current flows through it
- buzzer
- a component that makes a sound when current flows through it
- short circuit
- a wire joined straight across the two ends of a cell, which makes it hot and is dangerous
- brightness rating
- a rating out of 5 given to the brightness of a bulb, in this chapter
- loudness rating
- a rating out of 5 given to how loud a buzzer is, in this chapter
Exercise 9Z Check-up
Method. Recall the fact.
- Recall. A standard cell gives 1.5 volts.1.5
- Write the answer. 1.5 volts
Check. Each cell adds 1.5 volts. ✓
Method. Multiply by 1.5 volts.
- Multiply. Three cells give 3 x 1.5 volts.3 x 1.5 = 4.5
- Write the answer. 4.5 volts
Check. 1.5 + 1.5 + 1.5 = 4.5. ✓
Method. Read the mean column.
- Read the row. The mean brightness for three cells is 5 out of 5.5
- Write the answer. 5
Check. Three trials of 5 give a mean of 5. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The buzzer with one cell is rated 2 out of 5.2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. One cell is the quietest in the table. ✓
Method. Subtract the two totals.
- Read the totals. Three cells give 4.5 volts, and two cells give 3.0 volts.4.5 and 3.0
- Subtract. The difference is 4.5 minus 3.0.4.5 - 3.0 = 1.5
- Write the answer. 1.5 volts
Check. One extra cell adds 1.5 volts. ✓
Method. Recall the part.
- Recall. A bulb lights up when current flows through it.bulb
- Write the answer. bulb
Check. A buzzer makes a sound instead. ✓
Method. Recall the part.
- Recall. The wire carries the current round the loop.wire
- Write the answer. wire
Check. A gap in a wire stops the current. ✓
Method. Recall the idea.
- Recall. A gap stops the current, so the bulb does not light.stops
- Write the answer. no
Check. The loop must be complete. ✓
Method. Recall the name.
- Recall. A complete circuit is joined all the way round.complete circuit
- Write the answer. complete circuit
Check. A complete circuit lets current flow. ✓
Method. Think about the voltage.
- Think about the voltage. Three cells give a higher total voltage than one cell.higher voltage
- Think about the current. So more current flows through the bulb.more current
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says three cells give a higher total voltage, so more current flows and the bulb is brighter.
Check. The voltage is the cause of the change. ✓
Total 17 marks. Allow about 17 minutes.
Exercise 9X Practice test questions
Method. Multiply by 1.5 volts.
- Multiply. Four cells give 4 x 1.5 volts.4 x 1.5 = 6.0
- Write the total. So the total is 6.0 volts.6.0 volts
- Write the answer. 6.0 volts
Check. Four times 1.5 is 6.0. ✓
Method. Read the ratings.
- Read the ratings. The rating for two cells is 4 out of 5.4
- Write the answer. 4
Check. The ratings rise as the cells increase. ✓
Method. Subtract the one-cell rating from the three-cell rating.
- Read the ratings. The ratings are 5 for three cells and 2 for one cell.5 and 2
- Subtract. The difference is 5 minus 2.5 - 2 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. 2 + 3 = 5. ✓
Method. Think about the voltage.
- Think about the voltage. Two cells give a higher total voltage, 3.0 volts, than one cell, 1.5 volts.higher
- Think about the current. So more current flows and the bulb is brighter.more current
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says two cells give a higher total voltage, so more current flows and the bulb is brighter.
Check. Higher voltage gives more current. ✓
Method. Multiply by 1.5 volts.
- Multiply. Three cells give 3 x 1.5 volts.3 x 1.5 = 4.5
- Write the answer. 4.5 volts
Check. Each cell adds 1.5 volts. ✓
Method. Think about the current.
- Think about the current. With a gap in the loop, the current cannot flow round the circuit.cannot flow
- Decide. So the bulb is off, and the reason is the gap.gap
- Write the answer. no; gap
Check. A complete loop is needed. ✓
Method. Find the thing that changes on purpose.
- Read the test. The number of cells is the one thing changed on purpose.number of cells
- Write the answer. number of cells
Check. The others are fixed. ✓
Method. Think about safety.
- Think about the risk. A wire joined across a cell is a short circuit, which makes it hot.short circuit
- Think about the check. A teacher can check the connections to prevent this.prevent
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says the teacher can check that no wire is joined across a cell, which prevents a short circuit.
Check. Safety comes first. ✓
Method. Check the voltage and the rating.
- Check the cells. Two cells give 2 x 1.5 volts, which is 3.0 volts.2 x 1.5 = 3.0
- Decide. The rating of 3 is out of 5 and is a class rating, not a voltage, so Ruby is not right.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. The rating is not the same as the voltage. ✓
Method. Think about a fair test.
- Think about the bulb. A different bulb may be brighter for its own reasons.own reasons
- Think about fairness. So the test would not be fair if the bulb changed.not fair
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says a different bulb could be brighter for another reason, so the test would not be fair.
Check. Keep the fixed variables the same. ✓