ZingPath: Electricty Basics

What does a Van de Graaff generator do and how does it work?

~ A Van de Graaff generator is used to study electrostatic fields. Van de Graaff generators have a rotating rubber belt around a plastic roller, which touches two comb-shaped electrodes. The friction created between the belt and electrodes removes charge from the belt and can generate high voltages on the electrodes.

How are resistors used in experiments dealing with electricity?

~ Resistors are used to convert the energy in an electric current, which enters a circuit from the power supply, into heat.

What does a multimeter do?

~ A multimeter is a multipurpose device that can be used to measure voltage, current, or resistance.

What types of gases are commonly used in discharge tubes?

~ Hydrogen, helium, neon, and argon are the most commonly used gases in discharge tubes.

How do we use horseshoe magnets?

~ A horseshoe magnet is a U-shaped metal object that produces a magnetic field. Horseshoe magnets have everyday uses such as picking up or collecting metal objects. They are also used in laboratories to produce magnetic fields.

What is 90-degree rod clamp, and where do we use it?

~ 90-degree rod clamps are designed to hold, fix and align materials at right angles and automatically adjust to different wood thicknesses.

How does a cathode ray tube with horseshoe magnets work?

~ In the laboratory, cathode ray tubes with horseshoe magnets are used for experiments in which we observe the behavior of moving charged particles in a magnetic field produced by horseshoe magnets.

How do we use computers in laboratories that study electricity?

~ Computers are used in laboratories to take measurements and graph data. With suitable components, we can collect data such as voltage and current. We also draw graphs to show, for instance, voltage vs. current, current vs. resistance, etc. Computers are also used to report experimental results.