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PHET Simulation: Conductivity: Procedure

This document summarizes the steps and results of a simulation on conductivity. It examines the movement of electrons in conductors like metals, non-conductors like plastics, and photoconductors. For metals, electrons move freely when a voltage is applied. For plastics, electrons do not move at all. Photoconductors allow electron movement when exposed to light, but not otherwise. The simulation illustrates how different materials transport or insulate electric current.

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Kaue do Carmo
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368 views4 pages

PHET Simulation: Conductivity: Procedure

This document summarizes the steps and results of a simulation on conductivity. It examines the movement of electrons in conductors like metals, non-conductors like plastics, and photoconductors. For metals, electrons move freely when a voltage is applied. For plastics, electrons do not move at all. Photoconductors allow electron movement when exposed to light, but not otherwise. The simulation illustrates how different materials transport or insulate electric current.

Uploaded by

Kaue do Carmo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name:Kauê

PHET Simulation: Conductivity


Procedure:

Locate the PHET “Conductivity” Simulation (either on a classroom computer or at


http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Conductivity )

Part I--Conductors
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
R=Ok
2. Under the materials menu, select metal. What, if anything, happens?
R=Energy levels are low.

3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a diagram.

4. The little spheres rotating around the ring represent electrons in a wire. Look at the battery.
What terminal (positive or negative) is supplying the electrons? (hint: look for the side of the
battery that has a “button”. That would be the positive terminal. The opposite side is the
negative terminal).

R= Negative
PHET Simulation: Conductivity
5. The battery and the wires form an electric circuit, that is, a complete path from the power
source, through a wire and back to the same power source.. If an electric circuit is broken in
any spot, the flow of electrons will stop.
R=Yes, because there is no other way for electrons to pass.

6. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R= The movements get faster.

7. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.

R= They move more slowly and in circulation.

8. With the battery voltage at 0.5. Shine the light. What, if anything, happens?

R= It stays the same with the flashlight off.

9. Set the battery voltage to zero

10. Complete the following statement. Metals are conductors because they will allow a current of
electrons to:

R=Move and transmit energy.

Part II-Non-Conductors
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
R= Yes
2. Under the materials menu, select plastic. What, if anything, happens?
R= The energy level gets high.

3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a diagram.
PHET Simulation: Conductivity

4. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.

R= He stands still.

5. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R= He stands still.

6. With the battery voltage at 0.5, Shine the light. What, if anything, happens?
R= He remains still.

7. Set the battery voltage to zero


8. Complete the following statement. Plastics are non-conductors because
R=Because it is an insulator, so it does not conduct electricity.

Part II-Photoconductor
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
2. Under the materials menu, select Photoconductor. What, if anything, happens?
R=The electron levels increase and energy gets higher.

3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a diagram.

R= The electric current is stopped without the movement of the electrons.


PHET Simulation: Conductivity

4. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R=This current is still stopped because the flashlight is off.

5. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R=Stays still.

6. With the battery voltage at 0.5. Shine the light. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a
diagram.

R= The current kicks in and the electrons start to move.

7. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
R=Electrons move through more levels and become more accelerated.

8. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire
R=Some electrons return and decrease their acceleration in the wires

9. Set the battery voltage to zero


R=
10. Complete the following statement. Photoconductors are semi-conductors because
R= They work in dark places with a flashlight

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