1. The main difference in a series
and parallel circuit is the connection of the loads. In a series circuit, there
is only one pathway through which the current flows (5). In this circuit the
loads (such as the energy ball in our experiment) are connected one after
another in a series. As a result, if the path of the current is broken, all of
the loads would no longer work. For instance, if one energy ball stops working
or if the switch is open, the rest of the energy balls in the circuit would
stop working as well. Here is a diagram of a series circuit:
Series Circuit (3)
In a parallel circuit, the loads are connected
side by side. A parallel circuit has branches and each branch provides a
separate path for the flow of the electric current (4). Therefore, if one load
(energy ball) does not work, the loads on the other branches would still work.
Parallel Circuit (3)
3. The human body consists of mostly
water in addition to salts and minerals which is what makes our body a good
conductor of electricity and conducts the current in the energy ball. This is
why the energy ball works when we hold it with our hands. However, the energy
ball does not work on some individuals. This is most probably because the
individual is dehydrated and their body does not contain the sufficient amount
of water containing minerals and ions to conduct the electricity (2). Also, under
conditions where the skin is very dry, the energy ball might not work because
the skin is lacking water to conduct the current (1).
Self Reflection:
From this experiment, I have
learned that I have good teamwork and collaboration skills. I worked well with
my group and I tried to participate actively in group discussions and listened
to everyone’s insights. When the group members are willing to participate in the
group, I think that group work helps me learn better by trying to discuss my
ideas with my group members and learning from their knowledge and insights. In
addition, since I am a visual learner, hands on work helps me remember the
concepts better. For instance, holding the energy ball and forming parallel and
series circuits with the class helped me learn more effectively. However, I
think I should work on my leadership skills because during the classroom
activity of making parallel and series circuits, I did not take action
arranging the class into the circuits. I should also work on my time management
skills and try to not leave my assignments for the last day.
References:
(1) Q & A: The Human Body Resistance
| Department of Physics | University
of Illinois
(2)
How
is water a good conductor of electricity?. (n.d.). PhysLink.com - Physics
and Astronomy Online Portal. Retrieved February 11, 2012, from
http://www.physlink.com/Education/AskExperts/ae61.cfm
(3) MGB Class - SCIENCE. (n.d.). Science
in MGB. Retrieved February 11, 2012, from http://kimberleyparkss.eq.edu.au/home/jmann30/science.html
(4) Parallel Circuits. (n.d.). The
Physics Classroom. Retrieved February 11, 2012, from http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/circuits/u9l4d.cfm
(5)
The Series Circuit. (n.d.). NDT
Resource Center
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