Study Guide: Electric Switch
Materials
| Qty | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6-volt battery |
| 1 | 6-volt lightbulb (can be found in auto parts stores) |
| 1 | lightbulb base (can use part of an old flashlight) |
| 4 feet | Insulated copper wire |
| 2 | Metal thumb tacks |
| 1 | Metal paper clip |
| 1 roll | Electrician's tape |
| 1 | Piece of 1/2" thick wooden board about 4" square |
Procedures
Make the electrical circuit
- Cut the wire into three sections. Two 12 inch lengths and one 24" length. Strip about 1/2" of insulation off each each wire end, and twist the exposed wires.
- Attach the two 12" wires to the terminals of the bulb base.
- Attach one of the 12" wires to one of the battery terminals.
- Attach the 24" wire to other battery terminal.
Test the circuit
- Insert the bulb into the bulb holder.
- Test the circuit by momentarily touching the two free wire ends together. The bulb should light.
Add the switch
- Twist open the paper clip so that it creates and S shape, and attach the free end of one of the wires one end of the clip.
- Using a thumbtack, attach the end of the paper clip with the wire on it to the wooden beard.
- Twist the free end o the other wire around the other paper clip, and push it into the wooden board, underneath the free end of the paper clip.
- Adjust the hight of the tack and tha angle of the paper clip so that it functions as a switch.
- Use electric tape as needed to secure all connections.
Variations
- Try replacing the lightbulb with a low-voltage buzzer or electric motor.
More Information
What is a Circuit?
Source: https://class.ronliskey.com/study/physics-8/electricity_electric_switch/