Investigating voltage: do and review
I can investigate and explain how voltage affects the brightness of a bulb in a circuit.
Investigating voltage: do and review
I can investigate and explain how voltage affects the brightness of a bulb in a circuit.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Equipment such as a light sensor and data logger can be used to measure and record bulb brightness in lux.
- Changing the voltage of batteries can affect the brightness of a bulb in a simple circuit.
- A lower voltage leads to a dimmer bulb and a higher voltage leads to a brighter bulb.
- A higher voltage can cause the bulb to burn out or blow due to excess heat generated.
- The results of an investigation can be recorded in a table and presented using verbal and written forms.
Keywords
Voltage - Voltage is a measure of the size of the push provided by a cell or other source of electricity.
Brightness - The brightness of a bulb is the amount of light it gives out.
Affect - To affect something or someone is to change it or how it behaves.
Cell - A cell is a single unit that is needed for electricity to flow around a circuit.
Lux - Lux is the unit used to measure the brightness of a bulb or light.
Common misconception
The voltage of a cell is proportional to the size of the cell. Voltage is a tangible substance rather than a measure of electrical “push”.
Teaching slides and CfUs will clarify that voltage is a measure of the size of the push provided by a cell or other source of electricity and that cell size is not proportional to voltage.
Equipment
Equipment to investigate the effect of voltage on the brightness of bulbs: bulbs, wires, cells, light sensor and data logger or app on mobile phone or tablet to measure light.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
