Thickness of a wire
I can describe how a battery pushes current through wires of different thicknesses.
Thickness of a wire
I can describe how a battery pushes current through wires of different thicknesses.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The thicker a wire, the smaller its resistance.
- The greater the cross–sectional area of a wire, the smaller its resistance.
- Electric current in a wire is a flow of electrons moving between ‘atoms’ (metal ions).
- Doubling the cross-sectional area of a wire halves its resistance.
- Doubling the cross-sectional area of a wire doubles the number of electrons that can flow through the wire.
Common misconception
Many pupils are likely to still use the terms current, voltage and resistance interchangeably.
Repeatedly question pupils about each term and challenge them to use each one correctly throughout their explanations, both written and verbal.
Keywords
Atom - An atom is the smallest particle of a chemical element that exists.
Electron - Electrons are the charges in conductors that flow to give an electric current.
Metal ion - A metal ion is formed when a metal atom loses one or more electrons and has a positive charge.
Resistance - Resistance is a measure of how hard it is for current to flow.
Proportional - Two variables are proportional if one changes as a multiple of the other.
Equipment
A range of samples of constantan (or nichrome) wire, SWG 30-40, metre rules, crocodile clips, electrical leads, ammeters capable of measuring current in milliamps, 3V batteries, wire cutters.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
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