Electrical and Electronics: Module 18

Module 18A: Cells and Small Voltage Sources (Core)

Suggested time: 10 - 15 hours

Level: Introductory

Prerequisite: Module 2

Foundational Objectives

To test and evaluate the integrity of electrical and electronic components.
To design and/or build circuits to an acceptable standard capable of producing a desired output.
To be knowledgeable of the various principles and characteristics of electricity and electronics.
To demonstrate the safe use and knowledge of meters and hand and power tools used in the electrical industry.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To understand and describe the general characteristics of commonly used dry cells. (COM)
To compare various kinds of batteries. (CCT)
To make calculations related to cells and voltage. (NUM)

Learning Objectives	Notes
BATTERIES
18.1 To describe the basic operation of a primary cell. (COM)	Examine and describe how a primary cell is constructed. Compare and contrast different types of batteries (e.g., carbon-zinc, alkaline, mercury).
18.2 To explain how cells are rated.	Study and compare battery voltage output, energy capacity and shelf life.
18.3 To define direct current.	Examine an output voltage of a DC source through an oscilloscope.
18.4 To determine output voltages of batteries connected in parallel, series and series parallel. (NUM)	Connect batteries in series and determine output voltage. Connect batteries in parallel and determine output voltage. Design battery configuration with predetermined values.
18.5 To explain how batteries and cells can be checked. (COM)	Test batteries and cells to determine if they are any good. Practise safe work procedures when testing batteries.
18.6 To examine the common types of rechargeable cells.	Examine different types of rechargeable cells and compare them with primary cells.

Module 18B: Cells and Small Voltage Sources (Core)

Suggested time: 5 - 10 hours

Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Modules 2, 18A


Learning Objectives	Notes
18.7 List small voltage sources of electricity. (CCT)	Examine different types of energy sources (light energy, chemical energy, heat energy, piezoelectric effect, friction, mechanical-magnetic) and explain how electrical energy is produced. Connect a solar cell to a circuit and use a light source to produce electron flow. Using two different metals (copper and zinc are good) and an orange, connect a sensitive ammeter such as a galvanometer to the metal pieces inserted in two slits in the orange and observe the effect of the movement of electrons from one metal piece to the other. Connect a thermocouple to a sensitive ammeter and observe the effect of heating the thermocouple. Connect a piezoelectric device such as a phonograph pick up cartridge to a small amplifier and note the effect of touching the needle attached to the cartridge. Produce an electric charge on an ebonite or plastic rod by rubbing it with some fur and notice the effect on small pieces of paper as the rod is brought into their vicinity. Using a permanent magnet, a coil of wire and a sensitive ammeter, preferably a meter with a zero centering needle, observe the effect of moving the magnet in the coil. Note the direction of needle movement as the magnet is moved into and out of the coil.
18.8 To examine various methods of producing electrical energy. (IL)	Examine electrical devices such as microphones, oven thermometers, bicycle generators, solar powered calculators and portable radios. Describe the method used for producing electron flow in each of the devices.