Topic 5: Electricity and magnetism

Essential idea:

When charges move an electric current is created.

Nature of science:

Modelling: Electrical theory demonstrates the scientific thought involved in the development of a microscopic model (behaviour of charge carriers) from macroscopic observation. The historical development and refinement of these scientific ideas when the microscopic properties were unknown and unobservable is testament to the deep thinking shown by the scientists of the time. (1.10)

Understandings:

• Charge
• Electric field
• Coulomb’s law
• Electric current
• Direct current (dc)
• Potential difference

Applications and skills

Guidance

Data Booklet reference

• s = vt
• There is a "Δx" not for every distance s.

International-mindedness

Theory of knowledge

Utilization

Aims

• Aim 1:
• Aim 2:

Essential idea:

One of the earliest uses for electricity was to produce light and heat. This technology continues to have a major impact on the lives of people around the world.

Nature of science:

Peer review: Although Ohm and Barlow published their findings on the nature of electric current around the same time, little credence was given to Ohm. Barlow’s incorrect law was not initially criticized or investigated further. This is a reflection of the nature of academia of the time, with physics in Germany being largely non-mathematical and Barlow held in high respect in England. It indicates the need for the publication and peer review of research findings in recognized scientific journals. (4.4)

Understandings:

Applications and skills

Guidance

Data Booklet reference

• s = vt
• There is a "Δx" not for every distance s.

International-mindedness

Theory of knowledge

Utilization

Aims

• Aim 1:
• Aim 2:

Essential idea:

Electric cells allow us to store energy in a chemical form.

Nature of science:

Long-term risks: Scientists need to balance the research into electric cells that can store energy with greater energy density to provide longer device lifetimes with the long-term risks associated with the disposal of the chemicals involved when batteries are discarded. (4.8)

Understandings:

• Cells
• Internal resistance
• Secondary cells
• Terminal potential difference
• Emf

Applications and skills

Guidance

Data Booklet reference

• s = vt
• There is a "Δx" not for every distance s.

International-mindedness

Theory of knowledge

Utilization

Aims

• Aim 1:
• Aim 2:

Essential idea:

The effect scientists call magnetism arises when one charge moves in the vicinity of another moving charge.

Nature of science:

Models and visualization: Magnetic field lines provide a powerful visualization of a magnetic field. Historically, the field lines helped scientists and engineers to understand a link that begins with the influence of one moving charge on another and leads onto relativity. (1.10)

Understandings:

• Magnetic fields
• Magnetic force

Applications and skills

Guidance

Data Booklet reference

• s = vt
• There is a "Δx" not for every distance s.

International-mindedness

Theory of knowledge

Utilization

Aims

• Aim 1:
• Aim 2: