Electricity and Magnetism CSIRO Education ACT

CSIRO. A Historical Perspective Some key figures Thales of Miletus (600BC) Rubs amber and documents creation of a charge Dr William Gilbert (1600) Coined the word electricity from the Greek word elektron meaning amber Robert Boyle (1675) Observes attraction and repulsion Stephen Gray (1729) Experiments with conductors and insulators Benjamin Franklin (1752) Proves that lightning and static electricity are the same Alessandro Volta (1793) First batteries Michael Faraday (1821) First electric motor Thomas Edison ( ) First commercial electrical energy distribution network Nikola Tesla (1888) Invents rotating field AC alternator

CSIRO. What is Electricity? Electricity More commonly associated with electrical power Includes; Electric charge Electric current Electric field Electric potential Electromagnetism How do we get it? Fossil Fuels Coal, gas, diesel Nuclear Renewable Sources Wind, solar, geothermal, hydro

CSIRO. Conductors and Insulators Conductors Conduct electricity Insulators Do not conduct electricity In the classroom Testing using an open circuit with a light or buzzer Make a conductivity tester Good opportunity to discuss safety

CSIRO. Static Electricity What is it? Separation of negative and positive charges Van der Graaf generator In the classroom Balloons Socks on carpet Synthetic materials Tricks of the trade Humidity Discharging Hair spray

CSIRO. Electrical Current Alternating Current (AC) Periodically changes direction Is the form electrical power is delivered to homes and businesses Direct Current (DC) Flows in one direction Used in batteries Affects on the body Heart Other muscles Skin

CSIRO. Electric Circuits The Jargon Open/broken Closed Short Series Parallel In the classroom Turning lights on Interpreting circuit diagrams CSIRO Education Madlab

CSIRO. Circuit Diagram Battery Speaker Switch

CSIRO. What is Magnetism? Magnetism A property of materials that respond to a magnetic field Magnetic Field On Earth Magnetic North at South Pole Magnetic South at North Pole Why? Attraction and Repulsion Opposites Likes

CSIRO. What materials are magnetic? Permanent Magnets Iron Nickel Cobalt Rare earth elements (e.g. neodymium) Temporary Magnets Electromagnets Copper wire coil Magnetic field enhanced by wrapping coil around other materials

CSIRO. What materials are magnetic? In the classroom Testing for magnetism Drawing magnetic fields Make your own iron filings Testing strength Science by Activities Making a motor Magnetic Rocket Confusing a compass Magnetic Sculpture Antigrav magnets Extracting iron from cereal Magnetic Slime Tricks of the Trade Magnets can jump Pacemakers Splinters

CSIRO. Electromagnets What is it? An electric current creates a magnetic field Strong magnetic field created in the centre of the coil Why? Can be switched on and off Can vary the strength of the field In the classroom Where is it used? Why? Make your own electromagnet Tricks of the trade Heat

CSIRO. Contact Us Phone: or Web: Thank you CSIRO Education ACT Femke Matthews Education Officer Phone: Web: