General Chemistry Module- SLP
For this SLP Assignment, you will observe the conductivity of metals using a simulated battery. Follow the instructions and answer the accompanying questions:
Locate the PHET "Conductivity" Simulation at https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/conductivity
Part I--Conductors
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
2. Under the materials menu, select metal. What, if anything, happens?
3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens?
4. The little spheres rotating around the ring represent electrons in a wire. Look at the battery. What terminal (positive or negative) is supplying the electrons? (hint: look for the side of the battery that has a "button". That would be the positive terminal. The opposite side is the negative terminal).
The battery and the wires form an electric circuit, that is, a complete path from the power source, through a wire and back to the same power source. If an electric circuit is broken in any spot, the flow of electrons will stop.
5. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
6. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
7. With the battery voltage at 0.5, shine the light. What, if anything, happens?
8. Set the battery voltage to zero
9. Complete the following statement. Metals are conductors because they will allow a current of electrons to:
Part II-Non-Conductors
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
2. Under the materials menu, select plastic. What, if anything, happens?
3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens?
4. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
5. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
6. With the battery voltage at 0.5, Shine the light. What, if anything, happens?
7. Set the battery voltage to zero
8. Complete the following statement. Plastics are non-conductors because
Part III-Photoconductor
1. Check that the battery voltage menu is set to 0
2. Under the materials menu, select Photoconductor. What, if anything, happens?
3. Now, set the battery voltage to 0.5. What, if anything, happens? Illustrate with a diagram.
4. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
5. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
6. With the battery voltage at 0.5, Shine the light. What, if anything, happens?
7. Adjust the battery voltage higher and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
8. Adjust the battery voltage lower and describe the effect on electron movement in the wire.
9. Complete the following statement. Photoconductors are semi-conductors because
Summarize the results of this experiment by addressing the following:
How will changing the intensity of light affect the current and the energy of electrons? How will changing the wavelength of light affect the current and the energy of electrons? How will changing the material of the target affect the current and the energy of electrons?
Describe how these results lead to the photon model of light: Explain why, when light is shining on the metal but there is no current, increasing the frequency will lead to a current, but increasing the intensity of light or the voltage between the plates will not.
Assignment Expectations
Using the resources provided, address the questions above using complete sentences (in paragraph format where appropriate). For any additional research you are required to do to complete your assignment, please use scholarly references such as a peer reviewed journal article or a government sponsored or university sponsored website. As you read through your sources, take notes from your sources and then write your paper in your own words, describing what you have learned from your research. Direct quotes should be limited and must be designated by quotation marks. Paraphrased ideas must give credit to the original author, for example (Murray, 2014). Direct copying from "homework help" websites will not receive credit. Submit your report as a Word document or pdf file into your SLP drop box.