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Level 4: Volts, amps, watts

Electricity and magnetism · level 4 of 8 · rough age 11-12 (a guide for parents; anyone can start anywhere)

Three numbers describe a circuit: how hard the charge is pushed (volts), how much flows each second (amps), and how fast energy is delivered (watts). This level measures all three with meters, finds the power of a solar panel, and works out how long the same panel takes to charge a battery on Mars and on Earth.

Lesson You will be able to
Voltage Say what a volt measures and add the voltages of cells
Current and amps Use \(I = Q/t\) to find a current
Power in watts Use \(P = VI\) for everyday things
Measuring a circuit Place an ammeter and a voltmeter correctly and read them
Power from a solar panel Find a panel's power from its voltage and current
Charging on Mars Find charging times from amp-hours, on Mars and on Earth

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