the mechanics of electricity
This week’s session was on the mechanics of electricity. The students discussed its origin and how it behaves on the atomic level. We started off be reviewing atomic structure, and how electrons behave between atoms of hydrogen. Then we branched off into the molecular structures of metals.
Looking at copper (one of the most conductive metals) and its lattice form (the way in which copper atoms positions themselves with other copper atoms) we learned how electrons flow through metal. The students looked at models, and brainstormed metaphors on how electrons change position through a substance. With this we could explain how electricity seemingly works instantly, without each individual electron moving very far.
Our final bit of discussion and the lab of the day, was on voltage, amperage, and resistance, and what this means for each individual electron.