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Flipped Learning Exercise - Potential Dividers We are going to look at the topic of Potential Dividers in a manner slightly different to normal... The ‘traditional’ way to study a new A-level topic goes something like this: 1) You are taught about the new topic in class... 2) ... then you do some questions, such as a homework, on the topic at home to so you can assess how well you understand it. However, there are some physics topics where it can work better in reverse: 1) You read about a new topic and learn about it at home... 2) ...then you do the questions in class - with your teacher there to guide you on understanding the more difficult concepts. Learning in this way has a number of advantages. ● You develop a genuine and deep understanding of the topic because you have to think it through for yourself. ● Your teacher is at hand when you are doing questions and get stuck. ● It’s the type of learning method common at university - so it’s useful to get a taste of it now! Potential dividers is a good topic for this type of learning. Before next lesson complete the tasks below, using the resources sign-posted for you. Task 1. Physics website Prezi. On the physics website, look at 3.1.2 Sensors and Potential Dividers. (a) Read through the Learning Outcomes – make sure you know what you are supposed to learn! (b) Work your way through Prezi 3.1.2.F Sensors & Potential Dividers - but stop when you get to the section on semi-conductors (slide 13). (c) Answer the five questions on the first slide by finding the current in the circuit and using V = IR. Check you have the right answers. (d) Look again at these questions. Can you find the voltage without first finding the current? Describe the method. When you have completed (a) to (d), make some notes on A4 paper to put in your folder. You need to decide what is important and needs to be noted - don’t just copy all the slides down! Task 2. Digital textbook on Kerboodle. Access the textbook from http://www.aquinasphysics.com/kerboodle.html Read section 3.5 Potential Dividers (page 59). Is there any new or useful information not covered by the Prezi in Task 1? Make any additional notes you think necessary on your sheet(s) of A4. Task 3. Complete this booklet Use your rough notes from the first two tasks to complete the following questions in this booklet. Task 4. Homework 3.1.2.E Potential Dividers & Sensor Circuits. Complete the Warm-Up Questions (c) and (d). Aquinas College Physics
3.1.2.F Potential Dividers
Describe how a potential divider works.
Draw a simple potential divider circuit with two fixed resistors. Label the diagram fully and write down the potential divider equation for Vout.
Aquinas College Physics
3.1.2.F Potential Dividers
A potential divider circuit consists of a 6V input voltage and two resistors in series. Draw a diagram showing how an output voltage of 2V could be produced.
Draw a labelled circuit to explain the equation V1/V = R1/R 2 2
Aquinas College Physics
3.1.2.F Potential Dividers
Instead of two fixed resistors, a single resistor with a sliding contact can be used. This arrangement is called a potentiometer. Draw a labelled diagram of a potentiometer circuit.
A potentiometer circuit has an input voltage of 6V. The sliding contact is half way along the resistor. Draw a diagram. What is the reading on the voltmeter?
For the lesson Bring your rough notes, the completed topic booklet and the homework questions to your next physics lesson. Be prepared to answer questions in class!
Aquinas College Physics
3.1.2.F Potential Dividers