GRADE 8 TERM 4 Page 1 of 52

WEEK: 1 DATE: _____________

OUTPUT DEVICE

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CONTROL DEVICE
• The switch is controls the flow of the current in a circuit.

CURRENT FLOW
We differentiate between electron flow and conventional current flow.
We designate charge flow according to the actual motion of electrons in a circuit. This is known
as electron flow

In electron flow notation, we follow the actual motion of electrons in the circuit, from – to + in the
external circuit. This is also referred to as the flow of negative charge.

The conventional flow notation followed by most electrical engineers and illustrated in most
engineering textbooks are from + to – in the external circuit. This is also referred to as the flow of
positive charge.

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ACTIVITY 1
Complete the table below by the writing the name of the component, draw the symbol and indicate
whether the component is an input/control or output device. (24)
COMPONENT NAME SYMBOL INPUT/CONTROL/OUTPUT

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

g)

h)

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ACTIVITY 2
2.1. In the four drawings below, which of these four different ways of arranging leads form an
electrical circuit that make the bulb light up? (1)

A B C D
2.2. What do we call the arrangement in figure D? ………………….. (1)
2.3 Use the correct symbols to draw neat circuit diagrams for the given circuits below:
2.3.1 Two cells connected in series, two globes in series with a switch. (5)

2.3.2 Two cells connected in parallel, two globes in series with a switch. (5)

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2.3.3 Two cells in parallel, two globes in parallel and a switch. (5)

2.3.4 Two cells in series, three globes, two in parallel and the other one in series and a switch.
(5)

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY 3
3.1 Build the series circuit below, using two switches to control one bulb. (4)

Complete the table below by using a tick ✓ to indicate the result:

Instructions Bulb LIGHTS UP Bulb REMAINS OFF
Switch OFF both “A” and “B”
Switch ON “A” and switch OFF “B”
Switch OFF “A” and switch ON “B”
Switch ON both “A” and “B”

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3.2 Build the parallel circuit below, using two switches to control one bulb. (4)

Complete the table below by using a tick ✓ to indicate the result:

Instructions Bulb LIGHTS UP Bulb REMAINS OFF

Switch OFF both “A” and “B”

Switch ON “A” and switch OFF “B”

Switch OFF “A” and switch ON “B”

Switch ON both “A” and “B”

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SHORT CIRCUITS: ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY / DEMONSTRATION

Objectives of the lesson

• To investigate what a short circuit is

• To investigate electric shock
• To investigate safety when working with electricity

WHAT IS A ‘SHORT CIRCUIT’?

A ‘short circuit’ is when 2 bare live wires touch. In the simple electric
circuit as the one below the light bulbs acts like a resistor and slows
the flow of electric current.

If there is no resistor or other electrical components that act like resistors to slow the flow of electric
current, too much current may flow through the circuit and damage the components or wires. When
too much current (surge) flows through a component it results in the generation of heat that can melt
the conductive path through which the electrons are flowing. This is known as a ‘short circuit,’ and
it is the reason fuses or circuit breakers are often included in a circuit.

TO DO
Build a simple electrical circuit as shown above to show what happens in a
short circuit
1. Connect a strand of fine steel wool across A and B in the circuit above.
2. Turn the switch to the on position.
3. What happens to the bulb?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
4. With the piece of steel wool still in place, connect a piece of bare wire across the bulb (C and
D).
5. What happens and why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

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CONCLUSION

6. You will note that the fuse or steel wool will burn if a short circuit is connected across the bulb,
which is due to the massive increase in current.

7. If a fuse is not used in a circuit and a short circuit takes place, what may happen?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

8. Which component is built into household appliances to protect the circuit?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

9. What should a first check be if a household appliance is not working?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

WEEK 2 DATE: _____________

ENERGY IN RURAL AREAS AND INFORMAL

SETTLEMENTS
Most energy that is used in rural homes and in informal settlements is
used for heating, lighting, and cooking.

THE SOURCES OF ENERGY:

• wood,
• coal,
• paraffin,
• liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
• candles for light
• solar energy is also used in some areas.

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CASE STUDY ON ILLEGAL ELECTRICITY CONNECTIONS &

THE DANGERS AROUND IT
An illegal electricity connection is made when a person attaches their home's electrical circuit to
the national grid without a meter. This is done without the consent or knowledge of Eskom.
Eskom cannot monitor the electricity consumption and so the electricity is being stolen as these
consumers do not pay for the electricity.

Some people make money by supplying illegal connections and others have no legal way to
access electricity so they resort to illegal connections. Others have access to legal electricity but
prefer not to have to pay for it. Not only are these types of electrical connections illegal and
considered energy theft, but they are also extremely dangerous, as you will see in the next activity.

Electricity theft is illegal and extremely dangerous due to the insecure connections and fire risks.

ACTIVITY 4 DATE: _______________________

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read the following newspaper article and answer the questions that follow.

DOORNBACH INFORMAL SETTLEMENT CELEBRATES ELECTRICITY PROVISION

West Cape News, July 2012
There was much celebration in Doornbach, an
informal settlement just outside of Cape Town,
when the city switched on about 200 new
electrical connections over the period of a few
months in 2012. The illegal electricity
connections had previously been the only
supply of electricity to the area.
Authorities often encounter fierce opposition
when trying to cut down illegal electricity
connections in informal settlements. But the
Doornbach residents immediately took it upon themselves to cut down the massive web of illegal
wires in response to finally receiving formal, legal electricity provision.

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Besides the mass of wires running through the informal settlement, many of the wires had been
strung across Potsdam Road, the main road running through. This was extremely dangerous
as the wires hung incredibly low and would often catch on trucks passing through and
snap. Fire threats and electrical shocks to passers-by and vehicles was also a safety
concern. The use of legal electricity will also help to prevent shack fires as residents will rely
less on candles and paraffin stoves.

A fifty-two-year-old Doornbach resident, celebrating the end of illegal connections in the

settlement, said that she had lived there for 18 years and never received any municipal services
from the city. The reason being that they had originally settled on privately owned land, which
meant that the City could not, in terms of National legislation, install services on privately owned
land. However, the city bought the land in May 2011, and Eskom could therefore begin the
process of providing electricity to households in Doornbach. The fifty-two-year-old was extremely
excited about being able to use an electric iron and installing a refrigerator.

As a symbolic gesture, the residents took it upon themselves to remove the illegal wires. Many of
the youth climbed up the dangerous makeshift poles to collect the wire which they would then
sell to scrap yards. Not everyone was celebrating the switching on legal electricity connections in
Doornbach. Many residents in neighbouring settlements, living in formal housing, were making
money by selling and supplying electricity illegally to Doornbach. Street lighting has also been
installed in Doornbach and it is hoped this will help to reduce the crime rate.

Lastly, the City of Cape Town extended their sincere thanks to the community of Doornbach, as
without their support, involvement, and cooperation, such a project would not have been
possible.

QUESTIONS

4.1 What is an informal settlement?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

4.2 After reading this article, what do you think is the main reason that the people of Doornbach
originally set up illegal connections?
_________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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4.3 Why is it dangerous to climb the makeshift electricity poles?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

4.4 List FOUR of the physical dangers of the illegal connections in Doornbach?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

4.5 Aside from the physical dangers associated with illegal electrical connections, why else are
they illegal? Give ONE other disadvantage of illegal electrical connections.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY

• Electricity can be dangerous and so we need safety devices such as fuses, circuit breakers
and earth leakages to reduce risk.

• A fuse is a safety device with an incredibly low resistance wire, designed to melt if it
experiences a large enough current. This breaks the circuit and protects the appliance, as well
as preventing a fire hazard.

• A circuit breaker is like a fuse but acts as a switch which breaks the circuit in response to an
electrical fault or overload. It can be reset.

• Many electrical appliances with a metal casing have an earth wire attached to prevent electric
shocks if there is a short circuit.

• A three-pin plug has three wires: a brown live wire, a blue neutral wire, and a green and yellow
striped earth wire.

• The earth wire has an incredibly low resistance and is connected through the plug socket to the
earth leakage system of the house, and into the ground.

• A plug must be connected properly to make sure that it is safe to use.

• Illegal electricity connections are both dangerous and illegal. It is a crime to steal electricity.

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ACTIVITY 5: CLASS DISCUSSION & REPORT ON ENERGY

DATE: ____________________________

READ THE INFORMATION BELOW THEN

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS

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INDUSTRY, SCHOOLS AND HOMES NEED POWER

A blackout, or ‘rolling power-sharing,’ occurs when electricity is shared by diverting it to different
towns and cities in turn. Unfortunately, this means that some people, schools, and businesses
do not get electricity when they need it. Part of this problem occurs because we waste electricity
and use more than we need. We only realise this when electricity is unavailable. So, then what
happens?
At schools, a learner might not finish a computer project on time, or the classrooms may be too
dark. In factories, workers may not be able to finish an expensive manufacturing process. If this
happens often enough, companies can go bankrupt and people can lose their jobs.
In many homes, electricity has become almost essential for everyday living. Although every
person should have access to an equitable share of electricity, it must be used sparingly.
Source: Platinum, Grade 8 (page 170)

INSTRUCTIONS
5.1 HAVE A CLASS DISCUSSION ON THE ABOVE-MENTIONED TOPICS

• How does the availability of electricity influence the type off appliances people use in their
households? Do people in households that do not have electricity have the same kind of
appliances as people who do have electricity?
• How are rural and informal settlements disadvantaged if they do not have access to
electricity?
•

5.2 WRITE A REPORT ON ONE OF THE TOPICS IN THE PROVIDED SPACE BELOW

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A REPORT

A report presents information in a way that makes it easy to understand. A report should
describe what things are like now or what they were like in the past. Follow these steps to
draft a report:

A. Gather the information for the report:

• observe, listen, and read
• record information and facts, and make notes about these
• organise the information and facts into sections and topics.

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B. Write a draft report:
• beginning: Briefly describe what the report is about.
• middle: Outline three main sections and include three points in each section.
• end: Outline a summary, conclusion, advice, or recommendations.

C. Write the final report:

• the report should be factual, so avoid dramatic descriptions. For example,
do not use words such as ‘incredible’, ‘cool’, ‘fantastic’, ‘awesome’ or ‘brilliant’.
• write in the present tense or in the past tense, but not both.
• write in the third person; for example, ‘He/she said the electricity would be on
tomorrow’, and not ‘I think the electricity will be on- tomorrow’.

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WEEK 3 DATE: ________________

WHAT IS AN ELECTRO CHEMICAL CELL?

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PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
Solar cells convert the sun’s energy directly into
electricity. Fifty years ago, the only solar cells in use were on
satellites out in space. Today, they are used in every community
around the world. You might even have a solar-powered calculator.

A SOLAR CELL is also known as a photovoltaic cell (‘photo’ means ‘light’ and ‘voltaic’ means
‘electricity’).

The active part of a solar cell is made of the element silicon.

When light energy falls on the solar panel, the light energy frees electrons in the silicon.

Conductors attached to opposite sides of the cell enable the electrons to flow around the
circuit, carrying the electrical energy (look at Figure 12).

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ACTIVITY 6 DATE: _____________

IMPACT OF /BIAS IN TECHNOLOGY: ENERGY MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Read the Case study below and answer the questions that follows.

The Dramasi family live in a city which has grown too fast for the delivery
of services. They have borrowed money to buy a solar powered lamp.The
lamp uses solar cell that converts sunlight energy into electricity.The
proper name for a solar cell is photovoltaic cell.
Advantages of photovoltaic cell is that the sun’s energy is free;
No negative effects on the environment.

Disadvantages are that solar systems are expensive and when the sun does not
shine,there is no solar energy. Mr Dramasi moved into an informal settlement in a city from
his village so that his wife could study nursing. In his village he was able to ask his family to
collect wood for cooking their food and he spent a little money on paraffin for light at night so
that his children could do their homework.
When the Dramasi’s Moved to the city, they faced new challenges. There was no wood to
collect so Mr Dramasi needed to buy paraffin for cooking as well as light. The smoke from the
stoves in the nearby houses makes it difficult to keep their informal shelter clean. The smoke
also causes health problems.
Mrs Dramasi saw a poster at nursing college for a solar powered light. During the day, it is left
outside to charge. At night it can be used for about an hour and a half to allow Mrs Dramasi and
her children to study.

6.1 Name possible challenges that the Dramasi family faced when living in the rural areas. (2)

6.2 Explain what challenges the Dramasi family faced when they moved into the city. (2)

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6.3 List the environmental advantages that the solar powered light offers. (2)

6.4 Describe the economic advantages of the solar powered lamp. (1)

6.5 List the disadvantages of solar cells. (2)

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR CELLS

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

1. The Sun’s energy is free of charge 1. Solar panels can be expensive to install
2. Solar energy is a renewable source 2. when the Sun does not shine, there is no
solar energy.
3. Solar cells do not have the same negative
effects on the environment as 3. Solar energy storage is expensive
conventional power sources do
4. Solar energy is dependent on the weather
4. Ongoing research will make solar cells
more efficient and affordable in the near
future.

5. Solar energy / Photovoltaic energy requires

minimal maintenance cost

6. Solar energy reduces electricity bills

7. Solar energy causes no pollution.

8. Little maintenance is needed to keep solar

cells running.
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SERIES & PARALLEL CONNECTIONS

You have learnt about series and parallel circuits since grade 6. This is just to revise your
knowledge on the mention circuit connections.
In series, the cells are in line; in parallel, they are next to each other. (Figure 8)
Two cells in series Two cells in parallel

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGE OF BATTERIES IN

SERIES AND IN PARALLEL

ACTIVITY 7 DATE: _____________________

7.1 Label the parts of the zinc-carbon cell labelled A – E by completing the table. (5)

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7.2 Study the circuit diagrams below and answer the questions that follow: (4)

In which of the four circuits drawn above are/will the:

7.2.1 light bulbs connected in series? ________________________________________

7.2.2 cells connected in series? ________________________________________
7.2.3 light bulbs connected in parallel? ________________________________________
7.2.4 light bulbs shine brightest? ________________________________________

7.3 Determine if the light bulb will ‘de-energize’ OR have ‘no effect’ for each of the following breaks
in the circuit.

Consider just one break at a time: (5)

Choose one option for each point:

A: de-energize / no effect

B: de-energize / no effect

C: de-energize / no effect

D: de-energize / no effect

E: de-energize / no effect

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7.4 Identify which of these circuits is a parallel circuit (there may be more than one): (2)
Encircle the parallel circuit/s

7.5 The following circuit has a problem. When the switch is closed, the lamp does not turn on:

7.5.1 Predict which of these hypothetical faults could account for this problem, and which could not
account for the problem. Indicate whether the probable fault could be the cause of the
problem or could not account for the problem. (3)

Possible cause of Could not account

Probable fault
the problem for the problem
7.5.1.1 The light bulb is faulty

7.5.1.2 The switch does not open

7.5.1.3 A short in the circuit

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7.6 The following circuit has a problem. (5)

Switch #1 can control lamp #1, but lamp #2 never comes on no matter what is done
with switch #2:

7.6.1 Predict which of these hypothetical faults could account for this problem, and which could not
account for the problem.

In other words, which of these faults are possible, and which are not possible, given the
symptoms exhibited by the circuit? Consider each of these hypothetical faults one at a
time.

Possible cause of Cannot account for

Probable fault the problem the problem (Not
possible)
7.6.1.1 Battery is flat.

7.6.1.2 Switch #2 failed to connect

7.6.1.3 Switch #2 has a short circuit

7.6.1.4 Bulb #1 is faulty

7.7 Draw wires between terminals of these cells to show how you would connect them in
series. (3)

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7.8 Draw wires between terminals of these cells to show how you would connect them in
parallel. (3)

7.9 Write at least TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of the following. (8)

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
SERIES
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
connection
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..

……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
PARALLEL ……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
connection ……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..
……………………………………….. ………………………………………..

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WEEK: 4 GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY

Electricity generation is the process of creating electricity

(secondary energy source) from other forms of energy
(primary sources). Electrical energy in South Africa is
generated at power stations by Eskom.

SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY IN SA

A. SOLAR ENERGY
B. WIND
C. COAL
D. NUCLEAR
E. HYDRO / WATER ENERGY

A. SOLAR ENERGY – solar cells convert light energy

from the sun into electric energy.

B. WIND movement – powers generators.

Wind can be used to do work. The kinetic energy of the wind can be
changed into other forms of energy, either mechanical energy or
electrical energy.
Blowing wind spins the blades on a wind turbine -- just like a large toy
pinwheel. This device is called a wind turbine and not a windmill.

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C. COAL ENERGY – this is the energy released because of burning coal - steam driving
a turbine connected to a generator.

D. NUCLEAR ENERGY – this is the energy released because of nuclear fusion –

resulting in kinetic energy – steam driving a turbine connected to a generator.

E. HYDRO-ELECTRICITY – fast falling water from a dam, turns a turbine, the turbine
turns a generator.

An ELECTRICAL GENERATOR is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical

energy. Generators are turned by
machines called turbines, which spin
at high speed. The turbines are driven
by steam, by fast-flowing water or by
wind.
Most of our electrical energy comes
from steam powered generators. The
steam comes from boilers (which are
like kettles), most of which are heated
by burning coal. At Koeberg in the
Western Cape, the boilers are heated by nuclear power.

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DIFFERENT

ENERGY SOURCES
Table 1 Advantages and disadvantages of energy sources in South Africa

ENERGY
SOURCE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

• Burning coal causes air pollution.

COAL • South Africa has a lot of cheap
(THERMAL) • Coal is non-renewable, so it will
coal.
eventually run out.
GAS • Gas creates less pollution than • We have limited sources of natural
(THERMAL) coal. gas.
• People and the environment are
endangered by accidents that can
NUCLEAR • We have enough nuclear fuel to
(THERMAL) occur when power is generated.
last for hundreds of years.
• They can also be harmed by
incorrectly stored used fuel.
• The Sun’s energy is free of charge •

• Solar panels can be expensive to

• Solar energy is a renewable source
install
• Solar cells do not have the same
• when the Sun does not shine, there is
negative effects on the
no solar energy.
environment as conventional
power sources. • Solar energy storage is expensive

• Ongoing research will make solar • Solar energy is dependent on the

cells more efficient and affordable weather
SUN in the near
(THERMAL) future.

• Solar energy / Photovoltaic energy

requires minimal maintenance
cost

• Solar energy reduces electricity

bills

• Solar energy causes no pollution.

• Little maintenance is needed to

keep solar cells running.
• Our country does not have a lot of
• There is no pollution. water.
HYDRO-
ELECTRIC • The water can be used for other • Dams in South Africa slowly filling up
purposes. with silt carried by the water. Over
time, the dams become useless.
• Electricity cannot be generated
• There is no pollution.
WIND when there is no wind.
• Wind energy is free.
• Wind turbines can be ugly and noisy
[Platinum, Grade 8 – page 182]
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DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY IN SA
Eskom’s power grid

REF: http://financialresults.co.za/2012/eskom_ar2012/integrated-report/sa-grid-map.php

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NATIONAL POWER GRID

Electricity produced at power stations needs to be delivered to users cheaply and safely. It is
delivered to us by cable, and it passes through substations and transformers along the way.

The electricity in your home comes from power stations far away. It is distributed via the national
The power
grid, which is a network of substations and power lines that covers the country.
lines are thick aluminum or copper cables that are supported high above
the ground by pylons. At substations, which are also called distribution stations, electricity
from large power lines is distributed to smaller power lines.

DIRECT CURRENT & ALTERNATING CURRENT

A. DIRECT CURRENT (DC): It is called direct because the current flows in one direction only.
• DC is used by devices that operate at a low voltage or that have a low power
requirement, such as cell phones, laptop computers.
• DC can be saved and stored in batteries. AC cannot be saved.

B. ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC): The direction of alternating current changes constantly.

• The electricity we use in homes, offices and schools is alternating current (AC)
because it is easier to generate and cheaper to distribute than DC
• AC is used for devices and machines that operate at a high voltage or that require a lot of
power.

STEP-UP AND STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMERS

https://vietnamtransformer.com/our-news/difference-between-step-up-and-step-down-
transformer

A transformer is a device that converts high-voltage

electricity to low-voltage electricity (and low-
voltage electricity to high-voltage electricity). The
same transformer can be used as a step-up
transformer or step-down transformer. It depends on
how it is connected in the circuit.

If the input supply is supplied on the low-voltage winding, it becomes a step-up

transformer. On the other hand, if the input power is supplied on the high voltage winding, the
transformer becomes a step-down transformer.

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STEP-UP TRANSFORMER

The step-up transformer is converting low voltage (LV)

and high current from the transformer's primary side to
high voltage (HV) and low current value on the
transformers' secondary side.

STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER

The step-down transformer is a type of transformer that converts high

voltage (HV) and low current from the primary side of the transformer to
low voltage (LV) and high current value on the secondary side of the
transformer.

THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STEP-UP TRANSFORMER AND A STEP-DOWN

TRANSFORMER

When the output (secondary) voltage is greater than the input (primary) voltage, it is called a step-
up transformer. In comparison, the output (secondary) voltage of the step-down transformer is
smaller.

ACTIVITY 8 DATE: ________________________

8.1 Name three renewable ways in which electricity can be generated. (3)

8.2 What is the national electrical energy grid? (3)

8.3 What is the function of a transformer? (1)

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8.4 What are the positive effects of making electricity from fossil fuels? (2)

8.5 In what way does making electricity from fossil fuels damage the environment? (4)

8.6 Identify the problems caused to people’s health by making electricity from fossil fuels. (2)

8.7 Suggest TWO ideas for what can be done to solve these health and environmental problem
(2)

8.8 Write the positive and negative aspects of using each of the following to generate
electricity.

8.8.1 Solar power generation (10)

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

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8.8.2 Hydroelectric – power generation. (10)

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

8.8.3 Wind turbines – power generation. (10)

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

8.9 Identify the source of energy and the advantages and disadvantages of each. (15)

Source of Advantages Disadvantages

energy

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Source of Advantages Disadvantages
energy

8.10 Match the correct statement with the correct term by writing the letters in the answers
column. (4)

Term Answers Statements

A. Electric charge moves back and forth
7.1 Step-up transformer
transfering energy through the circuit.
B. In a circiut that uses cells and batteries,
7.2 Step-down transformer
electric charge moves in one dirrection .
C. It is used to reduce the energy from mains
7.3 Alternating current
power supply.
D. It is used at power stations to produce very
7.4 Direct current
high voltages.

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8.11 Draw and label a step-up transformer. (5)

8.12 What is the function of a transformer? (1)

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

WEEK 5: CIRCUITS WITH RESISTORS (BULBS)

CONNECTED IN SERIES

RESISTORS IN SERIE
• In a circuit with equal resistors in series, the greater the number of resistors,
the smaller the current in the circuit will be.

• In a series circuit, the current flows through each component and never changes.

• If several light bulbs (or any other electrical components) are connected in a circuit so that
the electric current flows first through the one and then through the next, they are connected in
series.

DEMONSTRATION BY THE TEACHER / GROUP WORK

The more the light bulbs in series, the greater resistance.

1. Connect the two circuits as shown below and note the brightness of the 3V light bulb with one
cell and then with two cells in series.

2. Write your conclusions down and discuss them in groups.

Note: each cell is 1, 5V.and the light bulb must be 3V

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BATTERY

➔ Why do we use a 3V light bulb in this activity?

__________________________________________________________________________

CELLS AND BATTERIES IN SERIES

A battery is two or more cells connected in series to one
another.

When cells are connected in series, the potential differences

(voltage) add up: 1.5 V + 1.5 V + 1.5 V= 4.5 V

REMEMBER THE CURRENT (I) ALWAYS STAYS THE SAME IN A SERIES

CIRCUIT.
FORMULA FOR THE CURRENT IN A SERIES CIRCUIT WILL BE :

• Each light bulb offers a certain amount of resistance to electricity flowing through it and
the total resistance is the sum of the resistance of all the light bulbs.

• If more light bulbs were inserted in the circuit the resistance to the flow of electricity would
be increased.
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The total resistance of a series circuit will be the sum of all the resistance in the
circuit.

The electrical voltage in a circuit will stay constant as per the supply voltage but there will be a
volt drop across each light bulb or resistance.

Therefore, the total or sum of all the volt drops across light bulbs or resistances will be equal
to the applied voltage.

Ohm’s Law can therefore be applied across every light bulb or resistance in a series circuit.

• If one light bulb (component) burns out or gets defective in any way the
rest of the light bulbs (components) will not burn. The current will be interrupted.

CONCLUSION
Therefore, we can conclude that the greater the resistance in the circuit, the lesser the
current and the dimmer the lights

There is a relationship between the electrical pressure (V) that makes a current (I) flow,
the rate at which the electricity flows (current strength) and the resistance (R) of the light
bulbs through which the current passes.
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• Remember that the current stays the same in the series circuit.
• If there is only one light bulb in the circuit the resistance will be small.
• The applied voltage will be across the light bulb.

BULB WILL SHINE BRIGHT

V

I R
V=IxR

The light bulb will burn very brightly because the current
flowing through the light bulb is high.

2 BULBS → LESS BRIGHT

With two light bulbs in the circuit, the current will

decrease in the circuit because the resistance has
increased.

If R = 20Ω and the voltage is still 1.5V the current (I) =

0.075A in the circuit. This will have an influence on the
brightness of the two light bulbs. They will not burn very
bright.

3 BULBS → VERY DIM

With three light bulbs in the circuit the current will

decrease even more and that will result in the three light
bulbs burn even less brightly.

If R = 30Ω and the voltage is still 1.5V the current (I) =

0.005A in the circuit. This will have a bigger influence on
the brightness of the three light bulbs. They will not burn
bright at all.

CONCLUSION:
• The more the light bulbs in series, the greater resistance.
• Therefore, we can conclude that the greater the resistance in the circuit, the
lesser the current and the dimmer the lights
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PARALLEL CIRCUIT
If several light bulbs or any other electric component are connected to a battery in such a
way that the current can flow through each light bulb (component) via a separate
route, they are said to be connected in parallel.

When the circuit is switched on the current flows directly from the battery and through each light
bulb (component) separately.

• All the light bulbs will glow with the same brightness.

• If one light bulb (component) burns out or gets defective in any way the rest
of the light bulbs (components) will remain glowing.

• In a parallel circuit, the current divides according to the proportion of the resistance of
each branch.

• The greater the resistance the less the current will flow through that part of the circuit.

• The current will divide and therefore the formula for the current in a parallel circuit will be the
sum of all the currents flowing through each light bulb or resistor.

Each light bulb offers a certain amount of resistance to current

flowing through it and the total resistance of a parallel circuit will
be the inverse of the inverse sum of the resistance of each
separate light bulb. The total resistance in a parallel circuit will
therefore be formulated as:

1 1 1
+ +
Re = R1 R2 R3

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The voltage in a parallel circuit will stay the same across each of the
light bulbs or resistances.

• Remember that VT = V1 = V2 = V3. That means that the light

bulbs will always burn the same brightness if they are the same
voltage.

CELLS IN PARALLEL

When cells are connected in parallel, the potential differences or voltage across each cell
remains the same (VT = V1 = V2 = V3).

OHM’S LAW
Ohm’s Law says: If the resistance of a conductor does not change, the current that
flows through the conductor is proportional to the voltage.

To find out what Ohm’s Law means we analyse it phrase by phrase in the table below:

Phrase in Ohm’s What the phrase

A question The answer
Law means
This tells us that we need Do we have a
If the resistance of Yes, the resistance of
a conductor with a conductor with a
a conductor does a lamp does not
resistance that does not resistance that does
not change … change.
change. not change?
Another way of saying
this is: the bigger the
… the current … is How can we
voltage the bigger the Increase voltage by
proportional to the increase the
current. This means that adding cells in series.
voltage. voltage?
we need to be able to
increase the voltage.
How can we know
If a lamp is used as
This tells us that we are about
… the current that the
interested in the amount the amount of
flows through the conductor, it will shine
of current that flows current following
conductor … more brightly when
through the conductor. through the
the current increases.
conductor?

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ACTIVITY 9 DATE: __________________

9.1 Identify the following circuits

9.1.1 9.1.2

9.1.3 9.1.4

Type: _____________________________ Type: _____________________________

9.2 Explain why the light bulb wont light in the circuit on the right.

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9.3 Explain why the light bult is not lighting up in the circuit on the right.

9.4 Qualitatively compare the voltage and current for each of

the three light bulbs in this circuit (assume the three light
bulbs are identical):

9.5 Draw the connecting wires on this terminal strip so that the three light bulbs are wired in
parallel with each other and with the battery.

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WEEK 6: LOGIC GATES AND TRUTH TABLES

“AND” and “OR” gates

We all use electronic equipment such as computers, watches, cell phones, and so on. Our world
depends on the electronic circuits in these devices.

What are logic gates?

• A logic gate is a small computer circuit that simulates a logic operation.

• There are one or two wires that go into the gate that represent the input.
• There is one output wire that represents the result of the logic operation.

What is a logic operation?

• A logic operation is the decision the small computer circuit makes. This depends on the inputs
the logic gates receive and what type of logic gate it is.

What type of logic gates do you get?

You get AND; OR; NOT; NAND, NOR and other gates, but we are only going to look at the AND;
and OR gates.

What does “AND” GATE mean?

• When we say “AND,” formally we mean that Input A

Output X
something is true only when both conditions for that Input B
something are true.

• If the stove is on AND there is water in the kettle, then we can boil the water to make tea.

• If either part is not there, then the result will not be true.

What does “OR” GATE mean?

• When we say “OR,” formally we mean that Input A

something is true when any one of the conditions Output X
is true. Input B

• If you open your curtains in the day OR you switch

on your light, then your room will be bright.

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TRUTH TABLES for AND and OR logic conditions

In response to a pair of ‘on’ and ‘off’ input signals, a logic gate gives an output signal which is either ‘on’ or ‘off.’

On many household switches, a ‘one’ marks the on position and a ‘0’ marks the off position (look at Figure 16).

Regarding logic gates we say:

a signal has ‘truth value of 1’ when it is on

a signal has ‘truth value of 0’ when it is off.

A table of truth values for all the signals in a gate is called a truth table.

The truth table for an AND gate is shown below.

Truth table for an AND gate

Signals: Input signal A Input signal B OUTPUT signal C
Logic values 0 0 0
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1

REMEMBER:

• If both the inputs are off, the output is off.

• If one of the inputs is off, the output is off.
• The output of an AND gate is on when both the inputs are on.
• The truth table for an OR gate is shown below.

Truth table for an OR gate

Signals: Input signal A Input signal B OUTPUT signal C
Logic values 0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1

REMEMBER:

• If both the inputs are off, the output is off.

• The output of an OR gate is on when either one or both the inputs are on.

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PREDICT WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FOLLOWING LOGIC CIRCUITS.

CIRCUIT 1

1. What happens when you close the switch? _________________________________________

2. What happens when you open the switch again? _____________________________________

In this circuit, the switch is the input because it determines what happens to the light. The light is
the output.

We can now write the systems inputs “mathematically.” We can say that if the switch is open, we
write a “0” and if the switch is closed, we write a “1”

Just like below:

Input (Switch A) Output (Light)

1 (closed switch)

0 (open switch)

We can also write the output like this. We can write a “1” when the light is on and a “0” when the
light is off.

By using this information, complete the output of the table.

Therefore, what is a basic logic circuit?

• If the input to the gate is a 1 the output will also be a 1 (If you say it is “true” – it will be true)
• If the input to the gate is a 0 the output will also be a 0 (if you say it is “not true” then it will be not
true)

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CIRCUIT 2

3. What happens to the light bulb when switch A and switch B are both open?

___________________________________________________________________________

4. What happens to the light bulb when switch A is open and switch B is closed?

___________________________________________________________________________

5. What happens to the light bulb when switch A is closed, and switch B is open?

___________________________________________________________________________

6. What happens to the light bulb when switch A and switch B are both closed?

___________________________________________________________________________

Just like with the basic logic circuit, complete the logic table for each of the scenarios described in
the above questions:

Input (Switch A) Input (Switch B) Output (Light)

0 0
0 1
1 0
1 1

Therefore, what is an “AND” function:

• If the input to the gate is a 0 and a 0 it will give a _______ as an output

• If the input to the gate is a 0 and a 1 it will give a _______ as an output

• If the input to the gate is a 1 and a 0 it will give a _______ as an output

• If the input to the gate is a 1 and a 1 it will give a _______ as an output

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CIRCUIT 3

7. What happens to the light bulb when switch A and switch B are both open?

______________________________________________________________________________

8. What happens to the light bulb when switch A is open and switch B is closed?

______________________________________________________________________________

9. What happens to the light bulb when switch A is closed, and switch B is open?

______________________________________________________________________________

10. What happens to the light bulb when switch A and switch B are both closed?

______________________________________________________________________________

Just like before, complete the logic table for each of the scenarios described in the above questions:

Input (Switch A) Input (Switch B) Output (Light)

0 0
0 1
1 0
1 1

Therefore, what is an “OR” function:

• If the input to the gate is 0 or a 0 it will give a ________ as an output

• If the input to the gate is 0 or a 1 it will give a ________ as an output

• If the input to the gate is 1 or a 0 it will give a ________ as an output

• If the input to the gate is 1 or a 1 it will give a ________ as an output

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ACTIVITY 10 DATE: ________________

10.1 Describe in your own words what a logic gate is:

10.2 Give an example of an “AND” operation:

10.3 Give an example of an “OR” operation:

10.4 A metal cutting milling machine has two switches, anyone will allow the cutter to run.

The first switch is on the side of the machine

and the second is a foot operated switch.
However, the machine has two micro-
switches (used as safety devices).
If any of these is released the cutter will
stop. The first micro-switch is on a guard, if
this is opened the machine will stop. The
second micro-switch is on a door which
allows access to the moving mechanism of
the milling machine.
If this is opened the machine will stop.
The micro-switches are normally logic ‘1’
(true, high, on) when pressed.

10.4.1 Complete the logic diagram for this machine.

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10.4.2 Is having an ON and OFF switch on the floor a clever idea? ______________________

10.4.3 Give a reason for your answer.

10.4.4 How would you improve the design of the switch to make the machine safe to use?

10.5 OHM’S LAW. Suppose you were to build this circuit and take measurements of current
through the resistor and voltage across the resistor:
The recordings of the numerical values are indicated the table.

CURRENT VOLTAGE
0.22 A 0.66 V
0.47 A 1.42 V
0.85 A 2.54 V
1.05 A 3.16 V
1.50 A 4.51 V
1.80 A 5.41 V
2.00 A 5.99 V
10.5.1 Plot these figures on the following
2.51 A 7.49 V
graph:

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WEEK 7: SCENARIO, SPECIFICATIONS & CONSTRAINTS

THE FISHER FAMILY FROM BO-KAAP

Many generations of the Fisher family have lived in Bo-Kaap for as long as anyone in the family
can remember. Mr Fisher is the manager at the butchery a few blocks down the road. He has to
be at work most mornings before 5 a.m. He usually gets home after 8 p.m. at night. Saturday is
always the butchery’s busiest day. So, in order to prepare for Saturdays, Mr Fisher works on
Friday nights until 10 or 11 p.m. Mrs Fisher is therefore often alone at home with their three young
daughters and Mr Fisher’s mother of 86.

The Fisher’s home has three bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen and a lounge. Mr Fisher wants
to install an alam system to his house.

Design and make an alarm system that is triggered by panic buttons placed strategically around
the house. The alarm system will alert the neighours and security company when someone inside
the house needs help.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ALARM SYSTEM

• The panic buttons must be installed in the three bedrooms, kitchen and dining room.
• The alarm system must be activated with any of the panic
• The circuit must include an AND & a OR logic gates.
• The components of the alarm system should not exceed R150.
• The alarm system should consist of:
a 9V battery,
switches,
a buzzer,
connecting wires

Answer the following questions.

11.1 What is die problem?

11.2 Write a proper design brief for the alarm system.

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11.3 List three specifications for the alarm system.

11.4 List one constraint for the alarm system.

11.5 Design a circuit diagram for the alarm system.

• Include five panic buttons (switches) in your design.

• Use the correct symbols for the different components of the circuit diagramme.

11.6 Draw the truth table for the device.

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11.7 Design a poster for your device where you advertise the panic button.

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