Experiments Related to Latimer’s Work

A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ELECTRICITY . . .

An electric current is the flow of tiny particles called electrons. As a rule, electrons can only travel through certain materials . . . these are called conductors. Most metals are good conductors; copper is especially good. You will use copper wire to perform the electrical experiments we’ll talk about later.

A circuit is a group of electrical devices (light bulbs and switches, for example) that are connected in such a way that an electric current can flow through the various parts. It is nothing more than a path for current to follow.

An electric current doesn’t happen by itself. Electrons must be pushed through a circuit. In our experiments, this job is done by a 6-volt battery. The “6-volt” label tells us how strong a push the battery can give the electrons.

You will probably be able to find the various things you need to perform the different experiments around your home. If not, you can buy them, at little cost, in a hardware store. The copper wire you need to connect the other circuit parts together is called insulated wire. This means it has a thin plastic coating that covers the copper. You must remove this coating from both ends of each piece of wire you connect to a switch, or lightbulb socket, or battery. This is called stripping the wire.

You should strip away about 1/2 inch of insulation from each end. Use a sharp knife or a single-edged razor blade to cut through the plastic. Work carefully so that you don’t cut your fingers, and try not to nick or cut the copper wire.

Now that you understand the basics, let’s go on to the experiments . . .