Wired World

5 4 Go with the Flow All the things in the world can be divided into conductors and insulators. Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow easily through them. Insulators are materials through which electricity does not flow easily. Collect these six objects, plus three others of your choosing. List your items below. Circle the ones you think will be the best conductors. TEAMWORK Now, set up the circuit shown above. Substitute your objects, one at a time, for the banana. Were any of the results different from your predictions? Do you know why they were different? banana metal paper clip rubber band metal fork wood pencil penny _________________ _________________ _________________ Electricity and Water TEAMWORK Do you think the bulb in this circuit will light? Discuss it first, then set up the circuit. Put plenty of salt in the water. Write your observations here. In this experiment, adding salt makes the water more conductive and allows the bulb to light. When a source of electricity has higher voltage than your D batteries, the electricity will travel through water with or without salt in it. So, if lightning struck a lake, or a blow-dryer fell in the sink, electricity would travel through the water. Anyone touching that water could be electrocuted. (Electrocution means fatal contact with electricity.) SAFETY BASICS Some materials, such as water and metal, are really good conductors. That’s why you should NEVER stick a fork into a toaster while it’s plugged in. The fork could conduct electricity from the wires (that toast the bread) to you. YOU COULD BE SERIOUSLYHURT OR KILLED. SAFETY BASICS G O I N G F U R T H E R With an adult, check the appliance cords and plugs in your house. (First turn them off and unplug them.) If the insulation is cracked or frayed, you are in danger of touching electricity by mistake and getting hurt. Decide with your family if you should replace the cord or throw the item away. LEAVE ANY UNSAFE ITEM UNPLUGGED until repaired. G O I N G F U R T H E R Create a television spot or radio announcement that warns people about electrical hazards during storms and floods. You may target your announcement at children or adults. If it goes on the air, contact your local utility first to be sure it is accurate. Your body is 60-70% water, so you are an excellent conductor of electricity. In fact, just about everything can become a conductor, if it is wet.