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Amps Volts Watts

This Matchcard compares the definitions of amps, volts, watts for the Light & Energy Unit Study for 3rd to 8th grade.
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Objective: Define watts, amperage, and voltage.

Amps

Amps is short for amperes and refers to the rate of electrical flow. It describes the rate of the electrical current.

The scientific definition for one amp is one coulomb per second. The definition of coulomb is 6.25 X 10¹⁸ electrons.

It is not necessary for elementary age students to memorize the definition of a coulomb. The take home point is that amps is a scientific term that measures the RATE of electrons flowing in a current.

Here is a comparison that makes it easier to understand: How many cars go by your house in a minute? The higher the ampere, the greater number of cars or electrons passing a single point.

Volts

Volts is short for voltage.

It measures the force or power of the electrical flow.

Here are some demonstrations that might help students grasp the concept of volts

Fill both a small balloon and a large balloon with water. Squirt the water by quickly compressing the balloons between your hands. Which had more power?
Use a coffee stirrer and a regular straw to drink. Which has more power?
Compare a small creek with a large raging river. Which has more power?
Look at a regular electrical outlet (110 volts) and a 220 volt outlet for a washer and dryer. Which has more power?
Look at different size batteries. Which has more power?

The last two examples (outlets and batteries) do use volts. Point out the two different electrical plugs (220 and 110) on the diagram of the MatchCard.

Watts

Watts is short for wattage.

It is the amount of power produced or electricity consumed.

The scientific definition is one joule per second.

Household electrical use is often measured in kilowatts or 1000 watts.

Project: Go to an appliance store and note the difference in kilowatts for the different appliances.

Amps, Volts and Watts

Amps X Volts = Watts

Scientifically this is written:

VI = P
where V = volts; I = amps; and P =Wats

Begin to use the terms amps, volts, watts in ordinary conversation. Volts and watts are usually a little easier to incorporate than amps

Students who enjoy history, might find it interesting to investigate the scientisits for whom the terms amps, volts, watts were named. It is also interesting to note the years they worked and the development of technology and power after their era.

Using the Amps Volts Watts MatchCard

This is the eleventh Matchcard of the Light and Energy Unit Study. You can DOWNLOAD the Amps Volts Watts Matchcard HERE.

The student matches the characteristics of terms amps, volts, and watts with the description of each.

The second page is the Instructor's Guide with the correct answers.

The third page has the Information Pieces. Student's cut them apart and place them in the correct place on their copy of the Matchcard (first page.)

For more information on how to use the Matchcards, see the MatchCard Science Instructor's Guide.

MatchCard Science

The activities and illustration above are from MatchCard Science, a homeschool science unit study. For the complete Light and Energy Unit Study follow this link. This unit study provides:

hands-on demonstrations
MatchCard reviews to master the material
suggestions for science projects to complete
instructions on a complete unit study curriculum

Currently this curriculum is under-going revision. We are providing free access to the unit study, with the desire that you will provide feedback as you are field testing the materials.

Science Notebook

If you are just using this single project, and are not in need of a full unit study, you might want your student to complete a science notebook entry for this project.

Return from the Amps, Volts, and Watts Matchcard to the MatchCard Science Main Page.