Lesson 7 of 15

Cells are for experiments

5 min

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A torch cell is small and safe for experiments. Mains electricity, the supply in wall sockets, is not.

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The idea

A wire joins the two ends of a cell, with nothing else on the loop. The cell can get hot.

Step 1 of 2

A wire joins the two ends of a cell, with nothing else on the loop. The cell can get hot.
A lamp is added to the same loop. Now the current goes through the lamp.

Use only cells for experiments. Keep your hands dry. Never use a damaged wire.

Safety rules for working with a torch cell
Rule	Why
Use only cells or batteries	Mains electricity can be deadly
Put a lamp in every loop	A wire across a cell can make it hot
Never use a mains lead with a torn cover	The cover is the insulator
Keep your hands dry	Our body is a conductor
Keep cells away from flames	Heat can make a cell leak or burst

An adult stays with you every time.

Try the lab to finish this lesson.