Lesson 3 Page 3
Completion requirements
Observe: Using Batteries Safely
Recall that batteries store potential energy. Only when they are connected to a wire, can a current flow and do work.
The lamp uses the battery's electrical energy. If you connect a battery to a loop of wire with nothing else in the loop to use the electrical energy, the wire will get very hot. This is dangerous because it can burn someone or start a fire — and it wastes the energy of the battery.
The lamp uses the battery's electrical energy. If you connect a battery to a loop of wire with nothing else in the loop to use the electrical energy, the wire will get very hot. This is dangerous because it can burn someone or start a fire — and it wastes the energy of the battery.
Electrical energy is stored in a battery in the chemicals the battery holds. One battery end (terminal) has an chemical that allows electrons to flow from it while the other end (terminal) has a chemical that accepts electrons. The battery stores potential energy.
When metal is connected to a battery, especially both ends (the terminals), a current is created. Now, the battery and wire is using kinetic energy. Work can be done. A battery eventually stops working because the chemicals get used up.
Small batteries have low voltages and current, so they are a safe source of electricity as long as they are used correctly.
When metal is connected to a battery, especially both ends (the terminals), a current is created. Now, the battery and wire is using kinetic energy. Work can be done. A battery eventually stops working because the chemicals get used up.
- Avoid touching metal jewelry to batteries.
- Keep batteries and wires dry to avoid short circuits.
- Do not connect two ends of a battery with just wire. This
is known as a dead short.
Small batteries have low voltages and current, so they are a safe source of electricity as long as they are used correctly.
Video
Watch Button Battery Dangers. NEVER leave batteries lying around unattended, especially when small children are around. Batteries can be very dangerous if swallowed.
Technology Connection
Small disposable batteries are safe to handle and experiment with as long as they are used correctly. Did you know that batteries were invented many years ago? Since then, scientists have worked to make batteries more powerful, safer, and longer lasting.
Video
Click here to a BrainPop video about watch Batteries. Small batteries are more properly called dry cells because of the dry paste of chemicals inside.
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Password: students
How can I be safe when I am near electricity?
Notebook
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Check Your Answers
Once you have completed this activity, check your answers below.
Battery Use - Dangerous or Not? Chart |
| Diagram | Dangerous or Not? | Explain Your Answer |
|
Dangerous
|
These batteries are connected only with wire. That is a dead short – the wire and batteries will heat up dangerously. |
|
Not Dangerous | These batteries are connected to a lamp that uses the electrical energy, which is fine. |
|
Not Dangerous
|
These batteries are connected to lamps that use the electrical energy, which is fine.
|
|
Dangerous
|
These batteries are connected only with wire. That is a dead short; the wire and batteries will heat up dangerously.
|
  |
Dangerous
|
Water and electricity don't mix. Water can cause dangerous short circuits.
|