This hands-on assessment is designed to evaluate students' practical skills in constructing electrical circuits and taking accurate measurements, directly applying the theoretical knowledge of current, voltage, and resistance.

Specific Skills to be Assessed:

• Circuit Diagram Interpretation: Ability to correctly translate a given circuit diagram (using standard electrical symbols) into a physical circuit setup.
• Safe and Correct Wiring: Demonstrating proficiency in connecting components (power supply, resistors/bulbs, switches, connecting wires) to form functional series and parallel circuits. Emphasis on neatness, secure connections, and avoidance of short circuits.
• Ammeter Usage: Correctly connecting an ammeter in series within a circuit branch to measure current flow at specified points. Reading the ammeter with appropriate precision.
• Voltmeter Usage: Correctly connecting a voltmeter in parallel across a component (or power supply) to measure potential difference.
• Ohm's Law Experimental Verification: For a designated component (e.g., a resistor), systematically varying the voltage supplied and measuring the corresponding current. Recording data in a table, plotting a Voltage vs. Current (V-I) graph, and calculating the resistance from the graph's slope (or by direct calculation).
• Troubleshooting: Identifying simple common circuit errors (e.g., loose connections, incorrect component placement).
• Adherence to Safety Protocols: Following all lab safety guidelines for electrical experiments.

Format: Students will be given a set task with specific components and circuit diagrams to build and measure. Performance will be assessed based on the functionality of their circuits, the accuracy of their measurements, and their systematic approach to the experiment. They may be required to present their recorded data and calculations directly to the examiner or submit a brief lab sheet.

This assessment will gauge students' ability to apply mathematical formulas and theoretical principles to analyze and solve quantitative problems related to current electricity.

Content Covered:

• Charge, Current, Time: Problems involving I=Q/t (e.g., calculating charge flowing in a given time, or time for a certain charge to pass).
• Work, Voltage, Charge: Problems involving V=W/Q (e.g., calculating energy transferred by a charge moving through a potential difference).
• Ohm's Law: Direct application of V=IR to find voltage, current, or resistance when two variables are given.
• Series Circuit Analysis: Calculating total resistance of series resistors, calculating total current, and determining voltage drops across individual resistors using Ohm's Law.
• Parallel Circuit Analysis: Calculating total resistance for simple parallel combinations (e.g., two resistors), calculating total current from the source, and determining current in individual branches given the voltage.
• Electrical Power Calculations: Applying P=VI, P=I2R, and P=V2/R to find power consumption of components or entire circuits.
• Electrical Energy Consumption: Calculating the energy consumed by an appliance over a period of time (Energy = Power × Time), often in Joules or kilowatt-hours (kWh).
• Conceptual Questions: Explaining the behavior of current/voltage/resistance in series vs. parallel circuits qualitatively, and discussing the purpose of safety devices.

Format: A written assignment containing a range of problems, increasing in complexity. Students will be required to show all formulas used, step-by-step calculations, and present final answers with correct SI units and appropriate significant figures. Partial credit will be given for correct methodology even if the final numerical answer has a small error.

This project-based assessment combines theoretical understanding with practical application, allowing students to engage in a design cycle and demonstrate their comprehension of electromagnetism.

Task:

Students will be challenged to design, construct, and test a simple electromagnet that can successfully lift a measurable number of small ferromagnetic objects (e.g., paper clips).

Project Stages:

• Research & Design (Pre-build): Students will research the factors affecting electromagnet strength (number of turns, current, core material). They will then develop a design plan, selecting materials (e.g., insulated copper wire, an iron core like a large nail or bolt, a battery/power supply), and outlining their construction steps. This plan should include a prediction of how certain changes (e.g., more turns) will affect strength.
• Construction: Students will build their electromagnet according to their design plan.
• Testing & Optimization: They will systematically test their electromagnet by varying one design parameter (e.g., number of turns of wire for a fixed current, or current for a fixed number of turns) and measure its lifting capacity (e.g., number of paper clips lifted). They should record this data and use it to optimize their electromagnet's performance.
• Demonstration: A live demonstration of their working electromagnet to the class or teacher, showcasing its ability to lift and release objects.

Deliverables:

• Design Proposal/Logbook: Documenting the initial design, materials, construction process, and any adjustments made. This can include simple sketches.
• Data Table & Graph (Optional but Recommended): Showing the results of their testing and optimization (e.g., turns vs. paper clips lifted).
• Oral Presentation/Written Report: Students will explain:
• The scientific principles behind their electromagnet (how it works).
• The factors they manipulated to optimize its strength.
• Any challenges or unexpected results encountered during the build and testing.
• Potential real-world applications of electromagnets, linking to technological advancements.