Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify electrons as mobile charge carriers.
• Describe the properties of electrons and their role in electric current.
• Analyze how a deficiency or excess of electrons affects current flow.
• Apply knowledge of electrostatics to real-life scenarios.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces the fundamental concept of static electricity, focusing on the role of the electron. We will explore why tiny, invisible particles called electrons are responsible for phenomena we can see and feel, like the crackling sound when you take off a sweater in the harmattan, or the small shock you get from a car door. Understanding the electron's role is the first step to understanding everything from lightning to how a photocopier works. This knowledge is crucial for further studies in electricity and electronics.

Lesson notes

2.1. The Atom: The Building Block of Everything

Everything around us—the desk, the air, your own body—is made of tiny particles called atoms. An atom has a central part called the nucleus and particles called electrons that move around the nucleus in paths called shells or energy levels. Inside the Nucleus: Protons: These have a positive (+) electrical charge. Neutrons: These have no charge (0); they are neutral. Outside the Nucleus: Electrons: These have a negative (-) electrical charge. They are much lighter than protons and neutrons.

In a neutral atom, the number of protons (+) is equal to the number of electrons (-). The positive and negative charges cancel each other out, so the atom has no overall charge. *Example:* A neutral Carbon atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons. (+6) + (-6) = 0. 2.2. The Mobile Charge Carrier: The Electron

When we talk about electricity, we are almost always talking about the movement of electrons.

Evaluation guide

• Identify electrons as mobile charge carriers.
• Talk for learning: Learners in groups of mixed abilities recall the properties of electrons and
• analyse their effect on current flow when deficient or in excess.
• conceptual