3/3/2015

The day began with an experiment that involved a hot dog. We were asked what would happen if a hot dog was to be connect to a 120 volt power supply. We predicted that the hot dog would explode when connected to the 120 volt power supply, but it turned out to just cook slowly. Above is a video of the hot dog.

Prediction

We then were asked what would happen when LEDs were placed in the hot dog at different positions both parallel and perpendicular to the hot dog. It was found that the LEDs placed parallel to the hot dog only lit up. The LEDs with the leads far apart were brighter that the LED with the leads close together, 

Above is a video of what happened when the LEDs were stuck in the hot dog.

Demonstration

This lab consisted of building a "night light". Using a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) and a light detecting resistor, we were able to make the LED light when it became darker.

Circuit

Above is how we assembled the circuit for the night light.

Results

Summary:

Today we did more with Kirchhoff's Law by working on problems that involved soling for current and voltage using the loop rule. We also learned that we can cook a hot dog by running electricity through it and make a desk lamp by sticking some LEDs in the hot dog. We also learned how to make a night light by using two new electronic pieces, which was a light detecting resistor and a BJT. A light detecting resistor changes resisitivity based on the amount of light it detects. A BJT is a transistor that requires contact from two different types of conductors.