Physics Lab 2: Electrical Resistance And Circuits

Phy112172262 On Line Lab 2 Electrical Resistance And Circuitslab

This lab involves tasks utilizing PhET simulations focused on electrical resistance and circuit construction. Students are prompted to explore relationships between variables in wire resistance, familiarize themselves with circuit-building tools, build and analyze series and parallel circuits, and measure electrical parameters such as current and voltage. Additionally, students must research, summarize scholarly articles, and develop an educational plan addressing a transcultural nursing issue related to mental health in young adults, emphasizing cultural competence and ethical considerations.

Paper For Above instruction

The study of electrical resistance and circuit design is fundamental to understanding how electrical systems operate, which directly relates to practical engineering and physics applications. This exploration begins with understanding the relationships between wire parameters—resistance (R), length (L), cross-sectional area (A), and resistivity (Ï). Through the PhET simulation, it becomes evident that resistance is directly proportional to the length of the wire and resistivity but inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area. As the length of the wire increases, the resistance rises because electrons encounter more material to pass through, increasing frictional interactions. Conversely, increasing the cross-sectional area decreases resistance as it provides more pathways, easing electron flow. Resistivity, a fundamental property of the material itself, signifies how strongly the material opposes electron flow. Materials with high resistivity, like rubber, do not conduct electricity well, while low-resistivity materials, such as copper, are excellent conductors.

Resistivity (Ï) is defined as a material-specific property representing the inherent opposition a material offers to electrical current. It is a measure of how much a material resists the flow of electric charge and is expressed in ohm-meters (Ω·m). This property is essential because it helps in selecting appropriate materials for wiring and electronic components, ensuring efficiency and safety within circuits.

The reciprocal of resistivity is conductivity (σ). Conductivity indicates how easily electric current can pass through a material. A high conductivity means that the material allows electrons to flow with minimal resistance. Copper and silver are among the materials with the highest electrical conductivities, making them preferable for wiring and electronic contacts. Understanding the relationship between resistivity and conductivity is crucial for circuit design, as it informs decisions about material choice to optimize electrical performance and minimize energy loss.

In circuit construction, familiarity with the simulation enables one to build and analyze different configurations—simple, series, and parallel circuits. In a simple series circuit with a voltage source and a load such as a bulb, closing the circuit results in a measurable current determined by Ohm's Law (V=IR). Adding more bulbs in series increases the total resistance, leading to a decrease in current and dimming bulbs. This demonstrates that resistance in series accumulates, and voltage divides proportionally among the components.

In contrast, parallel circuits distribute voltage equally across components, but the total resistance decreases as more branches are added, increasing total current. Measurements confirm that individual branch voltages remain constant, while the total current increases with additional branches. These findings exemplify the principles of circuit analysis and the importance of understanding resistance, current, and voltage relationships in designing safe and efficient electrical systems.

Moving to the human health context, the selected transcultural issue centers on mental health among young adults aged 25-34. This population faces unique psychological challenges, including depression and anxiety, compounded by societal stigmatization and limited access to culturally competent mental health services. Research indicates that approximately 21% of individuals over 18 experienced some form of depression in 2014, with higher prevalence among young adults. Factors such as stigmatization, limited mental health infrastructure, and lack of culturally sensitive providers hinder effective treatment.

The Healthy People 2030 initiative emphasizes reducing suicide rates and improving access to mental health care for young adults. This demographic often encounters barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness, which impede seeking help. Addressing this issue requires culturally tailored health education programs that highlight mental health as a crucial aspect of overall wellness, and that respect diverse cultural perspectives on mental illness.

Clinically, understanding the impact of cultural beliefs on mental health perceptions influences how healthcare providers diagnose and treat mental health conditions. For example, some populations may interpret depression symptoms through spiritual or traditional lenses, affecting their willingness to seek conventional treatment. Incorporating cultural competence into nursing practice enhances patient trust and outcomes, emphasizing the need for ongoing education and culturally sensitive assessment strategies.

In conclusion, integrating knowledge of electrical circuits and resistance—both in theoretical and practical contexts—and understanding transcultural health issues like mental health in young adults underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Scientific principles guide technological and engineering applications, while cultural awareness enhances healthcare delivery, fostering inclusivity and efficacy in diverse populations.

References

  • Bonnie, R. J., Stroud, C. E., & Breiner, H. E. (2014). Investing in the health and well-being of young adults. National Academies Press.
  • Healthy People. (2020). Mental health and mental disorders | Healthy people 2020. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/mental-health-and-mental-disorders
  • Knowles, K. A., Sripada, R. K., Defever, M., & Rauch, S. A. (2019). Comorbid mood and anxiety disorders and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in treatment-seeking veterans. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 11(4), 451–459.
  • Swihart, D. L., & Martin, R. L. (2020). Cultural, religious competence in clinical practice. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
  • The Office of Minority Health. (2019). Depression among racial/ethnic groups in the United States. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/
  • World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and other common mental disorders: Global health estimates. WHO/MSD/MER/2017.2.
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 174(12), 118-121.
  • Healthy People. (2020). Mental health and mental disorders | Healthy People 2030. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/mental-health-and-mental-disorders
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). The mental health workforce for the future: A blueprint for action. The National Academies Press.
  • WHO. (2017). Depression and other common mental disorders: global health estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization.

Related Assignments