[Physltest] [Phys-L] Re: California standards test in physics

[Dan Crowe <dcrowe@SOTC.ORG>]

If there is current, the light bulb would respond, but if the current is
on the order of pA, then the bulb would not emit a perceptible flux of
light.

Daniel Crowe
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
Ardmore Regional Center
dcrowe@sotc.org

-----Original Message-----
From: Forum for Physics Educators [mailto:PHYS-L@list1.ucc.nau.edu] On
Behalf Of Jim Green
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 2:35 PM
To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
Subject: Re: [PHYS-L] California standards test in physics

> What do you folks think of the following questions:
>
> 3. A student wires a series circuit that includes a
> block of rubber and a light bulb. She states that
> she does not expect the light bulb to light up
> when current is applied to the circuit. Which of
> the following best describes her statement?

The aspect I fear most re so called "standardized tests" is that the
writers and administrators may not know physics very well:

In this case I would not say that "current is applied"   Current isn't
"applied;" It is the result of _voltage_ being applied.

But if indeed there is a current, the light bulb _would_ respond.

The question is inept.

Jim


Jim Green
mailto:JMGreen@sisna.com
http://users.sisna.com/jmgreen
_______________________________________________
Phys-L mailing list
Phys-L@electron.physics.buffalo.edu
https://www.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l