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Re: circuits



In response to the question on how much on circuits to cover, in an
introductory algebra-based course, I think that skill with standard simple
circuits (a single battery connected to resistances in series and
parallel) is sufficient. I definitely would not do circuits with multiple
sources of power (I've stopped doing that in the calculus-based course). I
also would omit effects of internal resistance of batteries. Certainly,
I'd leave out RC, RL and LC circuits.

For the standard simple circuit, the students should know what happens to
the current when a resistance is shorted out, or blows out, and why a fuse
or circuit-breaker is necessary in parallel circuits.

Allen Miller
Syracuse UNiversity

On Tue, 26 Jan 1999, kyle forinash wrote:

Hi;

I wanted to take a quick poll as to exactly how much coverage of electric
circuits you all think is appropriate for the second semester of an algebra
based intro undergrad course? Some of my students (about 1/3) are in two
year technical programs and the review board for those programs (ABET)
suggested we do more in circuits.

I'd also appreciate any suggestions of things to add.

kyle

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kyle forinash 812-941-2390
forinas@indiana.edu
Natural Science Division
Indiana University Southeast
New Albany, IN 47150
http://Physics.ius.indiana.edu/
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