Electricity and Magnetism

A SIMPLE COMPUTER

Background

Computers are made up of 1000's of simple circuits like this one.

Materials Needed

2 batteries in holders
1 breadboard
2 light bulbs

2 paper clips
6 wires with washers
4 labels

push pins
2 washers

Procedure

1. Look at the schematic below and try to predict how many lights will be lit when the switches are in different positions. Use the table below to record your predictions.

2. Build the switched, parallel circuit shown in the diagram. Label the switches as shown.

3. Use your circuit to complete the following table:

		Number Of Bulbs Lit
First Switch	Second Switch	Predicted	Observed
0	0
0	1
1	0
1	1

4. What type of calculation is your circuit performing?