S2.8.5 For the adult
Electricity: safe and unsafe
Why can I hold a cell but not touch a wall socket?
What this chapter teaches
A torch cell is gentle and safe to use in a circuit, but the mains pushes far harder and can kill. Never touch sockets, plugs or mains wires.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- Which things at home run on cells, and which use the mains?
- Why is it safe to hold a torch cell but not to touch a wall socket?
- What would you do if you saw a wire that had fallen from a power line?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Name things at home that use cells and things that use mains
- Explain why we never experiment with wall sockets or mains wires
What they copy into their notebook
Torch cells are safe to use. Mains electricity from a wall socket or a power line can kill. Never touch sockets, plugs or mains wires. Never use a car battery. Never cut open a cell.