Electricity Merit Badge

Electricity
Merit badge requirements
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  1. Show magnetic attraction and repulsion. Make and use a simple electromagnet.

  2. Explain the difference between a direct current and an alternating current. Tell the common uses of each.

  3. Make a simple drawing to show how a chemical cell and an electric bell work.

  4. Explain why a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips. Tell how to find a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your home. Show how to change the fuse or reset the circuit breaker safely.

  5. Explain what overloading an electric circuit means. Tell what you have done to make sure your home circuits aren't overloaded.

  6. Demonstrate how to repair a plug on an appliance cord.

  7. Show how to rescue a person touching a live wire in the home. Show first aid if the person is unconscious from electrical shock.

  8. Show on a floor plan of a room in your home the lights, switches, and outlets. Show which fuse or circuit breaker protects each.

  9. Read an electric meter. Figure an electric bill from meter readings.

  10. Explain 10 electrical terms such as volt, ampere, watt, ohm, resistance, potential difference, rectifier, rheostat, conductor, ground, circuit, or short circuit.

  11. Do any TWO of the following:

    1. Connect a buzzer, bell or light with a battery. Have a key or switch in the line.
    2. Make and run a simple electric motor (not from a kit).
    3. Build a simple rheostat. Show that it works.
    4. Build a single-pole double-throw switch. Show that it works.
    5. Hook a model electric train layout to a house circuit. Tell how it works.

Merit badge requirements courtesy of Troop 586 Farmington