Teaching Apoproach Using Transistor As An Automatic

Switch.
Common misconception and problem faced by students in understanding the
automatic switch transistor circuit :
( a ) When resistance of a resistor increases, current flows decreases. Thus the voltage
across the resistor decreases.
( b ) The whole transistor circuit looks complicated and difficult to understand.
Recommended Approach :
1. Start the topic by letting students explore the operation of the light controlled switch
transistor circuit using the Electronic Kits that are available in school.
2. Discuss the operation of the light controlled switch by asking the following questions
( I ) What happen to the bulb when the surrounding is dark( during the night ) ?
( ii ) What happen to the bulb when the surrounding is bright( during the day ) ?
( iii ) What will happen the the bulb if the light dependant resistor(LDR) and resistor
interchange position.
3. Teacher can start discussing the function of the LDR and fixed resistor R which are
connected in series to the battery as potential divider using the electrical circuit
below. Avoid starting discussion using the complete transistor circuit which appears to
be more complicated.

I
R

LDR

R1

R2

V1

6V

V2

Pose the following questions below to the students.

( I ) What can you say of the current I which flow through fixed resistor R and
LDR ?
( ii ) Using Ohms Law, state V1 and V2 in terms of I ,R1 and R2 respectively.

( iii) What is the total voltage for V1 + V2 ?

( iv ) If resistance of R2 is higher than R1 , compare V1 and V2
( v ) If V1 = 0.5 V, what is the voltage for V2 ?
( vi ) During the day, LDR is exposed to the sunlight, the resistance R2 decreases
and is much smaller compared to R1. Compare the voltage of V1 and V2 .
( vii ) Conversely, resistance of R2 becomes large when the surrounding is dark
during the night. What can you say of the voltage of V1 and V2 ?
4. Upon understanding the function of the LDR and fixed resistor R as potential divider
of the power source(battery). Teacher can proceed to discuss the operation of the
light controlled switch using the complete transistor circuit as shown below.

Fixed

V1

resistor
R1

Rb

6V

Ib

B
E

V2

LDR

R2

It is quite easy now for the students to understand how varying resistance R2 affects
the voltage V2 ( which is the base voltage ) and subsequently controls whether
transistor is on or off.
Students much have the prior knowledge that transistor is on when the base voltage V2 is
high enough to cause a small base current Ib flows in the base circuit. Transistor will
amplify the base current to produce a big collector current Ic to lights up the bulb M.
5. Pose the following questions to the students during discussion.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

During the day, what can you say of the resistance of LDR( R2 ) compared to R1 ?
Compare the base voltage V2 with V1 .
Is transistor On or Off ?
Repeat question ( a ) to ( c ) when the surrounding is dark.
What happen if the LDR and fixed resistor interchange position ?