Resistance is a measure of how difficult it is for a current to flow through a component or a circuit.

An ammeter is a device that measures the current flowing through a circuit.

The unit of current is the amp (A), which is short for amperes.

A control variable is one that must be kept the same when other variables are being tested to ensure that the test is fair.

Electrical resistance

Science

Thickness of a wire

Length of a wire

Making parallel circuits

Voltage in parallel circuits

Loops of a parallel circuit

Measuring current in a parallel circuit

Comparing series and parallel circuits

Mains electricity

about the properties of electric fields, moving electric charge, and how to analyse series and parallel electrical circuits.

In the Series circuits unit, pupils learnt about static electricity (electric charge), setting up series circuits using circuit diagrams, finding and replacing faulty components, and the rules for electric current and voltage in series circuits.

This unit covers electrical circuits, compares appliance power ratings, and understands domestic fuel use and costs. It explores electric current, potential difference, resistance, and the differences between conductors and insulators, focusing on calculations and applications in circuits.

Resistance and parallel circuits

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of the following is the correct unit for a measurement from an ammeter?

Which of the following is the correct unit for resistance?

Why does a resistor, such as the one shown, have coloured stripes on it?

The resistance increases and the current decreases.

The resistance decreases and the current decreases.

The resistance increases and the current increases.

The resistance decreases and the current increases.

An identical resistor is added in series to the circuit shown. 
Which of the following will happen?

When the circuit shown is switched on, in which of the following orders will the lamps light up?

1 is the brightest, followed by 2, and 3 is the dimmest.

Which of the following statements correctly describes the brightness of the lamps in the circuit shown? 
Assume the lamps are identical.

Which of the following is not a good conductor of electricity?

Which of the following is the term given to materials that do not conduct electricity?

Which of the following components is represented by the circuit symbol shown?

Which of the following components is not represented by the circuit symbols shown?

The original lamp stays the same brightness but the new lamps are dimmer.

Which of the following will happen if you add more lamps in series to a series circuit with one lamp?

Electrical resistance

Lesson outcome

Content guidance