An atom is the smallest particle of a chemical element that exists.

Electrons are the charges in conductors that flow to give an electric current.

A metal ion is formed when a metal atom loses one or more electrons and has a positive charge.

Resistance is a measure of how hard it is for current to flow.

Two variables are proportional if one changes as a multiple of the other.

Thickness of a wire

Science

Electrical resistance

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

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

Which two of the following statements explain what will happen to a metal atom when it loses an electron?

Which two of the following metals are the best conductors of electricity?

It has fewer electrons, per metre, to carry a current.

It is harder for the electrons to squeeze though the narrow space.

Making it thinner causes the electrons to stay closer to the atoms.

Which of the following statements explain why a thinner metal wire has a higher resistance than a thicker one, per metre?

The image shown is a representation of the arrangement of the particles in a metal. 
Which of the following particles do the small, blue spheres represent?

They use examples we are familiar with to help us understand abstract concepts.

They help us visualise phenomena that we cannot directly observe.

Which of the following statements explain why models are useful when describing electricity?

Its resistance increases so the current carried also increases.

Its resistance increases so the current carried decreases.

Its resistance decreases so the current carried increases.

Its resistance decreases so the current carried also decreases.

Which of the following statements explains what will happen to the resistance and the current carried by a wire if its cross–sectional area is increased?

Metals are good conductors of electricity.

Plastics are good conductors of electricity.

Metals are good insulators of electricity.

Plastics are good insulators of electricity.

Which two of the following statements about electricity are correct?

In a fair test, the variable(s) that need to be kept the same are called ...

The number of charge carriers in the wires will stay the same.

Which of the following will happen if another battery is added (correctly aligned and in series) to the circuit shown?

The lamp will be the same brightness as it was with one battery.

Which of the following will happen if two identical batteries are connected in series with a lamp, but aligned in opposite directions?  

Which of the following resistors will oppose the flow of current the most?

The nearer the battery a resistor is, the higher its resistance.

There will be no effect on its resistance.

Which of the following will happen if a resistor in a series circuit is moved closer to the battery?

Thickness of a wire

Lesson outcome

Content guidance