a measure of the push an electric field gives to charges

a property of a material that opposes the flow of current

a series circuit that divides the p.d. across a power supply into two or more smaller voltages

Potential divider circuits

Combined science

Measuring the resistance of a filament lamp

Resistance of a hot metal

Measuring the resistance of a diode

Interpreting I–V graphs

LDRs and thermistors

In the Mains electricity unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about the dangers of mains electricity, how to use mains electricity safely, the equations I=Q/t, V=E/Q and P=IV, and about the transmission of power in the national grid, including transformers.

In the Electric fields and circuit calculations unit, pupils learnt about the properties of electric fields, moving electric charge, and how to analyse series and parallel electrical circuits.

This unit explores current, resistance, and potential difference. It covers circuit design for lamps, diodes, and thermistors, and emphasises planning experiments, data interpretation, and presenting scientific conclusions.

Circuit components

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

a component with a higher resistance will have a lower p.d. across it

a component with a higher resistance will have a higher p.d. across it

a component with a lower resistance will have a lower p.d. across it

a component with a lower resistance will have a higher p.d. across it

Which of these statements is correct about the p.d. across components in a series circuit?

What is the p.d. across the 3 Ω resistor if the p.d. across the three resistors is 15 V?

What is the p.d. across the 20 Ω resistor?

What is the current through the 10 Ω resistor?

the p.d. across the lower value resistor is higher

the p.d. across both resistors is the same

the p.d. across the lower value resistor is lower

What is correct about a potential divider circuit with two resistors, one that has a lower resistance than the other?


Which of these components would be used in a dimmer switch?

What currents will be able to pass through this component?

In this model of a metal lattice, what do the black circles represent?

In this model of a metal lattice, what do the small blue circles represent?

What is the total resistance of these resistors when they are joined together?

A current of 0.3 A flows through these resistors. What is the p.d. across the 3 Ω resistor?

Potential divider circuits

Lesson outcome

Content guidance