The amount of charge flowing past a given point in one second.

An electrical circuit with a single loop.

A measure of the push an electric field gives to charges.

A property of a material that prevents the flow of current.

Analysing series circuits

Combined science

Moving electric charge

Linking current, potential difference and resistance

Resistance of a wire at a constant temperature

Adding components to a parallel circuit

Analysing parallel circuits

In the Circuit components unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn how the resistance of filament lamps and diodes change with current and about the properties and applications of light dependent resistors and thermistors.

In the Resistance and parallel circuits unit, pupils learnt about electrical resistance and parallel electric circuits.

This unit covers static electricity, electric fields, and current flow in series and parallel circuits. It explains current, resistance, and potential difference relationships and explores diodes, thermistors, and LDRs. The focus is on calculations, experiments, and accurate measurements.

Electric fields and circuit calculations

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

The readings are all different in A, B and C.

The readings are the same in A and B but different in C.

The readings are the same in B and C but different in A.

The three circuit diagrams show the same cell in series with the same lamp. 
Which of the following statements about the voltmeter readings is correct?

it is not possible to say without more information

In the circuit diagram, the resistances of the three components are shown.
Which component has the highest p.d. across it?

The circuit diagram shows a series circuit. The potential difference across each cell and component is shown, except for the resistor.
The p.d. across the resistor is {{}} V.

While a lamp is switched on, its resistance is 50 Ω and the potential difference across it is 120 V.
The current in the lamp is {{}} A.

What potential difference is needed to make a current of 0.40 A flow through a motor with resistance of 8.0 Ω?

A resistor in a circuit has a potential difference of 5.5 V across it and a current of 2.2 A flowing through it.
The resistance of the resistor is {{}} Ω.

Which of the following is the unit of electric current?

Which of the following is the unit of resistance?

There is an invisible electric {{}} around a charged object, in which other charged objects and small, uncharged objects experience forces. 

a circuit in which every component has the same p.d.

Which of the following can always be used to describe a series circuit?

It is impossible to say without more information.

A lamp is added to a series circuit, in series with the other components in the circuit. No other changes are made to the circuit. 
Which of the following describes what happens to the current?

A series circuit includes one 1.5 V cell. Two more 1.5 V cells are added in series with the first cell, and no other changes are made. Which of the following occurs?

Analysing series circuits

Lesson outcome

Content guidance