Voltage is a measure of the 'push' from a cell or battery that moves charge around a circuit.

A voltmeter measures the voltage (or potential difference) in units called volts (V).

Two or more cells connected in series form a battery.

An electrical cell is a component that uses a chemical reaction to make electric charge flow around a circuit.

Changing voltage

Science

Making a series circuit

Fixing faulty circuits

Electric current

Measuring electric current

Measuring voltage

Static electricity

Static electricity: charge

In the Magnets and electromagnets unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about how electric current flows through electromagnets, factors that affect the strength of electromagnets and uses of electromagnets that include a simple electric motor.

In Changing circuits unit (Y6), pupils learnt to construct simple circuits, and about complete circuits, circuit diagrams and how the number and voltage of cells in a battery affect components in a circuit. 

This unit covers electric current, potential difference, and resistance in series and parallel circuits. It also explores charge separation, electron transfer, and electric fields. The unit focuses on interpreting data, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions using scientific knowledge.

Series circuits

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

A 1.5 V cell is connected to a 6 V bulb in a series circuit.
Which of the following statements about the circuit is correct?

The voltage across each of the bulbs will be different.

The bulb nearest the positive terminal will be brightest.

The bulb nearest the negative terminal will be brightest.

he voltage across each of the bulbs will be the same.

A battery is connected to four identical bulbs in a series circuit.
Which of the following statements about the circuit is correct?

The battery shown is made from three, identical 1.5 V cells that are aligned correctly.
Which of the following is the total voltage supplied by the battery?

The battery in the circuit shown is made from two, identical 3.0 V lithium ion cells.
Which of the following is the reading that would be displayed on the voltmeter?

The battery in the circuit shown is made from two, identical 1.5 V cells. 
Which of the following is the reading that would be displayed on the voltmeter?

The bulbs in all of the lamps in the circuit shown are identical.
Which of the following is the correct voltage across the bulb in lamp 1?

opposes the flow of current around a circuit

Match the following components to their function.

Which of the following is the voltage of each the cells shown?

Which of the following is the voltage of the domestic mains electricity supply in the UK?

The larger cell will light the bulb brighter.

The larger cell will light the bulb for longer.

Both cells will light the bulb at the same brightness.

Both cells will light the bulb for the same time.

Two  different cells can be used to light a bulb. The cells have the same voltage, but one is larger than the other.
Which two of the following statements are correct?

Which of the following components does the circuit symbol shown represent?

The voltmeter must be placed across the component.

The voltmeter must be placed in series with the component.

The voltmeter must be placed before the component.

The voltmeter must be placed after the component.

A voltmeter must be placed into a circuit in order to measure the voltage of a component. 
Which of the following statements is correct?

Starter Quiz

Match the following components to their function.