A voltmeter is a device that measures the voltage supplied by a cell or battery or across a component.

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

Potential difference is a more formal term for voltage; they can be used interchangeably.

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

Two or more cells connected in series form a battery.

Measuring voltage

Science

Making a series circuit

Fixing faulty circuits

Electric current

Measuring electric current

Changing 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

Which of the following is another term used for voltage?

Which of the following is the name of the device shown?

swap the positions of the voltmeter and ammeter

swap the positions of the lamp and ammeter

swap the positions of the voltmeter and lamp

put the lamp, ammeter and voltmeter in series with each other

The circuit shown has been set up incorrectly. 
Which of the following actions should be taken to correct it?

the bulb in lamp 1 is the brightest, followed by lamp 2 and then lamp 3

the bulbs in all of the lamps are the same brightness

the bulbs in lamps 1 and 3 are bright and the bulb in lamp 2 is dim

the bulb in lamp 3 is the brightest, followed by lamp 2 and then lamp 1

The lamps in the circuit shown contain identical bulbs and the circuit is working as it should be. 
Which of the following statements about the circuit are correct?

Starting with the lowest voltage, sort the following cells and batteries into order of increasing voltage.

the larger cell will have a higher voltage

The two alkaline cells shown can both be used for the same circuit. 
Which of the following statements about the cells are correct?

Which of the following flow through the wires in electrical circuits? 
Select all that apply.

Which of the following components is used to measure current?

Which of the following are units of current?

Which of the following components does the symbol shown represent?

Which two of the following components are shown in this circuit?

Measuring voltage

Lesson outcome