Resistance is a measure of how difficult it is for a current to flow through a component or a circuit.

An ammeter is a device that measures the current flowing through a circuit.

The unit of current is the amp (A), which is short for amperes.

A control variable is one that must be kept the same when other variables are being tested to ensure that the test is fair.

Electrical resistance

Science

Thickness of a wire

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

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.

An electric circuit with one complete loop from one end of a cell or battery to the other end.

A circuit that has no gaps, allowing electricity to flow continuously around the circuit.

An electric circuit with more than one complete loop from one end of a cell or battery to the other end.

A simple and clear way of showing the setup and components in an electrical circuit.

A voltmeter is a device that is connected in parallel and 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 parallel circuit is an electric circuit with more than one complete loop from one end of a cell or battery to the other end.

Two or more cells connected in series form a battery.

A more formal term for voltage; they can be used interchangeably.

a device that measures the current flowing in a circuit

the unit that current is measured in (short for amperes), represented by the symbol A

a circuit with more than one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end

a measure of the ‘push’ an electrical cell will give to charges

a circuit with junctions that lead to separate loops

the amount of energy transferred every second

the unit of energy usage; 1 kWh = 1 unit of energy used

Resistance and parallel circuits

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