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Lesson 4 of 8

Measuring electric current

I can measure current and describe the rule for current in a series circuit.

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Lesson 4 of 8
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Measuring electric current

I can measure current and describe the rule for current in a series circuit.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. An ammeter is used to measure the size of an electric current.
  2. An ammeter measures the current flowing through it without affecting the current in the circuit it is connected into.
  3. Electric current is measured in amps (A), which is short for amperes.
  4. The current in a series circuit is the same everywhere.
  5. Adding a component to a series circuit changes the current everywhere, on both sides of the component.

Keywords

  • Ammeter - An ammeter is a device that measures the current flowing in a circuit.

  • Amps (A) - An ammeter measures the current in units called amps (A) which is short for amperes.

  • Series circuit - A series circuit is an electric circuit with one complete loop from one end of a battery to the other end.

Common misconception

Pupils often hold a consumption model of electric current, believing it is used up in a circuit. They misuse the terms voltage, current and electricity, and may choose a voltmeter to measure current.

Encourage pupils to investigate the size of the current through a range of different conductors (and insulators) using an ammeter in a simple circuit. This will help them become familiar with the ammeter and its correct use.

Ask pupils to predict what will happen, then compare their predictions with the actual findings. Encourage them to test and reason why their answers may be correct or incorrect. This can be facilitated through class discussion. Additional circuits can be tested as an extension.
Teacher tip

Equipment

See additional materials.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the name of the tiny, charged particles that flow in a circuit?

protons
neutrons
atoms
Correct answer: electrons

Q2.
What is the name of the component that can be closed (to allow current to flow) or opened (to stop current flowing)?

a lamp
a battery
an ammeter
Correct answer: a switch
a resistor

Q3.
Which of the following words is used to describe a flow of charge?

voltage
Correct answer: current
resistance
power

Q4.
Where do electrons enter a cell?

They enter through the negative terminal.
Correct answer: They enter through the positive terminal.
They enter through both terminals.
Electrons only leave a cell; they don’t enter.

Q5.
Where would you find electrons that can flow to cause a current? Select all that apply.

Correct answer: metal wire in a circuit
Correct answer: a resistor
plastic insulation around a wire
Correct answer: a battery
Correct answer: a bulb

Q6.
Match the following electrical terms to their definition.

Correct Answer:electron,a tiny, negatively charged particle

a tiny, negatively charged particle

Correct Answer:charge,this can be either negative or positive

this can be either negative or positive

Correct Answer:cell or battery,a component that pushes out and pulls in electrons

a component that pushes out and pulls in electrons

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following images is of an ammeter?

An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q2.
What happens to the current in a series circuit?

it decreases as it passes through components
it increases as it passes through components
Correct answer: it stays the same as it passes through components
it decreases as it passes through components then returns to the original value

Q3.
What will happen to the current when an ammeter is placed in a series circuit?

the current will increase
Correct answer: the current will remain the same
the current will decrease
the current will increase if the ammeter is placed before the cell or battery
the current will decrease if the ammeter is placed after the cell or battery

Q4.
Which of the following statements about this circuit is correct?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: the ammeters have no effect on the current
the lamp has no effect on the current
the lamp decreases the current and the ammeters increase the current
both the lamp and the ammeters decrease the current

Q5.
Which of the following statements about the readings on the two ammeters is correct?

An image in a quiz
the reading on ammeter 1 will be higher than the reading on ammeter 2
the reading on ammeter 1 will be lower than the reading on ammeter 2
ammeter 1 will have a positive reading and ammeter 2 will have negative one
Correct answer: the reading on both ammeters will be the same

Q6.
What of the following statements about the lamps in the circuit shown is correct?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: the lamps will all be equally bright
lamp 1 will be brightest, followed by lamp 2 and lamp 3 will be dimmest
lamp 3 will be brightest, followed by lamp 2 and lamp 1 will be dimmest
lamps 1 and 3 will be bright and lamp 2 will be dim

Lesson appears in

UnitScience / Series circuits

Science

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