Measuring voltage
I can describe how to measure voltage and the effect of different cell or battery voltages on an electric circuit.
- Year 8
Measuring voltage
I can describe how to measure voltage and the effect of different cell or battery voltages on an electric circuit.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Voltage is a commonly used term for potential difference.
- A voltmeter measures the voltage supplied by a cell or battery or across a component.
- A voltmeter is connected across the terminals of a cell, battery, or component.
- Voltage (or potential difference) is measured in volts (V).
- The voltage of a cell or battery indicates the force 'pushing' electric charges around a circuit.
Keywords
Voltmeter - A voltmeter is a device that measures the voltage supplied by a cell or battery or across a component.
Voltage - Voltage is a measure of the 'push' from a cell or battery that moves charge around a circuit.
Potential difference (p.d.) - Potential difference is a more formal term for voltage; they can be used interchangeably.
Volt (V) - A voltmeter measures the voltage (or potential difference) in units called volts (V).
Battery - Two or more cells connected in series form a battery.
Common misconception
Pupils are likely to use the words current, voltage, power, and energy interchangeably. They often have a consumption model of current and believe that voltage flows through a circuit.
It is essential that pupils distinguish between the current flowing through the circuit (which is conserved), the energy stored in the cell or battery and transferred elsewhere, and the voltage across the cell, battery or component.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following flow through the wires in electrical circuits?
Select all that apply.
Q2.Which of the following components is used to measure current?
Q3.Which of the following are units of current?
Q4.Which of the following components does the symbol shown represent?
Q5.Which two of the following components are shown in this circuit?
Q6.What is a voltmeter used to measure?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is another term used for voltage?
Q2.Which of the following is the name of the device shown?
Q3.The circuit shown has been set up incorrectly.
Which of the following actions should be taken to correct it?
Q4.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?
Q5.Starting with the lowest voltage, sort the following cells and batteries into order of increasing voltage.
Q6.The two alkaline cells shown can both be used for the same circuit.
Which of the following statements about the cells are correct?
