Potential divider circuits
I can calculate p.d. across one of two components in a series circuit with a battery.
- Year 10
- AQA
Potential divider circuits
I can calculate p.d. across one of two components in a series circuit with a battery.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The p.d. across a component in an electric circuit measures the size of push that is moving current through it.
- The p.d. across each component in a series circuit adds up to the p.d. across the battery.
- The current is the same through every component in a series circuit.
- The larger the total resistance of a series circuit, the smaller the current through it.
- In a series circuit, the share of p.d. across each component is proportional to its resistance.
Keywords
Series circuit - an electrical circuit with a single loop
Potential difference (p.d.) - a measure of the push an electric field gives to charges
Resistance - a property of a material that opposes the flow of current
Potential divider - a series circuit that divides the p.d. across a power supply into two or more smaller voltages
Common misconception
A battery pushes a constant current around a circuit.
Provide opportunity for pupils to measure p.d. across a power supply when the resistance of a circuit it is connected to is altered.
Equipment
variable resistor, lamp, power supply, two voltmeters, electrical leads
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is this electrical component?
Q2.What currents will be able to pass through this component?
Q3.In this model of a metal lattice, what do the black circles represent?
Q4.In this model of a metal lattice, what do the small blue circles represent?
Q5.What is the total resistance of these resistors when they are joined together?
Q6.A current of 0.3 A flows through these resistors. What is the p.d. across the 3 Ω resistor?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these statements is correct about the p.d. across components in a series circuit?
Q2.What is the p.d. across the 3 Ω resistor if the p.d. across the three resistors is 15 V?
Q3.What is the p.d. across the 20 Ω resistor?
Q4.What is the current through the 10 Ω resistor?
