Resistance and parallel circuits
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Series circuits, where they explored current, voltage, and resistance in simple electrical loops. It deepens their understanding by examining resistance and parallel circuits, focusing on how electrical components behave differently when arranged in parallel. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Electric fields and circuit calculations, where they will apply their knowledge to explore electric fields, complex circuit behaviours, and the calculations needed to predict circuit performance, enhancing their understanding of electrical systems.
Prior knowledge requirements
- An ammeter measures the size of current flowing through it without affecting the current in the circuit it is connected into.
- Electric current is measured in amps (A), which is short for ampere.
- The current in a series circuit is the same everywhere.
- Adding a component to a series circuit changes the current everywhere, on both sides of the component.
- A voltmeter is used to measure the voltage of a battery or the voltage across a component in an electric circuit.
- A voltmeter is connected to each side of a battery or component.
- Voltage (or potential difference) is measured in volts (V).
- The voltage of a battery measures the strength with which it can ‘push’ current around a circuit.
- The voltage of a component in an electric circuit measures the size of ‘push’ that is moving current through it.
- The voltage across each component in a series electric circuit adds up to the voltage of the battery.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Series circuits, where they explored current, voltage, and resistance in simple electrical loops. It deepens their understanding by examining resistance and parallel circuits, focusing on how electrical components behave differently when arranged in parallel. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Electric fields and circuit calculations, where they will apply their knowledge to explore electric fields, complex circuit behaviours, and the calculations needed to predict circuit performance, enhancing their understanding of electrical systems.
Prior knowledge requirements
- An ammeter measures the size of current flowing through it without affecting the current in the circuit it is connected into.
- Electric current is measured in amps (A), which is short for ampere.
- The current in a series circuit is the same everywhere.
- Adding a component to a series circuit changes the current everywhere, on both sides of the component.
- A voltmeter is used to measure the voltage of a battery or the voltage across a component in an electric circuit.
- A voltmeter is connected to each side of a battery or component.
- Voltage (or potential difference) is measured in volts (V).
- The voltage of a battery measures the strength with which it can ‘push’ current around a circuit.
- The voltage of a component in an electric circuit measures the size of ‘push’ that is moving current through it.
- The voltage across each component in a series electric circuit adds up to the voltage of the battery.
Physics
Resistance and parallel 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.
9 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Resistance and parallel circuits unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary science programmes.