Voltage in parallel circuits
I can describe the rule for voltages in a parallel circuit.
Voltage in parallel circuits
I can describe the rule for voltages in a parallel circuit.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A voltmeter is connected to each side of a battery or component.
- Voltage (or potential difference) is measured in volts (V).
- The voltage across a battery measures the strength with which it can ‘push’ current around a circuit.
- The voltage across a component in an electric circuit measures the size of ‘push’ that is moving current through it.
- The voltage across each branch of a parallel circuit is the same as the voltage across the battery.
Keywords
Voltmeter - A voltmeter is a device that is connected in parallel with components to measure the voltage across them.
Voltage - The voltage across a component measures the size of the 'push' that is moving current through it.
Potential difference - Potential difference is a more formal term for voltage, however they can be used interchangeably because they refer to the same electrical quantity.
Parallel circuit - A circuit with junctions and separate loops is a parallel circuit.
Branch - Each separate loop in a parallel circuit can be called a branch.
Common misconception
Voltage in a parallel circuit is shared out between each branch of the circuit.
Provide opportunity for pupils to measure voltage across each branch of a range of parallel circuits to give evidence for the correct rule.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Voltage in parallel circuits, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Voltage in parallel circuits, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Resistance and parallel circuits unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
For each group: voltmeter, connecting wires (×8), 1.5 V battery (×3), bulb, buzzer, motor and resistor.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
