New
New
Year 8

Making a series circuit

I can use a circuit diagram to build a series circuit and then draw a circuit diagram of a completed circuit.

New
New
Year 8

Making a series circuit

I can use a circuit diagram to build a series circuit and then draw a circuit diagram of a completed circuit.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The names and symbols of basic components of an electric circuit.
  2. A series circuit is an electric circuit with one complete path from one end of a battery round to the other end.
  3. A circuit is built systematically following a circuit diagram round in one direction, starting from any point.
  4. A circuit diagram is drawn systematically following a circuit round in one direction, starting from any point.
  5. Wires in a circuit diagram are drawn using a ruler for clarity with no gaps that would indicate a break in the circuit.

Keywords

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

  • Circuit diagram - A circuit diagram is a simple and clear way of showing the setup and components in an electrical circuit.

  • Circuit symbol - Circuit symbols are used to show electrical components in a circuit. They are simple to draw and easy to recognise.

  • Complete circuit - A complete circuit is one with no gaps so electricity is able to flow round the circuit.

Common misconception

Pupils often think of a circuit diagram as a map of a circuit when, in fact, it is a stylised representation that is drawn in a particular way to increase its clarity.

Emphasise that the diagram shows the sequence of the components in the circuit, not the position. A component can be moved to a different place but still be in the same sequence.

Show pupils different versions of the same circuit together with their corresponding diagrams. Probe pupils' understanding of why they think these are the same or are different.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
In a circuit with one battery and one lamp, what happens to the brightness of the lamp if a second battery is added (in series) into the circuit?
the lamp gets dimmer
Correct answer: the lamp gets brighter
the brightness of the lamp does not change
Q2.
In a circuit with one battery and one lamp, what happens to the brightness of the first lamp if a second, identical lamp is added (in series with the first) into the circuit?
the brightness of the first bulb does not change
Correct answer: the first lamp gets dimmer
the first lamp gets brighter
Q3.
Which component is represented by the symbol shown?
An image in a quiz
a battery
a buzzer
Correct answer: a lamp
a motor
Q4.
Which component is represented by the symbol shown?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: a battery
a voltmeter
an ammeter
a resistor
Q5.
Which of the symbols shown is used to represent a resistor?
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
Q6.
Which of the following changes would increase the brightness of a lamp in a circuit?
decrease current
increase number of lamps
Correct answer: increase number of batteries
longer wires

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these electrical components have + (plus) and – (minus) terminals?
Correct answer: batteries
lamps
motors
Correct answer: voltmeters
Correct answer: ammeters
Q2.
Which of these is required to make a series circuit work correctly?
there needs to be more than one loop
it needs to be built starting at a battery
Correct answer: there should only be one loop
Correct answer: the circuit should be complete
there needs to be an insulator in the circuit
Q3.
Which of these is not a rule for drawing circuit diagrams?
Straight horizontal, or vertical, lines are used for wires.
Correct answer: Circuit symbols should be in colour.
Components are shown by circuit symbols.
Wires and components have no gaps.
Q4.
Which of these pieces of equipment should be used when drawing a circuit diagram?
Correct answer: a ruler
Correct answer: a sharp pencil
a pair of compasses
Correct answer: a rubber
Q5.
What component is designed to light up when electricity flows though it?
a motor
a buzzer
Correct answer: a lamp
a heater
Q6.
Put these steps into the correct order to describe how to build a circuit from a circuit diagram.
1 - Collect the number of components and wires shown in the diagram.
2 - Arrange the components into the correct order.
3 - Starting at any point, connect two components with a wire.
4 - Connect the next component with another wire.
5 - Carry on connecting components until you have a complete loop.