Electricity

Whole Topic PLC

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Whole Topic PLC

Draw and interpret circuit diagrams, including all common circuit symbols
Define electric current as the rate of flow of electrical charge around a closed circuit
Calculate charge and current by recalling and applying the formula: [ Q = It ]
Explain that current is caused by a source of potential difference and it has the same value at any point in a single closed loop of a circuit
Describe and apply the idea that the greater the resistance of a component, the smaller the current for a given potential difference (p.d.) across the component
Calculate current, potential difference or resistance by recalling and applying the equation: [ V = IR ]
Required practical 3: Use circuit diagrams to set up and check circuits to investigate the factors affecting the resistance of electrical circuits
Define an ohmic conductor
Explain the resistance of components such as lamps, diodes, thermistors and LDRs and sketch/interpret IV graphs of their characteristic electrical behaviour
Explain how to measure the resistance of a component by drawing an appropriate circuit diagram using correct circuit symbols
Required practical 4: use circuit diagrams to construct appropriate circuits to investigate the I–V characteristics of a variety of circuit elements
Show by calculation and explanation that components in series have the same current passing through them
Show by calculation and explanation that components connected in parallel have the same the potential difference across each of them
Calculate the total resistance of two components in series as the sum of the resistance of each component using the equation: [ R total = R1 + R2 ]
Explain qualitatively why adding resistors in series increases the total resistance whilst adding resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance
Solve problems for circuits which include resistors in series using the concept of equivalent resistance
Explain the difference between direct and alternating voltage and current, stating what UK mains is
Identify and describe the function of each wire in a three-core cable connected to the mains
State that the potential difference between the live wire and earth (0 V) is about 230 V and that both neutral wires and our bodies are at, or close to, earth potential (0 V)
Explain that a live wire may be dangerous even when a switch in the mains circuit is open by explaining the danger of providing any connection between the live wire and earth
Explain how the power transfer in any circuit device is related to the potential difference across it and the current through it
Calculate power by recalling and applying the equations: [ P = VI ] and [ P = I2 R ]
Describe how appliances transfer energy to the kinetic energy of motors or the thermal energy of heating devices
Calculate and explain the amount of energy transferred by electrical work by recalling and applying the equations: [ E = Pt ] and [ E = QV ]
Explain how the power of a circuit device is related to the potential difference across it, the current through it and the energy transferred over a given time.
Describe, with examples, the relationship between the power ratings for domestic electrical appliances and the changes in stored energy when they are in use
Identify the National Grid as a system of cables and transformers linking power stations to consumers
Explain why the National Grid system is an efficient way to transfer energy, with reference to change in potential difference reducing current