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In this topic we compare and explain current flow in different parts of a parallel circuit
In this topic we compare and explain current flow in different parts of a parallel circuit
and compare the voltage drop across resistors connected in series in a circuit.
and compare the voltage drop across resistors connected in series in a circuit.
By the end of this topic you should know:
By the end of this topic you should know:
Current is a movement of electrons and is the same everywhere in a series circuit.
Current divides between loops in a parallel circuit, combines when loops meet, lights up bulbs and makes components work.
Around a charged object, the electric field affects other charged objects, causing them to be attracted or repelled. The field strength decreases with distance.
Two similarly charged objects repel, two differently charged objects attract.
We can model voltage as an electrical push from the battery, or the amount of energy per unit of charge transferred through the electrical pathway.
In a series circuit, voltage is shared between each component.
In a parallel circuit, voltage is the same across each loop.
Components with resistance reduce the current flowing and shift energy to the surroundings.
By the end of this topic you should be able to:
By the end of this topic you should be able to:
Describe how current changes in series and parallel circuits when components are changed.
Turn circuit diagrams into real series and parallel circuits, and vice versa.
Describe what happens when charged objects are placed near to each other or touching.
Use a sketch to describe how an object charged positively or negatively became charged up.
Calculate resistance using the formula:
Resistance (Ω) = potential difference (V) ÷ current (A).
Draw a circuit diagram to show how voltage can be measured in a simple circuit.
Use the idea of energy to explain how voltage and resistance affect the way components work.
Given a table of voltage against current. Use the ratio of voltage to current to determine the resistance.
Use an analogy like water in pipes to explain why part of a circuit has higher resistance.
By the end of this topic you should understand these key words:
By the end of this topic you should understand these key words:
Negatively charged: An object that has gained electrons as a result of the charging process.
Positively charged: An object that has lost electrons as a result of the charging process.
Electrons: Tiny particles which are part of atoms and carry a negative charge.
Charged up: When materials are rubbed together, electrons move from one surface to the other.
Electrostatic force: Non-contact force between two charged objects.
Current: Flow of electric charge, in amperes (A).
In series: If components in a circuit are on the same loop.
In parallel: If some components are on separate loops.
Field: The area where other objects feel an electrostatic force.
Potential difference (voltage): The amount of energy shifted from the battery to the moving charge, or from the charge to circuit components, in volts (V).
Resistance: A property of a component, making it difficult for charge to pass through, in ohms (Ω).
Electrical conductor: A material that allows current to flow through it easily, and has a low resistance.
Electrical insulator: A material that does not allow current to flow easily, and has a high resistance.
Negatively charged: An object that has gained electrons as a result of the charging process.
Positively charged: An object that has lost electrons as a result of the charging process.
Electrons: Tiny particles which are part of atoms and carry a negative charge.
Charged up: When materials are rubbed together, electrons move from one surface to the other.
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