6.2.1 Current, potential difference and resistance

You will need to use a combination of the materials we have collected here to enable you to succeed. The most important factor will always be your effort. Use the knowledge of your teacher, attend revision sessions, ask when you need help. Most importantly of all, stay confident! You can do this!

Learning Checklist & Knowledge Organisers

6.2.1 Current, potential difference and resistance (Foundation only)

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 ]
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 16: use circuit diagrams to construct appropriate circuits to investigate the I–V characteristics of a variety of circuit elements