Electricity

10.1 Practical circuits

1 recall and use the appropriate circuit symbols for this syllabus

2 draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing power sources, switches, resistors, ammeters and voltmeters and/or any other type of component referred to in the syllabus

3 define and use the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a source as energy transferred per unit charge in driving charge around a complete circuit

4 distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference (p.d.) in terms of energy considerations

5 understand the effects of the internal resistance of a source of e.m.f. on the terminal potential difference

10.2 Kirchhoff’s laws 

1 recall Kirchhoff’s first law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of charge 

2 recall Kirchhoff’s second law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of energy

3 derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series

4 use the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series

5 derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel

6 use the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel

7 use Kirchhoff’s laws to solve simple circuit problems

10.3 Potential dividers

1 understand the principle of a potential divider circuit

2 recall and use the principle of the potentiometer as a means of comparing potential differences

3 understand the use of a galvanometer in null methods

4 explain the use of thermistors and light-dependent resistors in potential dividers to provide a potential difference that is dependent on temperature and light intensity