Physics

sample deck

GCSE Physics: Electric circuits

Current, potential difference, resistance and Ohm's law.

1. What is electric current?

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   The rate of flow of electric charge around a circuit.

2. What unit is electric current measured in?

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   Amperes (amps).

3. How is an ammeter connected in a circuit?

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   In series, so that the same current flows through it as through the component being measured.

4. What is potential difference?

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   The energy transferred per unit of charge between two points in a circuit.

5. How is a voltmeter connected in a circuit?

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   In parallel across the component.

6. Resistance is measured in {ohms}.

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   ohms

7. What is Ohm's law?

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   V = I × R (potential difference equals current multiplied by resistance).

8. What happens to total resistance when components are connected in series?

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   Their resistances add together to give a larger total resistance.

9. What happens to total resistance when more parallel branches are added to a circuit?

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   The total resistance decreases because there are more paths for the current to take.

10. What is the same for all components in a series circuit?

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    The current.

11. What does each component receive in a parallel circuit?

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    The full potential difference of the supply.

practice preview — fresh every time

1. 2 marks · foundation tier

   A component has a current of 11 A and a resistance of 10 Ω. Work out the potential difference. Give your answer in V.

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   110

   V = I × R = 11 × 10 = 110 V.

2. 2 marks · foundation tier

   A block presses on a surface with a force normal to the surface of 657 N and a surface area of 15 m². Work out the pressure. Give your answer in Pa. Give your answer to 3 significant figures.

   show the answer

   43.8

   p = F / A = 657 / 15 = 43.8 Pa.

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