Electrical current is the amount of charge flowing past a given point in one second.

A series circuit is an electrical circuit with a single loop.

P.d is a measure of the push an electric field gives to charges.

Resistance is a property of a material that prevents the flow of current.

Analysing series circuits: including complex calculations

Combined science

In the Circuit components unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn how the resistance of filament lamps and diodes change with current and about the properties and applications of light dependent resistors and thermistors.

In the Resistance and parallel circuits unit, pupils learnt about electrical resistance and parallel electric circuits.

Electric fields and circuit calculations

The circuit diagram shows a series circuit. The potential difference across each cell and component is shown, except for the resistor.
The p.d. across the resistor is {{}} V.

What potential difference is needed to make a current of 0.40 A flow through a motor with a resistance of 8.0 Ω?

A resistor in a circuit has a potential difference of 5.5 V across it and a current of 2.2 A flowing through it. The resistance of the resistor is {{}} Ω.

The diagram shows three components in series with each other. The potential difference across each component, and the resistance of one component, are shown. The resistance of the resistor is {{}} Ω.

What is the resistance of the lamp labelled X in the circuit shown?

The diagram shows a series circuit. The power supply voltage, the p.d. across the lamp and the resistance of the resistor are shown.
The reading on the ammeter is {{}} A.

Which of the following is the unit of electric current?

Which of the following is the unit of resistance?

There is an invisible electric {{}} around a charged object, in which other charged objects and small, uncharged objects experience forces. 

a circuit in which every component has the same p.d.

Which of the following can always be used to describe a series circuit?

It is impossible to say without more information.

A lamp is added to a series circuit, in series with the other components in the circuit. No other changes are made to the circuit. 
Which of the following describes what happens to the current?

A series circuit includes one 1.5 V cell. 
Two more 1.5 V cells are added in series with the first cell, and no other changes are made. Which of the following occurs?

Starter Quiz