Voltage is a measure of the ‘strength’ of the ‘push’ of a battery that sends charge round a circuit.

Potential difference is another name for voltage.

Voltage (or potential difference) is measured in volts (V).

A battery is a combined component that uses a chemical reaction to push electric charge round a circuit.

An electrical cell is an individual unit which can be connected to other cells to make a battery of cells.

Changing voltage

Science

In the Magnets and electromagnets unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about how electric current flows through electromagnets, factors that affect the strength of electromagnets and uses of electromagnets that include a simple electric motor.

In Changing circuits unit (Y6), pupils learnt to construct simple circuits, and about complete circuits, circuit diagrams and how the number and voltage of cells in a battery affect components in a circuit. 

Series circuits

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

A 1.5 V battery is connected to a 6 V bulb in a series circuit.
Which of the following statements about the circuit is correct?

The voltage across each of the bulbs will be different.

The bulb nearest the positive terminal will be brightest.

The bulb nearest the negative terminal will be brightest.

he voltage across each of the bulbs will be the same.

A battery is connected to four identical bulbs in a series circuit.
Which of the following statements about the circuit is correct?

The battery shown is made from three, identical 1.5 V cells that are aligned correctly.
Which of the following is the total voltage supplied by the battery?

The battery in the circuit shown is made from two, identical 3 V cells.
Which of the following is the reading that would be displayed on the voltmeter?

The battery in the circuit shown is made from two, identical 1.5 V cells. 
Which of the following is the reading that would be displayed on the voltmeter?

All of the bulbs in the circuit diagram shown are identical.
Which of the following is the correct voltage across bulb 1? 

opposes the flow of current around a circuit

Match the following components to their function.

Which of the following is the voltage of the batteries shown?

Which of the following is the voltage of the domestic mains electricity supply in the UK?

The larger battery will light the bulb brighter.

The larger battery will light the bulb for longer.

Both batteries will light the bulb at the same brightness.

Both batteries will light the bulb for the same time. 

Two batteries can be used to light a bulb. The batteries have the same voltage, but one is larger than the other.
Which two of the following statements are correct?

Which of the following components does the circuit symbol shown represent?

The voltmeter must be placed across the component.

The voltmeter must be placed in series with the component.

The voltmeter must be placed before the component.

The voltmeter must be placed after the component. 

A voltmeter must be placed into a circuit in order to measure the voltage of a component. 
Which of the following statements is correct? 

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz