A voltmeter is a device used to measure the voltage  supplied by a battery or across a component.

Voltage is a measure of the ‘push’ from a battery that causes charge to be transferred around a circuit.

Potential difference is a more formal term for voltage, however they can be used interchangeably because they refer to the same electrical quantity.

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

A battery is a component that uses a chemical reaction to 'push' electric charges around a circuit.

Measuring 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

Which of the following terms is used for voltage?

Which of the following is the name of the device shown?

swap the positions of the voltmeter and ammeter

swap the positions of the bulb and ammeter

swap the positions of the voltmeter and bulb

put the bulb, ammeter and voltmeter in series with each other 

The circuit shown has been set up incorrectly. 
Which of the following actions should be taken to correct it?

bulb 1 is the brightest, followed by bulb 2 and then bulb 3

all of the bulbs are the same brightness 

bulb 1 and 3 are bright and bulb 2 is dim

bulb 3 is the brightest, followed by bulb 2 and then bulb 1

The circuit shown contains identical bulbs and is working as it should be. 
Which of the following statements about the circuit are correct?

Starting with the lowest voltage, sort the following batteries into order of increasing voltage.

the larger battery will have a higher voltage

The two alkaline batteries shown can both be used for the same circuit. 
Which of the following statements about the batteries are correct? 

Which of the following flow through the wires in electrical circuits? 
Select all that apply.

Which of the following components is used to measure current?

Which of the following are units of current?

Which of the following components does the symbol shown represent?

Which two of the following components are shown in this circuit simulation?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Measuring voltage

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.