a device that measures the current flowing in a circuit

the unit that current is measured in (short for amperes), represented by the symbol A

a circuit with more than one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end

Measuring current in a parallel circuit

Science

about the properties of electric fields, moving electric charge, and how to analyse series and parallel electrical circuits.

In the Series circuits unit, pupils learnt about static electricity (electric charge), setting up series circuits using circuit diagrams, finding and replacing faulty components, and the rules for electric current and voltage in series circuits.

Resistance and parallel circuits

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

The current in all the branches will always be equal.

The current in the branches will be greater than the current in the battery.

The total current in the branches will be less than the current in the battery.

The total current in the branches will be equal to the current in the battery.

A parallel circuit contains a battery and several branches that have different components on.
Which of the following statement is correct?

Choose the place in the circuit where you want to measure the current.

Disconnect the leads as near to this point as you can.

Place an ammeter in the gap and connect one side to the end of one lead.

Connect the other lead to the other side of the ammeter.

Check the ammeter is working and take the reading.

Starting with the first step, sort the following steps into the correct order to form a method for adding an ammeter to a circuit to measure the current.

Which component is the ammeter in the circuit shown measuring the current through?

Current going into the junction equals current going out of the junction.

Current going into the junction is less than current going out of the junction.

Current going into the junction is more than current going out of the junction.

What is the rule for current at junctions in a parallel circuit?

What is the current through the electric cell in the circuit shown?

What is the current through the lamp in the circuit shown?

The current decreases as it travels through the circuit.

There is a lower current through a component, e.g. a resistor, than a battery.

All the current flows through all the components.

Components with resistance use up the current.

Which of the following statements about current in a series circuit is correct?

Which of the following quantities is an ammeter used to measure?

Which of the following units is current measured in?

Current is the flow of electrons per second.

Current is the speed with which electrons move.

Current is the flow of protons through the wire.

Which of the following statements about current through a metal wire is correct?

An ammeter has a very, very low resistance.

An ammeter only lets some of the current in a series circuit flow through it.

Which of the following statements about an ammeter is correct?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

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

Measuring current in a parallel circuit

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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