Linking current, potential difference and resistance
I can describe the relationships between current, potential difference and resistance.
Linking current, potential difference and resistance
I can describe the relationships between current, potential difference and resistance.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The current in a series circuit is the same everywhere.
- The p.d. across each component in a series electric circuit adds up to the p.d. of the battery.
- The greater the resistance in a series circuit, the lower the current (current is inversely proportional to resistance).
- The greater the battery p.d. in series circuit, the larger the current (current is directly proportional to p.d.).
- Current, p.d. or resistance can be calculated with the equation: current = p.d./resistance.
Keywords
Series circuit - a circuit where there is only one loop
Potential difference (p.d.) - the voltage or a measure of the ‘push’ on electrons in a circuit
Resistance - a measure of how difficult it is for current to flow in a circuit
Electrical current - a measure of the amount of charge passing a given point in one second
Ohms (Ω) - the unit of resistance
Common misconception
Pupils often use physics equations without understanding, leading to errors.
Develop a qualitative understanding of potential difference, current and resistance before combining them mathematically. Use the equation as a shorthand for an already understood relationship between them.
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Linking current, potential difference and resistance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 physics lesson on: Linking current, potential difference and resistance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Electric fields and circuit calculations unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a measure of how difficult it is for charge to move around a circuit
the amount of charge passing a point in one second
a measure of the ‘push’ on electrons in a circuit