Calculating with electric charge: including complex calculations
I can explain the equations: I = Q ÷ t, V = E ÷ Q, P = I × V, and V = I × R, and use them in calculations.
Calculating with electric charge: including complex calculations
I can explain the equations: I = Q ÷ t, V = E ÷ Q, P = I × V, and V = I × R, and use them in calculations.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Electric charge, Q, is measured in coulombs (C).
- Electric current is a measure of the rate of flow of electric charge, calculated using: I = Q ÷ t.
- Potential difference is a measure of the energy transferred by each coulomb of charge, calculated using: V = E ÷ Q.
- Combining I = Q ÷ t and V = E ÷ Q gives the equation: E ÷ t = I × V. This is equivalent to P = I × V.
- Unknown variables in the power equation can often be calculated using: I = V ÷ R.
Keywords
Electric current - an electrical property; it can either be positive or negative
Coulombs (C) - the unit of electric charge
Electric current - the amount of electric charge flowing past a point in a circuit each second
Potential difference (p.d.) - the amount of energy transferred by each coulomb of charge, passing between two points in a circuit
Power - the amount of energy transferred each second
Common misconception
Understanding electrical circuits is about memorising equations and procedures.
Give pupils the opportunity to discuss what happens in a circuit before they attempt to answer questions about it.
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Calculating with electric charge: including complex calculations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Calculating with electric charge: including complex calculations, 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 Mains electricity unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
current -
charge flowing past a point in a circuit per second
electric charge -
a property that can either be positive or negative
potential difference -
energy transferred per unit charge passing between two points
current -
A
energy -
J
potential difference -
V
power -
W
Exit quiz
6 Questions
$$E$$ -
J
$$I$$ -
A
$$P$$ -
W
$$Q$$ -
C
$$t$$ -
s
$$V$$ -
V