Measuring voltage
I can describe how to measure voltage and the effect of different battery voltages on an electric circuit.
Measuring voltage
I can describe how to measure voltage and the effect of different battery voltages on an electric circuit.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Voltage is a commonly used term for potential difference.
- A voltmeter is used to measure the voltage supplied by a battery or across a component in an electric circuit.
- A voltmeter is connected to each terminal of a battery or side of a component.
- Voltage (or potential difference) is measured in volts (V).
- The voltage of a battery measures the force with which it can ‘push’ electric charges around a circuit .
Keywords
Voltmeter - A voltmeter is a device used to measure the voltage supplied by a battery or across a component.
Voltage - Voltage is a measure of the ‘push’ from a battery that causes charge to be transferred around a circuit.
Potential difference - Potential difference is a more formal term for voltage, however they can be used interchangeably because they refer to the same electrical quantity.
Volts - Voltage (or potential difference) is measured in volts (V).
Battery - A battery is a component that uses a chemical reaction to 'push' electric charges around a circuit.
Common misconception
Pupils are likely to use the words current, voltage, power and energy to mean the same thing. They often have a consumption model of current and believe that voltage flows through a circuit.
It is essential that pupils can distinguish between: the current flowing through the circuit (that is conserved); the energy that is stored in the battery and then transferred elsewhere; and the voltage (across the battery or a component).
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Measuring voltage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Measuring voltage, 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 3 science lessons from the Series circuits unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
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Supervision
Adult supervision required
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
