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.
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 .
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).
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.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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