PHYSICS – Electric circuits

Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing

sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Switch

Resistor
(fixed)
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Resistor
Switch (variable
)
Resistor
(fixed) Heater
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Resistor
Cell (variable
)
Battery
Heater
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Cell Thermistor

Light
Battery dependent
resistor (LDR)
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Filament
Thermistor
lamp

Filament Light
dependent
lamp resistor (LDR)
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Filament Ammete
lamp r

Filament
Voltmeter
lamp
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Galvanometer
Ammete
r

Magnetisin
g coil
Voltmeter
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Galvanometer Transformer

Magnetisin
g coil
Bell
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Fuse Transformer

Relay Bell
(and switch)
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

DC Power
Fuse Supply

Relay AC Power
(and switch) Supply
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing
sources, switches, resistors (fixed and variable),
heaters, thermistors, light-dependent resistors,
lamps, ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers,
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, fuses and Components
relays
Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing diodes

Diode
Light
emitting
diode Diodes only allow current to flow in one
direction. They can be used to protect
damage to polarised components.
Series and Parallel Circuits
Series and Parallel Circuits

Series

• Components are in a single

loop, and the current flows
from one to the next
without any branches.
Series and Parallel Circuits

Series

• Components are in a single

loop, and the current flows
from one to the next
without any branches.
• If more bulbs are put into
the circuit then the bulbs
will be dimmer than before.
Series and Parallel Circuits

Series

• Components are in a single

loop, and the current flows
from one to the next
without any branches.
• If more bulbs are put into
the circuit then the bulbs
will be dimmer than before.
• If one bulb breaks then the
circuit is broken and all
components stop
Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Paralle
l

• Components are in a single • Components are connected

loop, and the current flows on different branches of
from one to the next the wire
without any branches.
• If more bulbs are put into
the circuit then the bulbs
will be dimmer than before.
• If one bulb breaks then the
circuit is broken and all
components stop
Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Paralle
l

• Components are in a single • Components are connected

loop, and the current flows on different branches of
from one to the next the wire.
without any branches. • If more bulbs are added
• If more bulbs are put into then the lamps stay bright
the circuit then the bulbs – they take full voltage.
will be dimmer than before.
• If one bulb breaks then the
circuit is broken and all
components stop
Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Paralle
l

• Components are in a single • Components are connected

loop, and the current flows on different branches of
from one to the next the wire.
without any branches. • If more bulbs are added
• If more bulbs are put into then the lamps stay bright
the circuit then the bulbs – they take full voltage.
will be dimmer than before. • If one bulb breaks the
• If one bulb breaks then the components on different
circuit is broken and all branches keep working.
components stop Our home circuits are
Current in Series and Parallel
circuits

Ammeters can be placed

anywhere in a series circuit
and will all give the same
reading.
Current in Series and Parallel
circuits

In a parallel circuit
the current through
each component
depends upon its
resistance.
Current in Series and Parallel
circuits

In a parallel circuit
5.5A the current through
1.5A each component
depends upon its
3A
resistance.
1A The total current
flowing around the
circuit is equal to the
total of all the
currents in the
separate branches.
Current in Series and Parallel
circuits

In a parallel circuit
5.5A the current through
1.5A each component
depends upon its
3A
resistance.
1A The total current
flowing around the
circuit is equal to the
total of all the
A1 = A2 + A3 + currents in the
A4 separate branches.
Current in Series and Parallel
circuits

In a parallel circuit
5.5A the current through
1.5A each component
depends upon its
3A
resistance.
1A The total current
flowing around the
circuit is equal to the
total of all the
A1 = A2 + A3 + currents in the
A4 separate branches.
5.5 = 1.5 + 3 + 1
 Voltage in Series and Parallel Voltage is
circuits measured
using a
VOLTMETER

To measure the voltage

across a component in a
circuit the voltmeter must
be placed in parallel with it.
 Voltage in Series and Parallel Voltage is
circuits measured
using a
VOLTMETER

In a series circuit the total

voltage (PD) of the supply is
shared between the various
components, so the voltages
around a series circuit always
add up to equal the source
voltage.
 Voltage in Series and Parallel Voltage is
circuits measured
using a
VOLTMETER

In a parallel
circuit all
components
In a series circuit the total get the full
voltage (PD) of the supply is source
shared between the various voltage, so
components, so the voltages the voltage is
around a series circuit always the same
add up to equal the source across all
voltage. components
Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits
 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In series
 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In series
If resistors are connected in
series, the current through
each resistor is the same.

I1 = I2 = I3

I1 I2 I3
 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In series
If resistors are connected in
VT series, the current through
each resistor is the same.
V1 V2 V3 I1 = I2 = I3

I1 I2 I3

If resistors are connected in

series, the potential
difference across all resistors
is equal to the sum of the
potential differences across
each resistor.

VT = V 1 + V 2 + V 3
 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In series
If resistors are connected in
VT series, the current through
each resistor is the same.
V1 V2 V3 I1 = I2 = I3
R1 R2 R3
I1 I2 I3

If resistors are connected in The total resistance of a

series, the potential number of resistors in series
difference across all resistors is equal to the sum of all the
is equal to the sum of the individual resistances.
potential differences across
each resistor. RT = R1 + R2 + R3

VT = V 1 + V 2 + V 3
 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In
parallel
 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In
parallel IT If resistors are connected in
parallel, the total current is
I1 equal to the sum of the
currents through each
I2 resistor.

I3 IT = I1 + I2 + I3
 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In
parallel IT If resistors are connected in
parallel, the total current is
V1 equal to the sum of the
I1
currents through each
I2 V2 resistor.

I3 V3 IT = I1 + I2 + I3

If resistors are connected in

parallel, the potential
difference across all resistors
is the same.

V1 = V 2 = V 3
 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In
parallel IT If resistors are connected in
parallel, the total current is
V1 equal to the sum of the
I1
R1 currents through each
I2 V2 resistor.
R2
I3 V3 IT = I1 + I2 + I3
R3
If resistors are connected in The total resistance of a
parallel, the potential number of resistors in
difference across all resistors parallel is given by the
is the same. formula:

V1 = V 2 = V 3 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

 Resistance in Series and Parallel
circuits

In
parallel

The total resistance of a

number of resistors in
R1
parallel is given by the
R2 formula:

R3 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3

For example, if:

R1 = 18Ω
R2 = 12Ω
R3 = 6Ω

1/RT = 1/18 + 1/12 + 1/6

= 2/36 + 3/36 + 6/36 =
11/36
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Core Supplement
•Draw and interpret circuit diagrams • Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing sources, switches, resistors containing diodes
(fixed and variable), heaters, thermistors,
light-dependent resistors, lamps, Calculate the combined e.m.f. of several
ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers, sources in series
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, • Recall and use the fact that the sum of
fuses and relays the p.d.s across the components in a
• Understand that the current at every series circuit is equal to the total p.d.
point in a series circuit is the same across the supply
• Give the combined resistance of two or • Recall and use the fact that the current
more resistors in series
from the source is the sum of the
• State that, for a parallel circuit, the
currents in the separate branches of a
current from the source is larger than
the current in each branch parallel circuit
• State that the combined resistance of • Calculate the effective resistance of
two resistors in parallel is less than that two resistors in parallel
of either resistor by itself Describe the action of a diode and show
• State the advantages of connecting understanding of its use as a rectifier
lamps in parallel in a lighting circuit • Recognise and show understanding of
Describe the action of a variable potential circuits operating as light-sensitive
divider (potentiometer) switches and temperature-operated
• Describe the action of thermistors and alarms (to include the use of a relay)
light- dependent resistors and show
understanding of their use as input
transducers
• Describe the action of a relay and show
understanding of its use in switching
circuits
What is a
variable
potential
divider?
 What is a
variable
potential
divider?

Potential dividers divide up the

voltage within a circuit, so that
parts of the circuit only receive
the voltage they require. They
usually consist of two or more
resistors in series across a power
supply.
 What is a
variable
potential
divider?

Potential dividers divide up the

voltage within a circuit, so that
10Ω
parts of the circuit only receive
the voltage they require. They
usually consist of two or more
6V resistors in series across a power
supply.
In this example, the lower
10Ω 3V resistor has half the total
resistance of the two resistors, so
its share of the voltage from the
battery is also a half.
 What is a
variable
potential
divider?

10Ω If one of the resistors is replaced by

a variable resistor then the
output voltage can be varied. In
6V this example, it can range from 0
to 3V, depending upon the setting
of the variable resistor.
0-10 0-3V
kΩ
A circuit such as this one could be
used as a radio volume control.
What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

A diode is an electrical component

that allows current to flow in one
direction only. It is polarised with
two leads – the anode and the
cathode.
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

If the anode is connected to a

higher voltage than the cathode,
then the current will flow from
anode to cathode. This is called
forward bias.

A diode is an electrical component

that allows current to flow in one
direction only. It is polarised with
two leads – the anode and the
cathode.
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

If the anode is connected to a

higher voltage than the cathode,
then the current will flow from
anode to cathode. This is called
forward bias.

If the diode is reversed, so that

A diode is an electrical component the voltage at the cathode is
that allows current to flow in one higher than the voltage at the
direction only. It is polarised with anode, the diode will not conduct
two leads – the anode and the electricity. This is called reverse
cathode. bias.
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

Forward bias
– the diode has
extremely low
resistance, so
a current flows
through it and
the bulb lights
up.
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

Forward bias Reverse

– the diode has bias– the
extremely low diode has
resistance, so extremely
a current flows high
through it and resistance, so
the bulb lights the current
up. does not flow
through it and
the bulb does
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

Rectification – diodes can be used

to convert AC (alternating current)
to DC (direct current).
The diode lets the forward part of
the AC through, but blocks the
backward part.
We can see how the circuit changes
the AC input using the trace on a
cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO).
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

Rectification – diodes can be used

to convert AC (alternating current)
to DC (direct current).
The diode lets the forward part of
the AC through, but blocks the
backward part.
We can see how the circuit changes
the AC input using the trace on a
cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO).
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

Rectification – diodes can be used

to convert AC (alternating current)
to DC (direct current).
The diode lets the forward part of
the AC through, but blocks the
backward part.
We can see how the circuit changes
the AC input using the trace on a
cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO).
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

Rectification – diodes can be used

to convert AC (alternating current)
to DC (direct current).
The diode lets the forward part of
the AC through, but blocks the
backward part.
We can see how the circuit changes
the AC input using the trace on a
cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO).
 What is a
diode, and
how does
it rectify?

Rectification – diodes can be used

to convert AC (alternating current)
to DC (direct current).
The diode lets the forward part of This is
the AC through, but blocks the called half-
backward part. wave
rectification
We can see how the circuit changes .
the AC input using the trace on a
cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO).
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Core Supplement
•Draw and interpret circuit diagrams • Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing sources, switches, resistors containing diodes
(fixed and variable), heaters, thermistors,
light-dependent resistors, lamps, Calculate the combined e.m.f. of several
ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers, sources in series
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, • Recall and use the fact that the sum of
fuses and relays the p.d.s across the components in a
• Understand that the current at every series circuit is equal to the total p.d.
point in a series circuit is the same across the supply
• Give the combined resistance of two or • Recall and use the fact that the current
more resistors in series
from the source is the sum of the
• State that, for a parallel circuit, the
currents in the separate branches of a
current from the source is larger than
the current in each branch parallel circuit
• State that the combined resistance of • Calculate the effective resistance of
two resistors in parallel is less than that two resistors in parallel
of either resistor by itself Describe the action of a diode and show
• State the advantages of connecting understanding of its use as a rectifier
lamps in parallel in a lighting circuit • Recognise and show understanding of
Describe the action of a variable potential circuits operating as light-sensitive
divider (potentiometer) switches and temperature-operated
• Describe the action of thermistors and alarms (to include the use of a relay)
light- dependent resistors and show
understanding of their use as input
transducers
• Describe the action of a relay and show
understanding of its use in switching
circuits
Describe the action
of thermistors and
light- dependent
resistors and show
understanding of
their use as input
transducers
Describe the action
of thermistors and
light- dependent Thermistor
resistors and show
understanding of Light
their use as input dependent
transducers
resistor
A transducer is an electronic
device that converts energy
from one form into another.
 Describe the action
of thermistors and
light- dependent Thermistor
resistors and show
understanding of Light
their use as input dependent
transducers
resistor
A transducer is an electronic
device that converts energy
from one form into another.

Thermistor – resistance
decreases as the temperature
increases.
⮚ At low temperatures the
resistance of a thermistor is
high and little current can flow
through them.
⮚ At high temperatures the
resistance of a thermistor is
low and more current can flow
through them.
 Describe the action
of thermistors and
light- dependent Thermistor
resistors and show
understanding of Light
their use as input dependent
transducers
resistor
A transducer is an electronic
device that converts energy
from one form into another.
Thermistor used in a fire-alarm
Thermistor – resistance
circuit
decreases as the temperature
increases. www.astarmathsandphys
ics.com

⮚ At low temperatures the

resistance of a thermistor is
high and little current can flow
through them.
⮚ At high temperatures the At room temperature, thermistor has a high
resistance of a thermistor is resistance and voltage to the transistor is too
low and more current can flow low. As temperature rises, resistance falls, so
through them. more current flows to the transistor and the
alarm is switched on.
 Describe the action
of thermistors and
light- dependent Thermistor
resistors and show
understanding of Light
their use as input dependent
transducers
resistor
A transducer is an electronic
device that converts energy
from one form into another.

Light dependent resistor (LDR)

– resistance decreases as the
light intensity increases.
⮚ In the dark and at low light
levels the resistance of an LDR
is high, and little current can
flow through
⮚ In bright light the resistance of
an LDR is low, and current can
flow through it.
 Describe the action
of thermistors and
light- dependent Thermistor
resistors and show
understanding of Light
their use as input dependent
transducers
resistor
A transducer is an electronic
device that converts energy
from one form into another.
LDR used in a security light circuit
Light dependent resistor (LDR)
– resistance decreases as the
light intensity increases. www.buildcircuit.com

⮚ In the dark and at low light

levels the resistance of an LDR
is high, and little current can
flow through In daylight the LDR has a low resistance and a
⮚ In bright light the resistance of low share of the battery voltage – too low to
an LDR is low, and current can switch the transistor on. In darkness the LDR
flow through it. resistance increases, so does its share of the
battery voltage. This is now sufficient to
switch the transistor on, and the bulb lights up
 And
finally
…..
RELAYS!
 A relay is a device
And
which uses a low finally
current circuit to
switch a high current …..
circuit on or off. RELAYS!
 A relay is a device
And
which uses a low finally
current circuit to
switch a high current …..
circuit on or off. RELAYS!

For example, a very big relay is

used in cars for switching the
starter motor, because it draws a
very big current.
 A relay is a device
And
which uses a low finally
current circuit to
switch a high current …..
circuit on or off. RELAYS!

For example, a very big relay is

used in cars for switching the
starter motor, because it draws a
very big current.

Low current High current circuit

 A relay is a device
And
which uses a low finally
current circuit to
switch a high current …..
circuit on or off. RELAYS!

For example, a very big relay is 1. When the switch in the low
used in cars for switching the current circuit is closed, it
starter motor, because it draws a turns the electromagnet on
very big current. which attracts the iron
armature.

Low current High current circuit

 A relay is a device
And
which uses a low finally
current circuit to
switch a high current …..
circuit on or off. RELAYS!

For example, a very big relay is 1. When the switch in the low
used in cars for switching the current circuit is closed, it
starter motor, because it draws a turns the electromagnet on
very big current. which attracts the iron
armature.
2
2. The armature pivots and
closes the switch contacts
in the high current circuit.
1

Low current High current circuit

 A relay is a device
And
which uses a low finally
current circuit to
switch a high current …..
circuit on or off. RELAYS!

For example, a very big relay is 1. When the switch in the low
used in cars for switching the current circuit is closed, it
starter motor, because it draws a turns the electromagnet on
very big current. which attracts the iron
armature.
2
2. The armature pivots and
3 closes the switch contacts
in the high current circuit.
1 3. When the low current switch is
opened the electromagnet
stops pulling the armature
Low current High current circuit and the high current circuit
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Core Supplement
•Draw and interpret circuit diagrams • Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing sources, switches, resistors containing diodes
(fixed and variable), heaters, thermistors,
light-dependent resistors, lamps, Calculate the combined e.m.f. of several
ammeters, voltmeters, galvanometers, sources in series
magnetising coils, transformers, bells, • Recall and use the fact that the sum of
fuses and relays the p.d.s across the components in a
• Understand that the current at every series circuit is equal to the total p.d.
point in a series circuit is the same across the supply
• Give the combined resistance of two or • Recall and use the fact that the current
more resistors in series
from the source is the sum of the
• State that, for a parallel circuit, the
currents in the separate branches of a
current from the source is larger than
the current in each branch parallel circuit
• State that the combined resistance of • Calculate the effective resistance of
two resistors in parallel is less than that two resistors in parallel
of either resistor by itself Describe the action of a diode and show
• State the advantages of connecting understanding of its use as a rectifier
lamps in parallel in a lighting circuit • Recognise and show understanding of
Describe the action of a variable potential circuits operating as light-sensitive
divider (potentiometer) switches and temperature-operated
• Describe the action of thermistors and alarms (to include the use of a relay)
light- dependent resistors and show
understanding of their use as input
transducers
• Describe the action of a relay and show
understanding of its use in switching
circuits
PHYSICS – Electric circuits