1. use the concept that the e.m.

f is measured by energy dissipated by a source in driving a

charge round a complete
: e.m.f is measured by energy dissipated by a source in driving a charge round a complete
2. show an understanding that the volt is given by J/C: work done per unit charge

3. explain the flow of current in a circuit

Current flows:

1. From positive terminal of battery (source)

2. Through wire (conductor)

3. Through load (device, like lamp)

4. Back to negative terminal of battery (return)

Circular path: source -> wire -> load -> return -> source.

4. use the equation I=Q/t to measure current and voltage.

Here’s a typical O level exam question:

1.A charge of 240 Coulombs flows through a wire in 4 minutes. Calculate the current flowing
through the wire. (I = Q/t, 1 minute = 60 seconds)”
2.A current of 5 amperes flows through a resistor for 2 minutes. How much charge flows
through the resistor? (I = Q/t, 1 minute = 60 seconds)

3.A battery supplies a current of 2 amperes to a circuit for 5 hours. What is the total charge
supplied by the battery? (I = Q/t, 1 hour = 3600 seconds)

5. define potential differences

Work done in moving a unit charge across an electric component or between two points.
 6. use the concept that the sum of the potential differences in a series circuit is the same as
the potential difference across the whole circuit
VT = V1 + V2+ -----+ V
The Law of Conservation of Energy in electrical circuits states:

“Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another.”

In other words: Input energy = Output energy (Kirchhoff’s Law)

7. state and apply Ohm’s law
V =IxR
The current passing through a metallic conductor is proportional to the potential difference
across it provided other physical conditions remain constant ( e.g Temperature, length,
cross-sectional area).
8. describe an experiment to determine resistance using a voltmeter and an ammeter
Experiment to determine resistance:

1. Connect a voltage source, voltmeter (V), ammeter (A), and resistor ® in series.
2. Measure voltage (V) across R using voltmeter.
3. Measure current (I) through R using ammeter.
4. Calculate resistance R using Ohm’s Law: R = V/I.

9. state the limitations of Ohm’s law

Does not hold when:

Temperature changes

There is change in length

There’s change in cross-sectional area,

There’s Change in shape

9. sketch and interpret the V/I characteristics graphs for metallic (ohmic) and non-ohmic
conductors
What are Ohmic and non Ohmic Conductors:

Ohmic conductors:

- Follow Ohm’s Law (V=IR)

- Resistance remains constant
- Examples: Copper, Aluminum, Iron, Silver, Gold

Non-ohmic conductors:

- Do not follow Ohm’s Law

 - Resistance changes with voltage or current
- Examples: Semiconductors, Diodes, Transistors, Superconductors

Here are the V/I characteristics graphs:

Ohmic (Metallic) Conductor:

Linear graph with a constant slope (resistance).

Interpretation:

- Voltage and current are directly proportional.

- Resistance remains constant, independent of voltage and current.

Non-Ohmic Conductor:

Non-linear graph with a varying slope (resistance).

Interpretation:

- Voltage and current do not have a direct proportionality.

- Resistance changes with voltage and current.

Note: The exact shape of the non-ohmic graph varies depending on the specific type of non-
ohmic conductor.

10. Use the relationship between the resistance, length and cross-sectional area of a wire

1. A wire of length 10 meters and cross-sectional area 2 mm² has a resistance of 20

ohms. What is the resistance of a wire of the same material, but with a length of 5
meters and a cross-sectional area of 4 mm²?

2. A copper wire has a resistance of 5 ohms. If its length is tripled and its cross-
sectional area is reduced to one-quarter, what is its new resistance?

3. Compare the resistance of two wires of the same material, one with a length of 15
cm and a cross-sectional area of 1 mm², and the other with a length of 30 cm and a
cross-sectional area of 2 mm².

These questions require the student to apply the relationship: R ∝ L and R ∝ 1/A, or R =
ρL/A, to solve problems.
Solution:
Qn 1
 First, convert the cross-sectional areas from mm to m:
A1 = 2 mm = 2 × 0.000001 m = 0.000002 m
A2 = 4 mm = 4 × 0.000001 m = 0.000004 m

Then, use the formula:

R1 / R2 = (L1 / L2) × (A2 / A1)
20 / R2 = (10 / 5) × (0.000004 / 0.000002)
20 / R2 = 2 × 2
20 / R2 = 4
R2 = 20 / 4
R2 = 5 ohms

Answer: 5 ohms

Qn2

First, convert the cross-sectional area from mm to m:

A = ? (not given, but we don’t need it since we’re finding the new resistance relative to the
original resistance)

Then, use the formula:

R2 = ρ × (3L) / (A/4)
R2 = 12 × ρL / A (since 3/0.25 = 12)
R2 = 12 × R1
R2 = 12 × 5
R2 = 60 ohms

Answer: 60 ohms
Qn 3
First, convert the lengths from cm to m and the cross-sectional areas from mm2 to m 2:
L1 = 15 cm = 0.15 m
A1 = 1 mm = 0.000001 m
L2 = 30 cm = 0.3 m
A2 = 2 mm = 0.000002 m

Then, use the formula:

R1 / R2 = (L1 / L2) × (A2 / A1)
R1 / R2 = (0.15 / 0.3) × (0.000002 / 0.000001)
R1 / R2 = (1/2) × 2
R1 / R2 = 1
R1 = R2

Answer: The resistances are equal.

11. setup simple electric circuits

 Here’s an acronym to use:

BARV

B – Battery (power source)

A – Ammeter (measures current, in series)
R – Resistor (or other load devices)
V – Voltmeter (measures voltage, in parallel)

This should help you remember the correct connection order!

12. draw and interpret circuit diagrams

To be done in class (class Activity, identifying and correctly arranging electric components)
13. use the fact that the current from the source is the sum of currents in the separate branches
of a parallel circuit

1. In the parallel circuit shown, the current from the source is 6 A. If the current
through R1 is 2 A, what is the total current through R2 and R3?

[Diagram: Parallel circuit with R1, R2, and R3 connected to a 12V source]

Answer: 4 A (since Itotal = I1+ I2 + I3, and I1 = 2 A, I_total = 6 A, so I2 + I3 = 4 A)

2.“A parallel circuit has two branches, one with a resistance of 4 ohms and the other with a
resistance of 6 ohms. If the total current from the source is 10 A, what is the current
through each branch?”

Answer: I1 = 4 A (through 4 ohm branch), I2 = 6 A (through 6 ohm branch) (since I_total = I1

+ I2, and I_total = 10 A)

3.“In a parallel circuit, three resistors (R1 = 2 ohms, R2 = 3 ohms, and R3 = 4 ohms) are
connected to a 9V source. What is the total current from the source if the current through R1 is 3 A?”

Answer: 9 A (since I_total = I1 + I2 + I3, and I1 = 3 A, I_total = 9 A)

14. calculate resistance in simple circuit

Question

1. “A circuit consists of a 12V battery connected to a resistor of 4 ohms and another

resistor of 6 ohms in series.
a) What is the total resistance of the circuit?
 b) What is the current flowing through the circuit?
c) What is the voltage across each resistor?”
2. “A 9V battery is connected to a resistor of 3 ohms and a resistor of 2 ohms in
parallel.
a) What is the total resistance of the circuit?
b) What is the current flowing through each resistor?
c) What is the total current drawn from the battery?”
3. “A wire of length 8 meters and cross-sectional area 1.5 mm has a resistance of 16
ohms.
a) What is the resistance of a wire of the same material, but with a length of
12 meters and a cross-sectional area of 2 mm?
b) What is the resistivity of the material?
c) If the wire is stretched to a length of 15 meters, what is its new
resistance?”
4. “A resistor of 10 ohms is connected in series with another resistor of 15 ohms.
a) What is the total resistance of the circuit?
b) If a 12V battery is connected across the circuit, what is the current flowing
through each resistor?
c) What is the voltage across each resistor?”
5. “A circuit consists of three resistors, 5 ohms, 4 ohms, and 3 ohms, connected in
parallel.
a) What is the total resistance of the circuit?
b) If a 15V battery is connected across the circuit, what is the current flowing
through each resistor?
c) What is the total current drawn from the battery?”
6. “A copper wire has a resistance of 8 ohms.
a) If the length of the wire is increased by a factor of 2, what is the new
resistance?
b) If the cross-sectional area of the wire is doubled, what is the new
resistance?
c) What is the resistivity of copper?
7. “A circuit consists of a 15V power source connected to a resistor of 6 ohms and
another resistor of 9 ohms in series.
a) What is the total resistance of the circuit?
b) What is the current flowing through each resistor?
c) What is the voltage across each resistor?”
8. “A resistor of 12 ohms is connected in parallel with another resistor of 8 ohms.
a) What is the total resistance of the circuit?
b) If a 12V battery is connected across the circuit, what is the current flowing
through each resistor?
c) What is the total current drawn from the battery?”

15. describe uses of electricity in the home

Electricity is Electricity is used in homes for:
 1. Lighting ( lamps, bulbs, etc)
2. Heating (water heaters, space heaters, etc)
3. Cooling (air conditioners, fans, etc)
4. Powering appliances (refrigerators, ovens, etc)
5. Entertainment (TVs, computers, etc)
6. Communication (phones, internet, etc)
7. Security systems (alarms, cameras, etc)
8. Water pumping and treatment
9. Cooking (electric stoves, microwaves, etc)
10. Charging devices (phones, laptops, etc)used in homes for:

16. calculate electrical power, energy and the cost of electricity

Example
Question:

A household uses the following appliances:

- A 120W lamp for 5 hours a day

- A 200W television for 3 hours a day
- A 300W refrigerator for 24 hours a day

If the cost of electricity is $0.20 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), calculate:

(a) The total electrical power consumed by the appliances.

(b) The total energy consumed by the appliances in a day.

© The cost of electricity for the day.

Answer:

(a) Total power = 120W + 200W + 300W = 620W

(b) Total energy = (120W x 5h) + (200W x 3h) + (300W x 24h) = 0.6kWh + 0.6kWh + 7.2kWh
= 8.4kWh

© Cost = 8.4kWh x $0.20/kWh = $1.68

Note: This question requires calculations of power, energy, and cost, which are key concepts
in electricity.
 Practice Questions :

Here are some typical O level exam questions:

1. “A 100W lamp is used for 5 hours a day. Calculate the energy consumed in kWh.”

2. A household uses 200 kWh of electricity in a month. If the cost of electricity is $0.15 per
kWh, calculate the total cost.

3. A 2kW electric heater is used for 4 hours a day. Calculate the daily energy consumption
in kWh.

4. A TV rated 250W is used for 8 hours a day. Calculate the energy consumption in kWh
per day.

5. A household uses 300 kWh of electricity in a month. If the cost of electricity is $0.20 per
kWh, calculate the total cost.

6. A 1.5kW electric motor runs for 6 hours a day. Calculate the energy consumption in kWh
per day.

7. A 60W light bulb is used for 10 hours a day. Calculate the energy consumption in kWh
per day.

8. A household uses 400 kWh of electricity in a month. If the cost of electricity is $0.12 per
kWh, calculate the total cost.

These questions require students to calculate electrical power, energy, and cost using
formulas such as:

- Power (P) = Voltage (V) x Current (I)

- Energy € = Power (P) x Time (t)
- Cost = Energy € x Rate ($/kWh)

17. describe electrical hazards and safety precautions

Electrical Hazards:

- Shock and electrocution

- Fire and burns
 - Arc flashes and explosions

Safety Precautions:

- Use protective gear (gloves, goggles, etc.)

- Ensure proper wiring and insulation
- Use circuit breakers and fuses
- Avoid overloading and overheating
- Keep electrical devices away from water
- Regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems
- Follow safety guidelines and regulations
Remember: Electricity can be dangerous, so always prioritize safety!
18. describe the wiring of a three-pin plug
Three-Pin Plug Wiring:

1. Live (Brass) – Brown wire

2. Neutral (Silver) – Blue wire
3. Earth (Green/Yellow) – Green/Yellow wire

Note:

- Live wire carries the electric current

- Neutral wire completes the circuit
- Earth wire provides a safe path to ground for shock protection

To remember the correct color codes you may need to use the acronym LEN BYB (details will
be provided in class)
Why are fuses and switches always connected to live wire?:
Fuses and switches are always connected to the live wire (hot wire) because:

- Fuses need to interrupt the power supply to break the circuit in case of overcurrent.
- Switches need to control the flow of electricity to turn devices on and off.

Both require access to the live wire to function properly and ensure safety.

Additional notes:
3-pin plug vs 2 -pin plug
3-pin plugs (with earth/ground pin):

- Used by devices that require grounding for safety, such as:

- Computers
- Televisions
- Refrigerators
- Air conditioners
 - Most household appliances

2-pin plugs (without earth/ground pin):

- Used by devices that don’t require grounding, such as:

- Small appliances like hair dryers, shavers, and toothbrushes
- Double-insulated tools and devices
- Some lamps and lighting fixtures
- Old or low-power devices that don’t require grounding

The reason for this is that 3-pin plugs provide a safe path to ground, which is important for
devices that use high voltage or current, or that have metal parts that could conduct*
electricity. 2-pin plugs are used for devices that are designed with double insulation or have
low power requirements, making grounding less critical.

19. explain the use of fuses, fuse ratings and switches

Fuses
- Protect circuits from excessive current
- Melt when current exceeds rating, breaking the circuit
Fuse Ratings:
- Indicate maximum current a fuse can handle
- Expressed in amps (A)
Switches:
- Control the flow of electricity to a circuit
- Allow users to turn devices on and off
- Rated for specific voltage and current limits

In summary, fuses provide overcurrent protection, while switches control the flow of
electricity to a circuit.

End of topic!

Mock

1. a) What is the definition of electric current? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the current flowing through a resistor of 5 ohms connected to a 12V battery. (2 marks)

c) An electric toaster rated 1.2kW is used for 3 hours a day. Calculate the energy consumption in kWh. (2
marks)

2. a) What is Ohm’s Law? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the voltage across a resistor of 4 ohms connected to a 12V battery using Ohm’s Law. (2
marks)
c) A household uses 400 kWh of electricity in a month. If the cost of electricity is $0.15 per kWh,
calculate the total cost. (2 marks)

3. a) What is the formula for electric resistance? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the resistance of a wire of length 10 meters and cross-sectional area 2 mm if the resistivity
of the material is 1.5 x 10^-8 Ωm. (2 marks)

c) A student connects a resistor of 15 ohms in parallel with a resistor of 20 ohms to a 15V power source.
What is the purpose of connecting resistors in parallel? (2 marks)

4. a) What is the unit of electric power? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the power consumed by a resistor of 8 ohms connected to a 12V battery. (2 marks)

c) A household uses energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. What is the advantage of
using LED bulbs? (2 marks)

5. a) What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the current flowing through a resistor of 3 ohms connected to a 9V battery. (2 marks)

c) A school installs solar panels to generate electricity. What is the advantage of using solar panels? (2
marks)

6. a) What is the definition of electric efficiency? (1 mark)

b) A electric motor has an efficiency of 80%. If it consumes 1kW of electricity, calculate the useful output
power. (2 marks)

c) A household uses an electric heater rated 2kW for 5 hours a day. What is the purpose of rating
appliances in watts? (2 marks)

7. a) What is the formula for electric energy? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the energy consumed by a resistor of 10 ohms connected to a 12V battery for 5 hours. (2
marks)

c) A household uses 300 kWh of electricity in a month. If the cost of electricity is $0.12 per kWh,
calculate the total cost. (2 marks)

8. a) What is the difference between series and parallel circuits? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the total resistance of a circuit with two resistors of 4 ohms and 6 ohms connected in series.
(2 marks)

c) A student connects a resistor of 10 ohms in series with a resistor of 20 ohms to a 12V battery. What is
the purpose of connecting resistors in series? (2 marks)

9. a) What is the definition of electric potential difference? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the voltage across a resistor of 5 ohms connected to a 15V battery. (2 marks)

c) A household uses a electric kettle rated 1.5kW for 2 hours a day. Calculate the energy consumption in
kWh. (2 marks)

10. a) What is the formula for electric power in terms of current and resistance? (1 mark)

b) Calculate the power consumed by a resistor of 8 ohms connected to a 12V battery using the formula P
= I^2R. (2 marks)

c) A household uses energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. What is the advantage of
using LED bulbs? (2 marks)