PHYSICS – Electric circuits

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

Magnetising
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

Magnetising
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 working.
 Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Parallel

• Components are in a single • Components are connected on

loop, and the current flows different branches of the
from one to the next without wire
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 working.
 Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Parallel

• Components are in a single • Components are connected on

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

Series Parallel

• Components are in a single • Components are connected on

loop, and the current flows different branches of the
from one to the next without wire.
any branches. • If more bulbs are added then
• If more bulbs are put into the lamps stay bright – they
the circuit then the bulbs will take full voltage.
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. Our
components stop working. home circuits are parallel.
 Current in Series and Parallel circuits

Ammeters can be placed

anywhere in a series circuit and
will all give the same reading.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/energy_electricity_forces/electric_current_voltage/revision/6/
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 + A4 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 + A4 currents in the
separate branches.
5.5 = 1.5 + 3 + 1
 Voltage is
Voltage in Series and Parallel 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 is
Voltage in Series and Parallel 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 is
Voltage in Series and Parallel circuits measured
using a
VOLTMETER

In a parallel
circuit all
components get
In a series circuit the total the full source
voltage (PD) of the supply is voltage, so the
shared between the various voltage is the
components, so the voltages same across all
around a series circuit always components
add up to equal the source
voltage.
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 = I 2 = I 3

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 = I 2 = I 3

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 = V1 + V2 + V3
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 = I 2 = I 3
R1 R2 R3
I1 I2 I3

If resistors are connected in The total resistance of a

series, the potential difference number of resistors in series is
across all resistors is equal to equal to the sum of all the
the sum of the potential individual resistances.
differences across each
resistor. R T = R 1 + R2 + R 3

VT = V1 + V2 + V3
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 resistor.
I2
IT = I 1 + I 2 + I 3
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 currents
I1
through each resistor.
I2 V2
IT = I 1 + I 2 + I 3
I3 V3

If resistors are connected in

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

V1 = V2 = V3
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 currents
I1
R1 through each resistor.
I2 V2
R2 IT = I 1 + I 2 + I 3
I3 V3
R3
If resistors are connected in The total resistance of a
parallel, the potential number of resistors in parallel is
difference across all resistors is given by the formula:
the same.
1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
V1 = V2 = V3
Resistance in Series and Parallel circuits

In parallel

The total resistance of a

number of resistors in parallel is
R1
given by the formula:
R2
1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
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

RT = 36/11 = 3.27Ω
 LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
Core Supplement
•Draw and interpret circuit diagrams • Draw and interpret circuit diagrams
containing sources, switches, resistors (fixed containing diodes
and variable), heaters, thermistors, light-
dependent resistors, lamps, ammeters, Calculate the combined e.m.f. of several
voltmeters, galvanometers, magnetising coils, sources in series
transformers, bells, fuses and relays • Recall and use the fact that the sum of
• Understand that the current at every the p.d.s across the components in a series
point in a series circuit is the same circuit is equal to the total p.d. across the
• Give the combined resistance of two or
supply
more resistors in series
• State that, for a parallel circuit, the
• Recall and use the fact that the current
current from the source is larger than the from the source is the sum of the currents
current in each branch in the separate branches of a parallel
• State that the combined resistance of two circuit
resistors in parallel is less than that of • Calculate the effective resistance of two
either resistor by itself resistors in parallel
• State the advantages of connecting lamps Describe the action of a diode and show
in parallel in a lighting circuit understanding of its use as a rectifier
Describe the action of a variable potential • Recognise and show understanding of
divider (potentiometer) circuits operating as light-sensitive
• Describe the action of thermistors and light- switches and temperature-operated alarms
dependent resistors and show understanding
(to include the use of a relay)
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 parts
10Ω
of the circuit only receive the voltage
they require. They usually consist of
two or more resistors in series
6V across a power supply.
In this example, the lower resistor
10Ω 3V 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 this
6V 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 the

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

the diode has the diode has
extremely low extremely high
resistance, so a resistance, so
current flows the current
through it and does not flow
the bulb lights through it and
up. the bulb does
not light up.
 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 called
the AC through, but blocks the half-wave
backward part. 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 (fixed containing diodes
and variable), heaters, thermistors, light-
dependent resistors, lamps, ammeters, Calculate the combined e.m.f. of several
voltmeters, galvanometers, magnetising coils, sources in series
transformers, bells, fuses and relays • Recall and use the fact that the sum of
• Understand that the current at every the p.d.s across the components in a series
point in a series circuit is the same circuit is equal to the total p.d. across the
• Give the combined resistance of two or
supply
more resistors in series
• State that, for a parallel circuit, the
• Recall and use the fact that the current
current from the source is larger than the from the source is the sum of the currents
current in each branch in the separate branches of a parallel
• State that the combined resistance of two circuit
resistors in parallel is less than that of • Calculate the effective resistance of two
either resistor by itself resistors in parallel
• State the advantages of connecting lamps Describe the action of a diode and show
in parallel in a lighting circuit understanding of its use as a rectifier
Describe the action of a variable potential • Recognise and show understanding of
divider (potentiometer) circuits operating as light-sensitive
• Describe the action of thermistors and light- switches and temperature-operated alarms
dependent resistors and show understanding
(to include the use of a relay)
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 dependent
their use as input resistor
transducers

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 dependent
their use as input resistor
transducers

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 dependent
their use as input resistor
transducers

A transducer is an electronic
device that converts energy from
one form into another.
Thermistor used in a fire-alarm circuit
Thermistor – resistance decreases
as the temperature increases.
 At low temperatures the www.astarmathsandphy
sics.com

resistance of a thermistor is high

and little current can flow through
them.
 At high temperatures the
resistance of a thermistor is low At room temperature, thermistor has a high
and more current can flow through resistance and voltage to the transistor is too
them. low. As temperature rises, resistance falls, so
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 dependent
their use as input resistor
transducers

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 dependent
their use as input resistor
transducers

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 bright light the resistance of In daylight the LDR has a low resistance and a
an LDR is low, and current can low share of the battery voltage – too low to
flow through it. switch the transistor on. In darkness the LDR
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
current circuit to finally …..
switch a high current
circuit on or off.
RELAYS!
 A relay is a device And
which uses a low
current circuit to finally …..
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
current circuit to finally …..
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 circuit High current circuit

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

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

Low current circuit High current circuit

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

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

Low current circuit High current circuit

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

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