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Physics: Electricity 3

Overview

In this topic, pupils use their mathematical abilities to predict the behaviour of electrical properties in circuits, ranging from series and parallel circuits, to particular components, such as thermistors and light dependent resistors. Pupils should also review the keywords from previous Electricity topics in Year 7 and 9.

The main SMSC/Personal Development content of this topic includes: PD2 – Developing and deepening pupils’ understanding of mutual respect and tolerance (team and or group work).
PD16 – Use of imagination and creativity in their learning.

The main UN Rights of a Child covered are No. 13 – Sharing thoughts freely and No. 28 – Access to Education.

Example Key Words

LDR

A Light Dependent Resistor is a resistor whose resistance depends upon how much light falls upon it. The brighter the light the lower the resistance.

Thermistor

A Thermistor is a resistor whose resistance depends upon how hot its surroundings are. The hotter the temperature the lower the resistance.

Diode

A diode acts like an electrical valve, it allows charge to flow very easily in one direction but has a massive resistance in the opposite direction.

Potential Difference

The work done by a Coulomb of charge between two points in a circuit. Measured in Volts, V.

Current

The rate of flow of charge. Measured in Amps, A.