Physics Material for Grade 10 (A and B)

Electricity

Student Name:

‫ األردن‬11191 ‫ عمان‬9071 ‫ب‬.‫ ص‬/ 5659817 :‫ فاكـس‬/5659816 / 5659815/ 5666449 ‫تلفون‬

Tel: 5666449/5659815/5659816/ Fax:5659817 / P.O Box 9071 Amman – 11191 Jordan
 10/10/2024

• Electric charge
1 State that there are positive and negative charges
2 State that positive charges repel other positive charges, negative charges repel other negative charges, but positive charges
attract negative charges
3 Describe simple experiments to show the production of electrostatic charges by friction and to show the detection of
electrostatic charges
4 Explain that charging of solids by friction involves only a transfer of negative charge (electrons)
5 Describe an experiment to distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators
6 Recall and use a simple electron model to explain the difference between electrical conductors and insulators and give typical
examples Supplement
7 State that charge is measured in coulombs
8 Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric charge experiences a force
9 State that the direction of an electric field at a point is the direction of the force on a positive charge at that point
10 Describe simple electric field patterns, including the direction of the field:
(a) around a point charge 2022 syllabus
(b) around a charged conducting sphere Give an account of
(c) between two oppositely charged parallel conducting plates (end effects will not be examined) charging by induction
• Electromotive force and potential difference
1 Define electromotive force (e.m.f.) as the electrical work done by a source in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit
2 Know that e.m.f. is measured in volts (V)
3 Define potential difference (p.d.) as the work done by a unit charge passing through a component
4 Know that the p.d. between two points is measured in volts (V)
5 Describe the use of voltmeters (analogue and digital) with different ranges Supplement
6 Recall and use the equation for e.m.f. E = W/Q
7 Recall and use the equation for p.d. V = W/Q
1V is equivalent to 1 J/C

Resistance
1 Recall and use the equation for resistance R = V/I
2 Describe an experiment to determine resistance using a voltmeter and an ammeter and do the appropriate
calculations
3 State, qualitatively, the relationship of the resistance of a metallic wire to its length and to its cross-sectional area
4 Sketch and explain the current–voltage graphs for a resistor of constant resistance, a filament lamp and a diode
5 Recall and use the following relationship for a metallic electrical conductor:
(a) resistance is directly proportional to length
(b) resistance is inversely proportional to cross-sectional area

Electrical energy and electrical power

1 Understand that electric circuits transfer energy from a source of electrical energy, such as an electrical cell or
mains supply, to the circuit components and then into the surroundings
2 Recall and use the equation for electrical power P = IV
3 Recall and use the equation for electrical energy E = Ivt
4 Define the kilowatt-hour (kWh) and calculate the cost of using electrical appliances where the energy unit is the
kWh

1
 10/10/2024

Electric charge
There are ......... types of charges; ..................... And ...................... When two charged objects are brought
close together, there will be a ..................... between those objects.

The force they feel could be a force of ............................... or a force of ............................... depending on the
types of charges the objects have.
 Like charges ..................... And opposite charges ..................

• Where do charges come from?

Every thing is made of tiny particles called .................... . It is composed of .................... Orbiting the
....................... (....................... and .......................). Proton has a ............................ Charge while electrons have a
............................... charge
• Measuring Charge
Electric charge is measured in units called coulombs (C) Smallest amount of charged measured for a
free particle is called elementary charge, e = 1.6 x 10-19 C

(ex: Electron charge qe = -e = -1.6 x 10-19 C and Proton charge qe = +e= 1.6 x 10-19 C).

If the number of electrons = the number of protons, the atom is ...............

If the number of electrons ˃ than the number of protons, the atom
becomes negatively charged (more negative charge and less positive
charge). Negatively charged atom is called ............................................

If the number of electrons < than the number of protons, the atom
becomes positively charged (more positive charge and less negative
charge). positively charged atom is called ...............................................
Molecules: made up of groups of atoms (2 or more). for example: air is mainly a mixture of Oxygen and Nitrogen
molecules.

2
 10/10/2024

Neutral atom: charged atom: negative ion Chardged atom: positive ion
Number of electrons = number of protons Number of electrons > number of protons Number of electrons < number of protons

Charging:
Charging by .........................
Charging by ........................ (no touching)

• Charging by friction: (for insulators)

An insulator is a material that has no .............................., hence does not allow the flow
of charge through them very easily. Examples of insulators are: Rubber, Plastic (ex:
Perspex, PVC, Polyethene), Glass, Wood

• The friction causes electrons to gain energy. Electrons gain enough energy to leave
the atom and transfer from one material to another.

 When insulating materials rub against each other, they may become electrically
charged. Electrons (Not protons and Not Neutrons), which are negatively charged,
may be ‘rubbed off’ one material and on to the other. The material that gains
electrons becomes ..................... charged. The material that loses electrons is left with
a ................... charge.

3
 10/10/2024

Examples:

Q: What type of force created between the polythene or the Perspex and the pieces of wool after
electrons are transferred between them ?

MC:1 27 A student rubs a plastic rod with a cloth. The rod becomes positively charged. What has happened to the
rod?
0625/21/M/J/17
a) It has gained electrons.
b) It has gained protons.
c) It has lost electrons.
d) It has lost protons.

MC:2 30 A polythene rod repels an inflated balloon hanging from a nylon thread. Why do the rod and balloon
repel?

a) The rod and the balloon have opposite charges. 0625/01/SP/20

b) The rod and the balloon have like charges.
c) The rod is charged but the balloon is not.
d) The balloon is charged but the rod is not.

MC:3 28 A teacher wishes to show the production of electrostatic charges. She holds a rod and rubs it with a cotton
cloth. A copper rod, a glass rod, a plastic rod and a steel rod are available. Which two rods would both be suitable
to use?
0625/13/O/N/23
a) a copper rod and a glass rod
b) a glass rod and a plastic rod
c) a plastic rod and a copper rod
d) a plastic rod and a steel rod

4
 10/10/2024

MC:4 24 A polythene rod is rubbed with a cloth.

0625/21/M/J/23

The rod and the cloth both become charged as electrons move between them. The rod becomes negatively
charged.
Which diagram shows how the rod becomes negatively charged, and the final charge on the cloth?

MC:5 27 Two plastic rods P and Q are both negatively charged. Rod P hangs freely
0625/12/O/N/15

The end of rod Q is brought near to end X of rod P, and then near to end Y of rod P.
What happens to the rods in each position?

5
 10/10/2024

MC:6 27 A plastic rod is rubbed with a cotton cloth. This process causes the rod and the cloth to become charged.
These charges cause a force between the rod and the cloth.
Which row compares the charges on the rod and the cloth, and describes the effect of the force between the rod
and the cloth?
0625/13/O/N/15

MC:7 25 A plastic rod and a dry cloth are uncharged. The rod is now rubbed with the cloth and they both become
charged. The rod becomes negatively charged because some charged particles move from the cloth to the rod.
What is the charge on the cloth and which particles moved in the charging process?
0625/13/M/J/14

MC:8 Two balloons, X and Y, are suspended by insulating threads. They are each held near a negatively charged
balloon. The balloons hang as shown. What is the charge on balloon X and what is the charge on balloon Y?

0653/12/M/J/22

MC:9 27 Diagram 1 shows two thin, uncharged strips of plastic. Diagram 2 shows the same strips after they have
been rubbed with a dry cloth. Which row describes the charge on the strips after rubbing, and the force between
the strips after rubbing?
0972/21/M/J/19

6
 10/10/2024

Charging by induction: (conductors) charging a body involves the addition or removal of electrons

a charging method that charges an object without actually touching the object to any other charged
object.

Conductors are a materials that have ........................................... Passes through them. Examples of conductors are:
Silver, Copper, Aluminum, Steel.

Note: conductors cant be charged by friction or rubbing, because they have their free electrons and they can
move freely inside the metal.(free electrons are distributed along the surface )
Movement of electrons inside a conductor

Note:
The atom it self does not move
(protons or neutrons are fixed in
placed while the free electrons are
moving randomly inside the
conductor)

How to charge a spherical conductor by induction

What happens when a

negatively or positively charged
rod brought near the neutral
metal (conductor) sphere?

When the rod is removed the charges

return back to their original position

The negative charge on

The positive charge on the
the rod repels the free
rod attracts the free
electrons on the
electrons on the conductor
conductor away from
toward the rod.
the rod.
Note: net charge
Note: net charge remains
remains zero and the
zero and the number of
number of free
free electrons on the insulator
sphere does not change electrons on the sphere
does not change

7
 10/10/2024

How to charge a conductor by induction and how to keep it charged when the rod is removed ?

A positively charged rod is brought Sphere is connected to the ground by a conducting wire.
near a neutral metal sphere. Electrons The sphere is grounded, allowing electrons to be attracted from
are attracted toward the rod Earth to the sphere neutralizing/ cancelling the positive charge

- + -
- + -

Note: the sphere can be Earthed by

touching it by your finger instead of
- using a conducting wire
-

conducting wire is removed first. positive rod is removed, leaving

This prevent any charge to the sphere with an induced
transfer to/from the sphere negative charge.

• Charging by induction (charged rod and two conducting spheres)

The uncharged insulated metal spheres touch each other, so they form a single non charged conductor (free
electrons can travel between the two spheres)

• Bring the negatively charged rod near the sphere (without touching them).
• Electrons in the metal sphere A will be repelled by the negatively charged rod toward metal
sphere B. so now sphere A has an excess positive charge and sphere B has an excess of negative
charge.
• Separate the spheres without removing the rod
• Remove the rod, and the spheres are charged equally and oppositely by induction

8
 10/10/2024

MC:10 The diagram shows an uncharged ball coated with metallic paint. The ball is suspended from an
insulating thread. It is placed near a positively charged rod.

Which diagram shows the charge distribution on the ball?

MC:11 A positively charged rod is brought near to an isolated uncharged conducting sphere.

5054/11/M/J/16

What are the charges on sides X and Y of the sphere?

a) Both X and Y are positively charged.

b) Both X and Y are negatively charged.

c) X is positively charged and Y is negatively charged.

d) X is negatively charged and Y is positively charged.

9
 10/10/2024

MC:12 30 An isolated metal sphere is positively charged. It is then brought near to another isolated metal sphere
that is neutral. What happens to the charges on the neutral sphere as the positively charged sphere is brought
close to it? 0625/21/M/J/21
a) Some positive charges move to the left and some
negative charges move to the right.

b) Some positive charges move to the right and some

negative charges move to the left.

c) Some positive charges move to the right, but the

negative charges do not move.

d) The positive charges do not move, but some negative

charges move to the left.

MC:13 27 To charge an isolated metal sphere by induction, the following four processes are required.

P The sphere is earthed by touching it. 5054/11/M/J/11

Q The earth connection is removed from the sphere.
R A charged rod is brought close to the sphere.
S The charged rod is removed.
In which order can these stages be carried out to charge the isolated metal sphere?
a) P → Q → R → S b) P → R → S → Q c) R → P → Q → S d) R → P → S → Q

Ex:1 Fig. 9.1 shows a conducting ball that oscillates between two charged plates

For examination from 2023 0625/04

As the ball oscillates, it touches each plate in turn. (a) Referring to the charge on the ball, explain why the ball
moves to the positive plate after touching the negative plate. [2]

ball gets negative charge (from negative plate)

Negatively charged ball attracted to positive plate or repelled from
negative

10
 10/10/2024

Electric field:
Def:

Direction and strength (magnitude):

The direction of the electric field is the direction of the force acting on a small positive charge.

• The strength and the direction of the electric field can be represented by drawing imaginary lines called electric
field lines:

Rules of drawings:

• Always directed away from the positive charge and toward the negative charge.

• The region where the lines are closer together means electric field is stronger.

• The region where the lines are far apart means electric field is weaker.

Draw at least electric four field lines for the following cases (negatively charged sphere,
positively charged sphere, negative point charge, positive point charge, and parallel plates)

- +

11
 10/10/2024

Electrical quantities:
• Electric current
• Potential difference
• resistance

Electric current:
Def:
or

or
Where the symbols:
• Q stands for charge (measured in coulombs, C)
• I stands for current (measured in ampere, A)
• T stands for time (measured in seconds, s)

Ex:2
a) Calculate the current in a wire through which a charge of 25 C passes in 1500 s.

b) The current in a wire is 36 mA. Calculate the charge that flows along the wire in one minute

17 mA / 2.2 C

12
 10/10/2024

Instrument used to measure the current

• Symbol in electrical circuits:

The analogue ammeter below The digital ammeter below shows

shows a current of 0.50A. a current of 1.26A.

An analogue ammeter gives a reading with a needle moving across a

scale; a digital ammeter has a numerical reading displayed.

Potential difference (Voltage)

Potential difference:
• Work done (energy transferred) by a unit charge passing through a component

or
The device that is used to
measure the potential
difference is called
Voltmeter (digital and
• potential difference (V) is measured in volts (V) analogue)
• energy (E) is measured in joules (J)
• charge (Q) is measured in coulombs (C)
Voltmeter symbol
Q: what does it means that a battery has a potential difference of 6V ?

13
 10/10/2024

Ex:3 What is the potential difference between two points if 2 C of charge shifts 4 J?

2V

Ex:4 A high efficiency LED lamp is lit for 2 hours. Calculate the energy transfer to the lamp when the p.d.
across it is 240 V and the current in it is 50 mA

86 400 J

Resistance
An electric current flows when free (conduction) electrons move through a conductor, such as a
metal wire. The moving electrons can collide with the ions/atoms in the metal. This makes it more
difficult for the current to flow, and causes resistance (the component is called resistor)

Symbol for resistor:

The greater the number of collisions per second the larger the resistance

• Conductors have a low resistance (large number of free electrons) so current can flow easily.

• Insulators have a high resistance (no free electrons) so current can not flow through insulators.

• Semiconductors: are substances with properties somewhere between conductors and insulators

14
 10/10/2024

Calculating resistance – Ohm’s Law

Ohm’s Law, shows the relationship between potential difference, current and resistance:

voltage = current × resistance

𝐕
V = I × R or I = 𝐑 •If you increase the voltage, more current will flow.
•If you increase the resistance, less current will flow.

where:
V is the potential difference in volts, V
I is the current in amperes (amps), A
R is the resistance in ohms, Ω

Ohmic materials:
Current is directly proportional to the p.d.
Gradient of the I-V graph is constant provided the
Gradient = Gradient =
temperature is kept constant. This constant is
called resistance

Ex:5 Aresistor has a steady resistance of 8 Ω.

a) If the current in the resistor is 2 A, what is the p.d. across it?

b) What p.d. is needed to produce a current of 4 A?
c) If the p-d. falls to 6 V, what is the current?

Ex:6 The graph lines A and B on the right are for two different conductors. Which
conductor has the higher resistance?

15
 10/10/2024

Ex:7 The current in a component is 5.0 mA when the p.d. across it is 6.0 V.

Calculate:
a) the resistance of the component

b) the p.d. across the component when the current in it is 150 μA.

Factors affecting the resistance

Electrons collide with ions, which resist their flow:
1) If the wire is longer, each electron will collide with more ions and so there will be more resistance:
 The longer a wire, the greater its resistance
Resistance is directly proportional to the length
of the wire

2) If the wire is thicker (greater diameter) there is more space for the electrons and so more electrons
can flow:
The thicker a wire, the smaller its resistance Current has
Resistance is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area a heating effect
and thick wire
must be used to
carry a large
current.

Q: what would happen to the

Cross-sectional area for a wire A = πr2 = π (d/2)2 = π d2/4 area if the diameter is doubled ?

16
 10/10/2024

3) Temperature:
For conductors, the resistance increases as the temperature increases
for semiconductors, the resistance decreases with temperature

Why the temperature of the wire increases as electrons collide with the atoms of the wire?

As electrons collide with atoms in the conducting wire they loss Energy and the atoms gain
energy. As atoms gain energy they vibrate Faster and this causes the temperature of the conductor
to increase.

4) the resistance also depends on the nature of the material itself.

For example: nichrome has much more resistance than copper of the same length, cross-sectional
area, and temperature.

• In physics we say that, nichrome has greater resistivity (ρ, Greek letter called Roh) than copper.

Summarizing all three factors, we can write:

or

17
 10/10/2024

Ex:8 (a) State, in terms of their structure, why metals are good conductors of electricity.[1]
0625/41 / M/J/18

(b) A cylindrical metal wire W1, of length l and cross-sectional area A, has a resistance of 16Ω. A second cylindrical
wire W2 having length l /2 and cross-sectional area 2A, is made from the same metal.
Determine the resistance of W2, [2]

4Ω

Ex:9 Wire A has a resistance of 12 0. If wire B that is made from the same material as wire A, is twice the length of A
and twice the diameter, what is its resistance? (Assume that both wires are at the same temperature.)

6

• Resistance components:

Variable resistance (rheostats): used for varying the current (by

varying the resistance) and controlling the brightness of a lamp.

• Thermistors (temperature dependent): semiconductor material

Have high resistance when ........................................................

As the temperature increases its resistance .......................... , and so the current in the
circuit ......................

• Light dependent resistors (LDR) light dependent: semiconductor material

Have high resistance in ......................... . As the light intensity increases its

resistance ........................... , and so the current in the circuit .............................

• Diodes: they have a very large resistance in one direction and low
resistance in the other direction. So it allows the current to flow in one
direction only.

18
 10/10/2024

Important graphs:

The current through an ohmic This is because: Diodes only allow a current to
conductor (at a constant As the current increases, the flow through them in one
temperature) is directly temperature of the filament in the lamp direction. If the current is
proportional to the potential increases flowing in the correct direction,
difference across the ohmic Since the filament is a metal, the higher the diode will let the current
conductor. This is because the temperature causes an increase in through. However, if the current
resistance of the ohmic resistance is flowing in the wrong
conductor (at a constant Resistance opposes the current, causing direction, the resistance of the
temperature) remains constant. the current to increase but at a slower diode will be extremely high,
The line on an I-V graph for an rate, where the graph is a straight line, thus meaning that no current
ohmic conductor will always be the resistance is constant will be able to pass through the
straight and pass through the The resistance increases as the graph diode
origin. curves

Watt = joules/ seconds (J/s)

A 5 Watts electrical device means that it transfers a 5 Joules of energy in one second

Derive two more equations for the power using V = IR and P = IV

19
 10/10/2024

Ex:10 A 12 V water heater takes a current of [Link] it is switched on for 60 seconds, how much thermal energy does it
produce?

Ex:11 A 12 V water heater takes a current of 3A from a 12 V battery.

a) What is the power of the lamp?

b) How much energy is transformed in 10 minutes?

New: Define the kilowatt-hour (kWh) and calculate the cost of using electrical appliances where the energy unit
is the kWh

Cost of energy = energy transferred x price per unit

Paying for electricity

Electricity supply companies charge for electrical energy they supply.

A joule is a very small amount of energy and a larger unit, the Kilowatt-hour (KWh) is used.

• A Kilowatt-hour: is the electrical energy used by a 1KW appliance in 1 hour

• What is 2 kWh equals in Joules (remember 1 W = J/s)

20
 10/10/2024

Ex:12 what is the cost of heating a tank of water with a 3000W immersion heater for 80 minutes if
the electricity costs 10p per kWh ?

Ex:13 Mr. Thomas uses a kettle to boil water. It is a 2kW kettle. It takes 6 minutes to boil the water.
a) Calculate the energy transferred in kilowatt-hours.

b) Electricity costs 10p per kWh. How much does it cost Mr. Thomas to boil the water ?

40p / 0.2 kWh / 2p

• Electric circuits
 Circuit diagrams and circuit components

1 Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing cells, batteries, power supplies, generators, potential dividers,
switches, resistors (fixed and variable), heaters, thermistors (NTC only), light-dependent resistors (LDRs), lamps,
motors, ammeters, voltmeters, magnetizing coils, transformers, fuses and relays, and know how these components
behave in the circuit Supplement
2 Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing diodes and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and know how these
components behave in the circuit
 Series and parallel circuits
1 Know that the current at every point in a series circuit is the same
2 Know how to construct and use series and parallel circuits
3 Calculate the combined e.m.f. of several sources in series
4 Calculate the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series
5 State that, for a parallel circuit, the current from the source is larger than the current in each branch
6 State that the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than that of either resistor by itself
7 State the advantages of connecting lamps in parallel in a lighting circuit
Recall and use in calculations, the fact that:
(a) the sum of the currents entering a junction in a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the currents that leave the
junction
(b) the total p.d. across the components in a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual p.d.s across each
component
(c) the p.d. across an arrangement of parallel resistances is the same as the p.d. across one branch in the
arrangement of the parallel resistances

21
 10/10/2024

9 Explain that the sum of the currents into a junction is the same as the sum of the currents out of the junction
10 Calculate the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel

 Action and use of circuit components

1 Know that the p.d. across an electrical conductor increases as its resistance increases for a constant current
2 Describe the action of a variable potential divider
3 Recall and use the equation for two resistors used as a potential divider

2022 syllabus
 4.3.3 Action and use of circuit components
• Describe the action of a variable potential divider (potentiometer)
• Describe the action of thermistors and lightdependent 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 a diode and show understanding of its use as a rectifier
• Recognise and show understanding of circuits operating as light-sensitive switches and temperature-
operated alarms (to include the use of a relay)

Electrical circuits:
• A circuit is a loop of wire with its ends connected to an energy source such as a cell or a battery.
One end of the wire is connected to the positive terminal; the other end of the wire is connected to
the negative terminal. The wire is connected in this way so a current can flow through it.
Having connected our circuit, we can use it to light an electric lamp, to run an electric motor, to heat
an electric element and so on.
Current direction in the circuits:
• Electrons always flow from the negative terminal, round the circuit to the positive terminal.
• Before the discovery of the electrons, scientists were believe that the direction of the current was the direction of
transfer of positive charge; that is the direction of the current (known as the conventional current) is from
positive terminal to the negative terminal

22
 10/10/2024

circuits symbols :

Potential difference and electromotive force (e.m.f)

• Potential difference: is the work done (energy transferred) by a unit charge passing through a component
(measured in Volts, V)

• Electromotive force (e.m.f): is the work done (energy transferred) by a source in moving a unit charge around a
complete circuit. (measured in Volts, V).
(In other word, the electromotive force is the voltage across the battery).

Q: what does it means that a battery

has a potential difference of 12 V ?

23
 10/10/2024

Cells & Batteries:

• A cell is a single electrical energy source which uses chemical reactions to produce a current (from
chemical energy to electrical energy)

The symbol for a cell is

• A battery is a combination of two or more cells connected in series.

Battery composed of
The symbol for a battery of two cells is:
two or more cells

When a cell is connected wrong, it cancels out the effect of the next cell, for example, the potential difference in
the following connection is zero Volts

 Series circuits:
The circuit components are connected end to end so as to provide a single
path for the current to flow through all the components.

• The same value of current passes through each component in a series circuit
- identical current at any point in a series circuit (Itot = I1 = I2 = I3), [same
number of charges (free electrons) passing through each component every second]

Readings of ammeters A1 and A2 are the same

• The total potential difference of the supply is shared between the components - the total p.d. across the
components in a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual p.d. across each component

(Vtot = V1 + V2 + V3 + ...)
• The total resistance (combined) is the sum of the resistances of each component, Rtot = R1 + R2 + R3 + ....

• The component with greater resistance takes greater share of the p.d
• Ammeter has a negligible resistance and is always connected on series
• Voltmeter has an extremely high resistance and is always connected on parallel.
• Reading of voltmeter V is the sum of readings on V1 and V2. V = V1 + V2
• The two resistors share the applied voltage.

24
 10/10/2024

Ex:14 Three bulbs are connected in series to 12V power supply as shown in the figure below. Calculate:
a) The total total resistance in the circuit
b) The reading on the ammeter

Ex:15 Two resistors of 2 Ω and 3 Ω are connected to a 3 V supply as shown below. What is the ammeter reading

a) if switch S is in the open position?

b) if switch S is closed?

Ex:16 Two resistors are connected in series as shown in the diagram below. The potential difference
across the battery is 12 V

a) If each cell in the battery has a p.d of 2V, how many cells are there in each circuit ?
b) Calculate the total resistance in the circuit
c) Calculate the total current (the reading on ammeters 1, 2 and 3)
d) Calculate the potential difference across each resistor
e) Calculate the energy dissipated across each resistor, if the current is on for 2 minutes
f) Calculate the energy produced by the battery in 2 minutes. Comment on your answer compared to
your answer in part e.

25
 10/10/2024

Parallel circuits:
• the p.d. across an arrangement of parallel resistances is the same as the p.d. across one branch in the
arrangement of the parallel resistances (Vtot = V1 = V2 = V3 = ...),

• the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than that of either resistor by itself

• the sum of the currents entering a junction in a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the currents that leave
the junction
• the current from the source is larger than the current in each branch Itotal = I1+ I2 + I3 +…
Itotal 12 V

I1 12 V
The current always prefer the path with least
resistance. In other words, the high resistance path
I2 12 V takes small current and the low resistance path
takes high current:
I3 12 V

 The advantages of this kind of circuit are:

• The components can be individually controlled, using their own switches
• If one component stops working the others will continue to function

26
 10/10/2024

• Resistors in parallel:
The combined resistance of two or more resistors connected on parallel can be
calculated using the following formula

OR

When resistors connected in parallel, the combined resistance of two resistors in parallel is less than that of either
resistor by itself.

Ex:4 two resistors are connected in parallel as shown in the

figure to the right, calculate the combined resistance of two.

(a) (b)

• Summary
Series circuits Parallel circuits
current current is the same for all components current splits between components
Itotal=I1=I2=I3 Itotal = I1 + I2 + I3+ ...

Voltage p.d splits between components p.d is the same for all components
Vtotal = V1 + V2+ V3 ... Vtotal = V1 = V2= V3 ...

Resistance When resistors are connectecd on series, the When resistors are connectecd on parallel, the
total resistance increases total resistance decreases
Rtotal = R1 + R2 + R3+ ...

Features • If one component burns, current stops in • If one component burns, current stops
all the other components. only in this component. The other
• All component can be turned on and off components still working because there is
by one switch a complete circuit for the other
component.
• Each component can be turned on and off
separately by a switch

27
 10/10/2024

 Brightness (bulb is brighter or dimmer):

• The brightness of a bulb depends on the power (p = IV)
• The greater the voltage (p.d) and/or the current, the brighter the bulb

In parallel, each bulb have the same potential difference. When in series, The current is the same for each
The brightness depend on the current only: component. bulbs become dimmer as the potential
difference is shared across the bulbs and the total
resistence is larger.
• If they are identical bulb, they will have same current
and so same brightness • If they are identical bulb, they will have same p.d and
• If they were not identical, based on their resisance, so same brightness
which bulb glows brighter ? The one with greater or • If they were not identical, based on their resisance,
smaller resistance, explain why. which bulb glows brighter ? The one with greater or
smaller resistance, explain why.

Ex:17 For the circuit below: if the power supply is 12 V and R 1 =2Ω and R2 =3Ω.
1) Write an expression for the current that connects the readings on the three ammeters.
2) Calculate the combined resistance for the three resistors
3) Calculate the total current in the circuit
4) Draw a voltmeter that measures the potential difference across lamp 1 only. State the reading on
that voltmeter
5) Which bulb is brighter and which one is dimmer
6) Draw a dot on the circuit to represent a switch that controls
• lamp 1 (label it X)
• Lamp 2(label it L)
• Both lamps(label it M)

28
 10/10/2024

Ex:18 the diagram below shows a 2V cell connected to an arrangement of resistors, part in series and
part in parallel.
a) What is the total resistance of the two 4Ω resistors in parallel ?
b) What is the current flowing in the 1Ω resistor ?
c) What is the current in one of the 4Ω resistors ?

29
 10/10/2024

Ex:19 Fig. 8.1 shows a circuit. 0625/42 Paper 4 February/March 2020

The lamp has a resistance of 3.0 Ω. Line XY represents a uniform resistance wire of resistance 6.0 Ω.
(a) Calculate the reading on the ammeter.

Ans: 1.1 A

ammeter reading = ........................................................ [2]

(b) Fig. 8.2 shows the circuit with a different connection to the resistance wire and an added resistor.
The length XY of the whole resistance wire is 2.0 m. The contact is made at Q where the distance XQ is
0.60 m.
Calculate the resistance of the circuit.

Ans: 5.8 Ω

resistance = ........................................................ [4] [Total: 6]

30
 10/10/2024

Ex:20 Fig. 9.1 shows current-potential difference (p.d.) graphs for a resistor and for a thermistor.
(a) Calculate the resistance of the thermistor when the
p.d. across it is 7.0V.

resistance = ......................................................... [2] Ans: 1.52 Ω

(b) In Table 9.1, tick the boxes that indicate the effect on the resistances of the resistor and of the
thermistor when the p.d. across them is increased from 0 to 7.0V.

(c) The thermistor and the resistor are connected in parallel to a 7.0V supply.
Calculate:
(i) the current from the supply

Ans: 9.2 A
current = ......................................................... [2]
(ii) the energy transferred from the supply in 5.0 minutes.

Ans: 19320 J
Or. 19000 J

energy = ......................................................... [2]

[Total: 8]

31
 10/10/2024

Ex:21 Fig. 8.1 shows an electrical circuit.

The resistance of the lamp is 4.0 when it is at its normal brightness.

(a) The lamp is rated at 6.0 V, 9.0 W.
Calculate the current in the lamp when it is at its normal brightness.
(b) The sliding contact C is moved to A. The lamp lights at its normal brightness.
Calculate
(i) the total circuit resistance,
(ii) the potential difference across the 4.0 resistor R.
(c) The sliding contact C is moved from A to B.
(i) Describe any change that occurs in the brightness of the lamp.
(ii) Explain your answer to (i).

1.5 A / 8 Ω / 6 V / brightness decrease (dimmer) / resistance greater, current through the lamp falls / 4 Ω / 4 Ω

32
 10/10/2024

• Diodes in circuits
• Diode: is a device that allow the current to flow in one direction only. he direction is shown by the triangular
arrow of the diode symbol
• When current flows in the correct direction it is called forward bias
• When current flows in the reverse direction it is called reverse bias
• Current flows through a diode in one direction only because the resistance in ‘forward bias’ is low and
the ‘reverse bias’ resistance is very high

Ex:22 (a) Fig. 8.1 shows a 12.0 V battery connected to a resistor and a component X in series

(i) Identify the component X. [1]

(ii) The p.d. across the 4.0 Ω resistor is 11.3 V. Calculate

1. the p.d. across component X, [1]

2. the current in the 4.0 Ω resistor. [2]

0.7 V/2.8 A

(b) The circuit in Fig. 8.1 is now modified as shown in Fig. 8.2.

(i) Calculate
1. the current in the 8.0 Ω resistor,
2. the current in the battery

(ii) The battery is now reversed. State the current in the battery.

1.5 A/4.3 A/1.5 A

33
 10/10/2024

 Potential divider: it splits the potential difference of a power source between two components

• A potential divider is a simple circuit with either two series resistors or one variable resistor (thermistor or LDR)

• When two resistors are connected in series, the potential difference across the power source is shared between
them

• The potential difference across each resistor depends upon its resistance:
• The resistor with the largest resistance will have a greater potential difference than the other one
• If the resistance of one of the resistors is increased, it will get a greater share of the potential difference, whilst
the other resistor will get a smaller share

• Equation for potential divider circuit

A potential divider splits the potential difference of a power source
between two components to enable a specific potential difference
to be used

34
 10/10/2024

Ex:23 In Fig. 9.1, lamp A is not glowing brightly.

a) Suggest and explain what could be done to component B to make lamp A glow brightly.

R=8Ω

b) When the resistance across component B is RB = 4Ω, its potential difference is 4V.
1. What would be the potential difference across component A ?
2. what is the value of the potential difference across the battery (EMF)?

MC:1 29 The circuit shown includes two meters X and Y, connected correctly. Which row gives the unit of the
quantity measured by X and the unit of the quantity measured by Y?

0625/11/M/J/16

MC:2 32 The circuit shown contains three ammeters X, Y and Z. Which ammeter has the largest reading?
0625/11/M/J/16
a) X

b) Y

c) Z

d) They all have the same reading.

35
 10/10/2024

MC:3 33 The diagram shows part of a circuit used to switch street lamps on and off automatically.
In the evening it gets dark. Which row shows the effect on the resistance of the light-dependent resistor
(LDR) and on the potential difference (p.d.) across it?
0625/11/M/J/16

MC:4 29 Two meters are connected in a circuit to measure the current in a component and the potential
difference across the component.
Which meters are used and how are they connected to the component? 0625/12/M/J/16

A) an ammeter in parallel for current, a voltmeter in series for potential difference

B) an ammeter in series for current, a voltmeter in parallel for potential difference
C) a voltmeter in parallel for current, an ammeter in series for potential difference
D) a voltmeter in series for current, an ammeter in parallel for potential difference

MC:5 30 Each potential divider is placed in a circuit with a power supply.

Which potential divider makes the potential difference (p.d.) across component Y increase when
the light intensity increases?
0625/23/O/N/22

MC:6 32 The diagram shows two resistors connected in a circuit. What could be the combined
resistance of this arrangement of resistors? 0625/12/M/J/16

A) 4.0Ω

B) 6.0Ω

C) 9.0Ω

D) 18Ω

36
 10/10/2024

MC:7 32 The diagram shows a cell connected to two 6.0 Ω resistors. Three currents, I1, I2 and I3, are labelled. Which
row correctly compares I2 and I3 with I1?
0625/13/M/J/16

MC:8 33 The diagram shows a potential divider connected to two voltmeters P and Q. The resistance of
the variable resistor is decreased. Which row shows what happens to the reading on each voltmeter?
0625/22/F/M/16

MC:9 28 Which produces an electromotive force (e.m.f.)?

0625/22/F/M/16
a) a battery
b) a filament lamp
c) a resistor
d) a spring balance

MC:10 32 The diagram shows a 10Ω resistor and a 20Ω resistor connected in a potential divider circuit.
What is the reading on the voltmeter? 0625/13/M/J/15

a) 4.0V
b) 6.0V
c) 8.0V
d) 12.0V

MC:11 30 A student uses the circuit shown to determine the resistance of the two identical resistors.
The voltmeter reading is 2.2V and the ammeter reading is 0.25A.
What is the resistance of each resistor?
0625/14/M/J/15
a) 0.275Ω
b) 0.55Ω
c) 4.4Ω
d) 8.8Ω

37
 10/10/2024

MC:12 The circuit diagram shows a thermistor in a potential divider. A voltmeter is connected across the thermistor.
The graph shows how the resistance of the thermistor changes with temperature.
0625/11/M/J/11

As the thermistor becomes warmer, what happens to its resistance and what happens to the reading on the
voltmeter?

MC:13 31 Four lamps are each labelled 240V. In which circuit do all four lamps have normal brightness?
0625/22/F/M/16

38
 10/10/2024

MC:14 29 A battery is connected to two crocodile clips and a lamp. There is a gap between the crocodile clips. Four
cylinders W, X, Y and Z are made of the same metal but have different dimensions. The cylinders are connected in
turn, by their ends, between the crocodile clips. The diagrams of the cylinders are all drawn to the same scale.

0625/12/F/M/15

Which cylinder makes the lamp glow most brightly and which cylinder makes the lamp glow least brightly?

MC:15 31 The cells, lamps and resistors in the circuits are identical. In which circuit is the lamp the brightest?

5054/11/M/J/16

39
 10/10/2024

AC & DC
Direct Current Alternating Current
A direct current (d.c.) is defined as An alternating current (a.c.) is defined as
A current that is steady, constantly flowing in the same A current that continuously changes its direction,
direction (one direction) in a circuit going back and forth around a circuit

A d.c. power supply has a fixed positive terminal and a An a.c. power supply has two identical terminals
fixed negative terminal Electric cells, or batteries, that switches between positive and negative
produce direct current (d.c.)

MC:16 30 An alternating current (a.c.) power supply is connected in series with a resistor R and a diode.

0625/21/O/N/22

Which graph shows how the voltage V across the resistor R varies with time?

40
 10/10/2024

MC:17 31 Diagram 1 is a circuit diagram showing an a.c. power supply connected to four diodes and a resistor.
Diagram 2 shows the output voltage from the power supply.

0625/22/O/N/22

Which graph correctly shows the voltage–time curve across resistor R?

4 Electrical safety

1 State the hazards of:

(a) damaged insulation
(b) overheating cables
(c) damp conditions
(d) excess current from overloading of plugs, extension leads, single and multiple sockets when using a
mains supply

2 Know that a mains circuit consists of a live wire (line wire), a neutral wire and an earth wire and
explain why a switch must be connected to the live wire for the circuit to be switched off safely

3 Explain the use and operation of trip switches and fuses and choose appropriate fuse ratings and trip
switch settings

4 Explain why the outer casing of an electrical appliance must be either non-conducting (double-
insulated) or earthed

5 State that a fuse without an earth wire protects the circuit and the cabling for a double-insulated
appliance

41
 10/10/2024

Mains Circuits
Mains Electricity

Mains electricity is the electricity generated by power stations and transported around the country through the
National Grid.
• Everyone connects to the mains when plugging in an appliance such as a phone charger or kettle.

• Mains electricity is an alternating current (a.c.) supply.

• In the UK, the domestic electricity supply has a frequency of 50 Hz and a potential difference of about
230 V.

• A frequency of 50 Hz means the direction of the current changes back and forth 50 times every
second.

• Mains electricity, being an alternating current, does not have positive and negative sides to the power
source
The equivalent to positive and negative are called live and neutral and these form either end of the
electrical circuit

Three-pin Plug & Earth Connection

Switches
The purpose of a switch is to break or connect an electric circuit, but they must be correctly connected in the
home.
A switch in the electrical circuit is always connected to the live wire so that the socket/appliance is not live when
it is switched off.

42
 10/10/2024

• Fuse: A fuse is a safety device designed to cut off the flow of electricity to an appliance if the
current becomes too large
 Fuses usually consist of a glass cylinder which contains a thin
metal wire.
If the current in the wire becomes too large:
Fuse symbol
• The wire heats up and melts
• This causes the wire to break, breaking the circuit and
stopping the current
 Choosing Which Fuse to Use:

Fuses come in a variety of sizes (typically 3A, 5A and 13A) - in order to select the right fuse for the job,
you need to know how much current an appliance needs

If you know the power of the appliance (along with mains voltage), the current can be calculated using
the equation:

The fuse should always have a current rating that is a little higher than the current needed by the appliance,
without being too high - always choose the next size up

Example:

Suppose an appliance uses 3.1 A

• A 3 A use would be too small - the fuse would blow and melt as soon as the appliance was switched
on
• A 13 A fuse would be too large - it would allow an extra 10 A to pass through the appliance before it
finally blew
• A 5 A fuse would be an appropriate choice, as it is the next size up

• A trip switch, found in the Consumer Box (where the electricity enters the building) does the same
job as a fuse
When the current is too high the switch 'trips' (automatically flicks to the off position) this stops
current flowing in that circuit

43
 10/10/2024

Electrical Hazards
Mains electricity is potentially lethal – potential differences as small as 50 volts can cause a serious
hazard

 Common hazards include:

• Damaged Insulation – In a circuit, insulation is the plastic that covers wires. If you have damaged
insulation, it means that metal wires inside the cable are exposed. If a person touches the exposed
wires, they could be electrically shocked, which may lead to death

• Overheating of cables – Passing a very high current through too small a wire (or leaving a long
length of wire tightly coiled) can lead to the wire overheating. This could cause a fire or melt the
insulations, exposing live wires

• Damp conditions – If moisture comes into contact with live wires, the moisture could conduct
electricity either causing a short circuit within a device (which could cause a fire) or posing an
electrocution risk

• Excess current from overloading of plugs, extension leads, single and multiple sockets when using a
mains supply - If plugs or sockets become overloaded due to plugging in too many components the
heat created can cause fires

Insulation & Double Insulation

The conducting part of a wire is usually made of copper or some other metal If this comes into contact
with a person, this poses a risk of electrocution. For this reason, wires are covered with an insulating
material, such as rubber

• Some appliances do not have metal cases and so there is no risk of them becoming electrified
• Such appliances are said to be double insulated, as they have two layers of insulation:
 Insulation around the wires themselves
 A non-metallic case that acts as a second layer of insulation
• Double insulated appliances do not require an earth wire or have been designed so that the earth
wire cannot touch the metal casing

44
 10/10/2024

Earthing
Many electrical appliances have metal cases, this poses a potential safety hazard:

If a live wire (inside the appliance) came into contact with the case, the case would
become electrified and anyone who touched it would risk being electrocuted.

The earth wire is an additional safety wire that can reduce this risk.

• If this happens:
The earth wire provides a low resistance path to the earth (negative charges is
transferred from the metal case to the Earth)

It causes a large of current in the earth wire and hence also in the live wire
The high current through the fuse causes it to melt and break, this cuts off the supply
of electricity to the appliance, making it safe

MC:18 34 A domestic circuit includes a 30A fuse. This protects the wiring if there is too much current in the circuit.
In which wire is the 30A fuse positioned, and what does it do when it operates?
0625/12/M/J/16

MC:19 32 After some building work in a house, a bare (uninsulated) live wire is left protruding from a wall.
What is the greatest hazard?
0625/12/M/J/10

a) a fire b) a fuse blows c) an electric shock d) no current flows

MC:20 32 In this circuit, a component at X automatically protects the wiring from overheating if there is a fault.
Which components are suitable to use at X?
0625/11/M/J/11
a) A a circuit-breaker, a fuse or a switch
b) only a circuit-breaker or a fuse
c) only a circuit-breaker or a switch
d) only a fuse

45
 10/10/2024

MC:21 33 In the circuit shown, only one of the fuses has blown, but none of the lamps is lit. Which fuse has
blown?
0625/13/M/J/15

MC:22 33 The current in a kettle is 10A and the kettle is protected by a 13A fuse. The owner of the kettle
replaces the 13A fuse with a 3A fuse. What happens when the kettle is switched on?

a) The fuse melts and the kettle might be damaged. 0625/12/F/M/19

b) The fuse melts and the kettle is undamaged.

c) The fuse does not melt and the kettle works correctly.

d) The fuse does not melt but the kettle fails to work.

MC:23 34 A fuse is used to protect an electric circuit. Which diagram shows where the fuse should be
connected?
0625/12/O/N/15

46
 10/10/2024

MC:25 34 The diagram shows the connections to an electric heater. Three fuses have been added to the circuit.
Which of the fuses are correctly placed?
0625/11/O/N/13

a) fuse 1, fuse 2 and fuse 3

b) fuse 1 and fuse 2 only
c) fuse 1 only
d) fuse 2 only

MC:26 34 In the circuit shown, the current from the battery divides equally between the two lamps. Each ammeter
reads 6.0 A. What is a suitable rating for the fuse in this circuit?

a) 3.0A 0625/12/M/J/14
b) 6.0A
c) 10.0A
d) 13.0A

1 D 7 D 13 C 19 D

2 C 8 B 14 C 20 B

3 D 9 A 15 C 21 A

4 B 10 C 16 C 22 B

5 A 11 C 17 B 23 A

6 A 12 A 18 A 24 D

47