Electric Circuits and Current Electricity

What the resources cover

The page starts with the basics. The mind map Electricity covers charge, current in amps, the formulae triangle for charge and current, potential difference, ammeters, voltmeters and circuit symbols. The mind map Electrical Circuits adds complete circuits, series circuits and parallel circuits.

Further down you will find resistance, Ohm's law, IV characteristics, internal resistance and EMF, power, domestic circuits, the National Grid and capacitors. Notes on static electricity sit alongside the current electricity material.

Where to start

If circuits are new, begin with the Circuit Symbols flashcards and the mind map Electricity. Then read the notes Charge and Current and Current and Potential Difference. Once those make sense, move on to Ohm's Law and the notes on resistance.

1. Learn the symbols and key words.
2. Read the notes on charge, current and potential difference.
3. Work on resistance, then series and parallel circuits.
4. Finish with power, mains electricity and exam-style questions.

Using quizzes and maps together

Try a quiz first, without looking anything up. The quiz Short test: Resistors in Series and parallel asks how ammeter readings change when a switch is closed. The quiz Electric Circuits Quiz asks why a bulb lights in a simple series circuit. When you miss a question, open the matching mind map and find the branch that explains it. Then try the quiz again.

Equations and exam practice

The flashcards AQA GCSE Physics equations: Unit 2 (Electricity) cover charge flow, Ohm's law and total resistance of resistors in series and parallel. The resources mention GCSE, IGCSE, A-level, National 5, Leaving Certificate and CBSE, so check which ones match your course.

Where this unit fits

This unit sits in the Electricity and Magnetism strand of Physics. Choose a resource that suits your course and make a start, or build your own set of notes for the parts you find hardest.