Electric Circuits: Current, Voltage, and Resistance
This lesson covers the fundamental principles of electric circuits for Year 10 Physics. It focuses on the relationship between current, potential difference, and resistance, including calculation practice and component functions.
Learning objectives
- Define electric current as the rate of flow of electrical charge and calculate it using I=Q/t.
- State the relationship between potential difference, current, and resistance (Ohm's Law).
- Identify and draw standard circuit symbols and describe the functions of components.
- Explain how resistance changes in common circuit components like filament lamps and thermistors.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Starter: Recall symbols. Students draw symbols for a cell, battery, lamp, resistor, and switch.
Input · 10 min
Direct Instruction: Teacher uses the 'Explainer' to discuss current, potential difference, and resistance.
Modelling · 5 min
Worked Example: Teacher demonstrates a V=IR calculation on the board.
Independent Practice · 25 min
Differentiated Worksheets: Students work through Support, Core, or Stretch tasks.
Review · 5 min
Peer Marking: Using the answer key provided to check worksheet progress.
Assessment · 10 min
Plenary: 8-question Multiple Choice Quiz to check for misconceptions.
Key vocabulary
- Current
- The rate of flow of electrical charge.
- Potential Difference
- The energy transferred per unit charge between two points in a circuit.
- Resistance
- The opposition to the flow of current.
- Conductor
- A material that allows electricity to flow through it easily.
- Diode
- A component that only allows current to flow in one direction.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- Explain the difference between electric charge and electric current.
- A current of 0.5 A flows through a wire for 60 seconds. Calculate the total charge that flows.
- A resistor has a resistance of 10 Ohms. If a 2 A current flows through it, what is the potential difference?
- Define 'potential difference' in terms of energy and charge.
Quiz (sample)
1. What is the unit of electric current?
- A. Volts (V)
- B. Amperes (A)
- C. Ohms (Ω)
- D. Coulombs (C)
2. Which of the following best describes electric current?
- A. The energy per unit charge
- B. The force pushing electrons
- C. Rate of flow of charge
- D. The blockage to the flow
3. What happens to current in a single series loop?
- A. It stays the same
- B. It splits at every junction
- C. It increases after each bulb
- D. It decreases as it goes around house
The full pack is waiting
Support and Stretch worksheets, every answer and model answer, the teaching explainer and common misconceptions, editable and ready to print as PDF or Word.
Start your 14-day trial