Basic Electrical quantities

Recap
Current is the rate of flow
of electrons around a circuit.

emf The higher the current, the

faster the electrons are
travelling. The unit of
current is the amp, and in a
circuit an ammeter is used
to measure current.
 Recap
Current is the rate of flow
of electrons around a circuit.

emf The higher the current, the

faster the electrons are
travelling. The unit of
current is the amp, and in a
circuit an ammeter is used
to measure current.

VOLTAGE is the amount of

energy given to electrons
as they travel around the
circuit.
 Recap
Current is the rate of flow
of electrons around a circuit.

emf The higher the current, the

faster the electrons are
travelling. The unit of
current is the amp, and in a
circuit an ammeter is used
to measure current.

VOLTAGE is the amount of

energy given to electrons
as they travel around the
circuit.
Voltage is also known as
POTENTIAL DIFERENCE
(PD)
 Recap
Current is the rate of flow
of electrons around a circuit.

emf The higher the current, the

faster the electrons are
travelling. The unit of
current is the amp, and in a
circuit an ammeter is used
to measure current.

VOLTAGE is the amount of Unit of voltage or PD is

energy given to electrons the volt.
as they travel around the Supplement
circuit.
1 volt = 1 joule of
Voltage is also known as potential energy is
POTENTIAL DIFERENCE given to each coulomb
of charge
(PD) (1J = 1 J/C)
 VOLTAGE is the amount of
energy given to electrons
as they travel around the
circuit.

emf Voltage is also known as

POTENTIAL DIFERENCE
(PD)

The cell produces its highest

potential difference when
not connected in a circuit. This
maximum PD is known as the
electromotive force (EMF)
of the cell.

The battery cell gives electrons

potential energy. This energy is
then passed on to the
components in the cell
 VOLTAGE is the amount of
energy given to electrons
as they travel around the
circuit.

emf Voltage is also known as

POTENTIAL DIFERENCE
(PD)

The cell produces its highest

potential difference when
not connected in a circuit. This
maximum PD is known as the
electromotive force (EMF)
of the cell.

The battery cell gives electrons As soon as the cell is connected

potential energy. This energy is in a circuit the potential difference
then passed on to the drops because of energy
components in the cell wastage inside the cell.
 VOLTAGE is the amount of
Just a reminder energy given to electrons
…………
as they travel around the
A single cell circuit.
A battery, made up of
Voltage is also known as
several cells.
POTENTIAL DIFERENCE
A battery is a series of joined cells, although (PD)
it is commonly used for a single cell as well.
The cell produces its highest
potential difference when
not connected in a circuit. This
maximum PD is known as the
electromotive force (EMF)
of the cell.

The battery cell gives electrons As soon as the cell is connected

potential energy. This energy is in a circuit the potential difference
then passed on to the drops because of energy
components in the cell wastage inside the cell.
Measuring voltage (PD) in a circuit.
 Voltage is
Measuring voltage (PD) in a circuit. measured
using a
VOLTMETER
 Voltage is
Measuring voltage (PD) in a circuit. 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
Measuring voltage (PD) in a circuit. 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
Measuring voltage (PD) in a circuit. measured
using a
VOLTMETER
Series and parallel circuits

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
Measuring voltage (PD) in a circuit. measured
using a
VOLTMETER
Series and parallel circuits

In a parallel
circuit all
components
In a series circuit the total get the full
voltage (PD) of the supply is source
shared between the various voltage, so
components, so the voltages the voltage is
around a series circuit always the same
add up to equal the source across all
voltage. components
Whenever a current flows
around an electrical circuit
there is resistance to the
electrons.
 Whenever a current flows
around an electrical circuit
there is resistance to the
electrons.

Copper Nichrome is
connecting wire not such a good
is a good conductor, it has
conductor, it a bigger
offers little resistance to
resistance to the electrons,
the electrons, and less
and a current current will
passes through flow.
it easily.
 Whenever a current flows
around an electrical circuit
there is resistance to the
electrons.

Resistance is calculated using

this equation:

Copper Nichrome is resistance = voltage R =

connecting wire not such a good V
is a good conductor, it has current I
conductor, it a bigger
The unit of resistance is the ohm
offers little resistance to
Ω (Greek letter omega)
resistance to the electrons,
the electrons, and less
and a current current will
passes through flow.
it easily.
 Whenever a current flows
around an electrical circuit
there is resistance to the
electrons.

Resistance is calculated using

this equation:

Copper Nichrome is resistance = voltage R =

connecting wire not such a good V
is a good conductor, it has current I
conductor, it a bigger
The unit of resistance is the ohm
offers little resistance to
Ω (Greek letter omega)
resistance to the electrons,
the electrons, and less eg. If a PD of 8V is needed to make a
and a current current will current of 4A flow through a wire.
passes through flow.
it easily. Resistance = 8 / 4 = 2Ω
Remember, remember ……….. The
equation linking V, I and R

V = I x R

V I = V / R

I R R = V / I
 Factors
affecting
resistance.
 Length
Factors
of wire
affecting
resistance.

Factors Cross
Temperature affecting sectional
resistance area

Material
 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

For metal conductors,

resistance increases with
temperature. For semi-
conductors, it decreases with
temperature.
 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

For metal conductors,

resistance increases with
temperature. For semi-
conductors, it decreases with
temperature.

When a current flows through a

wire, resistance causes a heating
effect. This principle is used in
heating elements and in
 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Electrons collide with

atoms as they pass
through conductors,
For metal conductors, losing energy. The
atoms vibrate more,
resistance increases with causing a heating
temperature. For semi- effect

conductors, it decreases with

temperature.

When a current flows through a

wire, resistance causes a heating
effect. This principle is used in
heating elements and in
 Temperature

Factors
Factors Length
affecting
Cross
sectional
of wire
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Wires A and B have the same

A cross-sectional area and are at
the same temperature. Wire B is
B twice as long as wire A, and has
twice the resistance.
 Temperature

Factors
Factors Length
affecting
Cross
sectional
of wire
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Wires A and B have the same

A cross-sectional area and are at
the same temperature. Wire B is
B twice as long as wire A, and has
twice the resistance.

Resistance
length
Resistance is directly proportional to
 Temperature

Factors
Factors Cross
sectional affecting Length
area of wire
affecting resistance
resistance.

Material

Wires A and B have the same

A length and are at the same
temperature. Wire B is twice the
cross-sectional area of A, and has
B half the resistance.
 Temperature

Factors
Factors Cross
sectional affecting Length
area of wire
affecting resistance
resistance.

Material

Wires A and B have the same

A length and are at the same
temperature. Wire B is twice the
cross-sectional area of A, and has
B half the resistance.

Resistance 1 (area = cross-sectional area)

area
 Temperature

Factors
Factors Material affecting Length
of wire
affecting resistance
resistance.
Cross
sectional
area

Some wires have much more

resistance for a given length. For
example a 10cm length of
nichrome has a much higher
resistance than copper of the
same length and cross-sectional
area. Nichrome is said to have a
higher resistivity.
 Temperature

Factors
Factors Material affecting Length
of wire
affecting resistance
resistance.
Cross
sectional
area

Some wires have much more Typical resistivity (Ω/m)

resistance for a given length. For Constantan 49 x 10-8
example a 10cm length of
Manganin 44 x 10-8
nichrome has a much higher
resistance than copper of the Nichrome 100 x 10-8
same length and cross-sectional Tungsten 55 x 10-8
area. Nichrome is said to have a
higher resistivity. The Greek letter rho (ρ) is the
resistivity constant for any given
material)
 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Combining the resistance equations

 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Combining the resistance equations

Resistance length
area
 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Combining the resistance equations

R = ρ x l
A

Resistance length
area
 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Combining the resistance equations

R = ρ x l
A

Resistance length ρ = R x A
area l
 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Combining the resistance equations

R = ρ x l
Comparing different wires, A and B, made from the
A
same material (so ρ is the same for each wire)
at the same temperature.

ρ = R x A
l
 Length
of wire

Factors Factors Cross

Temperature affecting sectional
affecting resistance area

resistance.

Material

Combining the resistance equations

R = ρ x l
Comparing different wires, A and B, made from the
A
same material (so ρ is the same for each wire)
at the same temperature.

ρ = R x A
ResistanceA x AreaA = ResistanceB x
l
AreaB
LengthA LengthB
 More about
resistors
1 kilohm (kΩ) = 1000 Ω
Resistor 1 megohm (MΩ) = 1 000
000 Ω
 More about
resistors
1 kilohm (kΩ) = 1000 Ω
Resistor 1 megohm (MΩ) = 1 000
000 Ω

Variable Used for varying current, for

example in light dimmer
resistor switches
 More about
resistors
1 kilohm (kΩ) = 1000 Ω
Resistor 1 megohm (MΩ) = 1 000
000 Ω

Variable Used for varying current, for

example in light dimmer
resistor switches
High resistance when cold,
but much lower resistance
Thermistor when hot. Eg. Digital
thermometer
 More about
resistors
1 kilohm (kΩ) = 1000 Ω
Resistor 1 megohm (MΩ) = 1 000
000 Ω

Variable Used for varying current, for

example in light dimmer
resistor switches
High resistance when cold,
but much lower resistance
Thermistor when hot. Eg. Digital
thermometer

Light High resistance in the dark

but a low resistance in the
dependent light. Eg. Controlling light
resistor (LDR) switches
 More about
resistors
1 kilohm (kΩ) = 1000 Ω
Resistor 1 megohm (MΩ) = 1 000
000 Ω

Variable Used for varying current, for

example in light dimmer
resistor switches
High resistance when cold,
but much lower resistance
Thermistor when hot. Eg. Digital
thermometer

Light High resistance in the dark

but a low resistance in the
dependent light. Eg. Controlling light
resistor (LDR) switches
Extremely high resistance in
Diode one direction, but low in the
other. Controls flow of current
Ohm’s
Law
A 19 Century
th

scientist who first

investigated the
electrical properties of
wires, and the
relationship between
V, I and R
I (the symbol for current) = “intensite du
courant”
 Ohm’s How current
varies with
Law voltage (PD) for
a metal
Circuit diagram: conductor.
battery

Variable
Ammeter
resistor

A
Voltmeter

Water bath
to keep
Nichrome
nichrome at
wire
constant
temperature
 Ohm’s How current
varies with
Law voltage (PD) for
a metal
Circuit diagram: conductor.
battery

V I R = V/I
2.0V 0.4A 5.0Ω
Variable 4.0 0.8 5.0
Ammeter
resistor
6.0 1.2 5.0
A
Voltmeter
8.0 1.6 5.0

V 10.0 2.0 5.0

Water bath
to keep
Nichrome
nichrome at
wire
constant
temperature
 Ohm’s How current
varies with
Law voltage (PD) for
a metal
Circuit diagram: conductor.
battery

V I R = V/I
2.0V 0.4A 5.0Ω
Variable 4.0 0.8 5.0
Ammeter
resistor
6.0 1.2 5.0
A
Voltmeter
8.0 1.6 5.0

V 10.0 2.0 5.0

2.0

Current
Water bath
(A)
to keep
Nichrome
nichrome at
wire
constant
temperature 0 10.0
Voltage (V)
Ohm’s
Law

1. A graph of current against

voltage is a straight line
through the origin.
2. If the voltage doubles then
the current doubles, etc
3. In this experiment, V/I
always has the same value.
 Ohm’s
Law

1. A graph of current against

voltage is a straight line
through the origin.
2. If the voltage doubles then
the current doubles, etc
3. In this experiment, V/I
Current is proportional to the always has the same value.
voltage.

Current Voltage
 Ohm’s
Law
Provided temperature is
constant

1. A graph of current against

voltage is a straight line
through the origin.
2. If the voltage doubles then
the current doubles, etc
3. In this experiment, V/I
Current is proportional to the always has the same value.
voltage.

Current Voltage
temperature changes?
So what happens if

For a tungsten
filament
lamp, as the
current
increases, the
temperature
rises and the
resistance
increases.
Current is not
directly
proportional to
temperature changes?
So what happens if
And for the diode
…….

For a tungsten
filament
lamp, as the Current is not
current proportional to the
increases, the voltage. If the
temperature voltage is reversed,
rises and the the resistance
resistance increases greatly,
increases. so effectively making
Current is not sure that current
directly only flows in one
proportional to direction in the
 • Understand that electric
And finally circuits transfer energy
from the battery or power
… source to the circuit
components then into the
surroundings
 • Understand that electric
And finally circuits transfer energy
from the battery or power
… source to the circuit
components then into the
surroundings

Chemical energy is
transformed into
potential energy in the
electrons, and in the bulb
this is changed into
thermal (heat) energy.
 • Understand that electric
And finally circuits transfer energy
from the battery or power
… source to the circuit
components then into the
surroundings

Chemical energy is
transformed into
potential energy in the
electrons, and in the bulb
this is changed into
thermal (heat) energy.
The rate at which energy
is transformed is known
as POWER. The unit of
power is the watt (W).
 • Understand that electric
And finally circuits transfer energy
from the battery or power
… source to the circuit
components then into the
surroundings

Chemical energy is
transformed into P = I x V
potential energy in the
electrons, and in the bulb
this is changed into
thermal (heat) energy. P V = P/I
The rate at which energy
I = P/V
is transformed is known
as POWER. The unit of
power is the watt (W).
I V
1 kilowatt (kW) = 1000
watts
 • Understand that electric
And finally circuits transfer energy
from the battery or power
… source to the circuit
components then into the
surroundings

2200W (2.2kW)

450W
11W

80W
 Supplemen
And finally t
…

Recall and use

the equations
P = IV and E =
IVt
 Supplemen
And finally t
… Power = energy
transformed
time taken

Recall and use

the equations
P = IV and E =
IVt
 Supplemen
And finally t
… Power = energy
transformed
time taken

Recall and use

the equations
P = IV and E =
P = E
IVt
t
 Supplemen
And finally t
… Power = energy
transformed
time taken

Recall and use

the equations
P = IV and E =
P = E
IVt
t

E =P x
t
 Supplemen
And finally t
… Power = energy
transformed
time taken

Recall and use

the equations
P = IV and E =
P = E
IVt
t

E =IxV x t E =P x
t
 Supplemen
And finally t
… Power = energy
transformed
time taken

Recall and use

the equations
P = IV and E =
P = E
IVt
t

E =IxV x t E =P x
t
Joules per second
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Core Supplement
•State that the e.m.f. of an electrical • Show understanding that e.m.f. is
source of energy is measured in volts defined in terms of energy supplied
• State that the potential difference (p.d.) by a source in driving charge round a
across a circuit component is measured complete circuit
in volts • Recall that 1 V is equivalent to 1 J / C
• Use and describe the use of a • Sketch and explain the current-
voltmeter, both analogue and digital voltage characteristic of an ohmic
• State that resistance = p.d. / current resistor and a filament lamp
and understand qualitatively how • • Recall and use quantitatively the
changes in p.d. or resistance affect proportionality between resistance
current
and length, and the inverse
• • Recall and use the equation R = V / I
proportionality between resistance
• • Describe an experiment to determine
resistance using a voltmeter and an and cross-sectional area of a wire
ammeter • Recall and use the equations P = IV
• Relate (without calculation) the and E = IVt
resistance of a wire to its length and to
its diameter
• Understand that electric circuits
transfer energy from the battery or
power source to the circuit components
then into the surroundings
PHYSICS – Electrical quantities (2)