10.1.1—The circuit symbols shown in section 6 of this syllabus
- Syllabus
- 9702–2028–2029
- Objective
- 10.1.1
- Level
- AS
Standard circuit symbols encode components and supply connections unambiguously
Circuit diagrams use agreed symbols for cells, power supplies, switches, resistors, lamps, diodes, meters and sensors so a circuit can be read without a picture of the hardware.
Keep wires joined only where junctions are marked and show meter connections according to their measuring role.
A voltmeter symbol is drawn across a component, while an ammeter symbol belongs in series with the branch current.
A symbol is not just decoration: reversing a diode or omitting a junction changes the circuit being described.
ConceptA-Level CAIE Physics AS