10. D.C. circuits
Start with Concept to understand a topic, then use Question Bank to check what you know.
Your progress
Sign in to see your mastery and mistakes.
10.1 Practical circuits
• recall and use the circuit symbols shown in section 6 of this syllabus
• draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing the circuit symbols shown in section 6 of this syllabus
• define and use the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a source as energy transferred per unit charge in driving charge around a complete circuit
• distinguish between e.m.f. and potential difference (p.d.) in terms of energy considerations
• understand the effects of the internal resistance of a source of e.m.f. on the terminal potential difference
10.2 Kirchhoff’s laws
• recall Kirchhoff’s first law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of charge
• recall Kirchhoff’s second law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of energy
• derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series
• use the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in series
• derive, using Kirchhoff’s laws, a formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel
• use the formula for the combined resistance of two or more resistors in parallel
• use Kirchhoff’s laws to solve simple circuit problems
10.3 Potential dividers
10.3.1The principle of a potential divider circuit
• understand the principle of a potential divider circuit
10.3.2The principle of the potentiometer as a means of comparing potential
• recall and use the principle of the potentiometer as a means of comparing potential differences
10.3.3The use of a galvanometer in null methods
• understand the use of a galvanometer in null methods
10.3.4The use of thermistors and light-dependent resistors in potential dividers
• explain the use of thermistors and light-dependent resistors in potential dividers to provide a potential difference that is dependent on temperature and light intensity