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  5. ›Physics
  6. ›Electricity

A Level Year 12 / Physics / Curriculum

Electricity

Electricity: structured theory, worked examples, answered practice, and a mastery checklist for A Level Year 12.

CHAPTER PLAN

Learn, practise, and check your progress

Follow the steps in order or jump directly to the part you need.

—/5

completed

Estimated active study time

209 minutes

  1. 1. Understand

    Objectives, key ideas, and structured theory.

    Open →
  2. 2. Follow the method

    Worked examples that explain every step.

    Open →
  3. 3. Practise

    Graded tasks with hints and answer guidance.

    Open →
  4. 4. Consolidate

    Assignments from core work to challenge.

    Open →
  5. 5. Check

    A timed, marked test with solution guidance.

    Open →

Progress is stored only in this browser and does not require AI credits.

Learning objectives

  • ✓Describe “Current and charge” using evidence from observation, measurement, or a model.
  • ✓Describe “Potential difference” using evidence from observation, measurement, or a model.
  • ✓Describe “Resistance” using evidence from observation, measurement, or a model.
  • ✓Describe “I-V characteristics” using evidence from observation, measurement, or a model.
  • ✓Describe “DC circuits” using evidence from observation, measurement, or a model.

Key ideas and checks

  • I draw and analyse a circuit with correct instruments.
  • I connect charge, current, voltage, resistance, and power.
  • Every solution or explanation for “Electricity” should include a method, justification, and final check.

Unit

Core theory

The essential chapter ideas in a clear sequence before practice.

01

Charge, current, and potential difference

Charge is a property, current is charge flow rate, and potential difference is energy per unit charge. Keep these definitions distinct.

02

Circuit and conservation

Draw a closed circuit with correct symbols. Apply charge conservation at junctions and energy conservation around loops where required.

03

Fields and induction

Field lines indicate direction and relative strength. In induction, changing magnetic flux is linked to induced potential difference.

04

Current and charge

For “Current and charge”, start from an observation or model, define quantities and units where relevant, and separate the changed factor from the measured outcome. Support the conclusion with data and state the test's limitations.

05

Potential difference

For “Potential difference”, start from an observation or model, define quantities and units where relevant, and separate the changed factor from the measured outcome. Support the conclusion with data and state the test's limitations.

06

Resistance

For “Resistance”, start from an observation or model, define quantities and units where relevant, and separate the changed factor from the measured outcome. Support the conclusion with data and state the test's limitations.

07

I-V characteristics

For “I-V characteristics”, start from an observation or model, define quantities and units where relevant, and separate the changed factor from the measured outcome. Support the conclusion with data and state the test's limitations.

08

DC circuits

For “DC circuits”, start from an observation or model, define quantities and units where relevant, and separate the changed factor from the measured outcome. Support the conclusion with data and state the test's limitations.

Physics

Worked examples

Follow the method step by step and check why every step is valid.

Worked circuit example

A 6 Ω resistor is connected across 30 V. Find current and power.

  1. 1Ohm's law: I = V/R = 30/6.
  2. 2Power: P = VI = 30 · 5.
  3. 3Check A and W units and that the circuit is closed.

I = 5 A, P = 150 W

Reasoning example

Before calculating, explain the key idea from “Current and charge” and which conditions must be checked.

  1. 1Define the idea in one clear sentence.
  2. 2Connect it to a representation, law, or formula.
  3. 3State a restriction, unit, or final check that makes the solution valid.

The answer should show not only which rule is used for “Current and charge”, but also why it is valid here.

Electricity

Practice with answers

Eight graded tasks from core fluency to exam-style application. Work independently before opening a hint or answer.

Core fluency4 minutes

A 5 Ω resistor carries 8 A. Find voltage and power.

Hint

V=IR and P=VI.

Answer guide

V=40 V, P=320 W.

Core fluency5 minutes

Structure a solution for “Potential difference”: givens, SI units, law, substitution, and interpretation.

Hint

State the law before substituting numbers.

Answer guide

A full solution states symbols/units, selects a valid law for “Potential difference”, shows substitution and calculation, and interprets the result.

Application6 minutes

Identify three uncertainty sources in measuring “Resistance” and improve each one.

Hint

Consider instrument resolution, reaction time, repeats, and controls.

Answer guide

A full response links each specific error source to a targeted improvement and identifies random or systematic impact.

Application7 minutes

Plan a suitable graph for “I-V characteristics” data and explain how to obtain a gradient or relationship.

Hint

Put the independent variable on x and dependent variable on y.

Answer guide

A full response labels axes/units, uses a suitable scale and best fit; gradient uses a large triangle and is interpreted with units.

Reasoning8 minutes

Check whether a result for “DC circuits” is sensible using units, order of magnitude, and a limiting case.

Hint

A check should not merely repeat the same calculation.

Answer guide

A full check confirms dimensions/units, compares expected magnitude, and tests behaviour when one variable becomes very small or large.

Reasoning9 minutes

Connect “Kirchhoff laws in AS scope” to energy conservation or a force/field model and justify the choice.

Hint

Define the system and interactions.

Answer guide

A full response defines the system, describes transfer or interaction, applies the appropriate model, and states losses or limitations.

Exam style10 minutes

Write a multi-step exam response about “Current and charge” with calculation and evaluation.

Hint

Separate givens, model, calculation, result, and evaluation.

Answer guide

A full response includes an appropriate diagram/model, laws, algebraic rearrangement, SI substitution, suitably precise result, and evaluation of assumptions.

Exam style12 minutes

Compare two methods for investigating “Potential difference” and select the more reliable using criteria.

Hint

Use accuracy, repeatability, control, and safety.

Answer guide

The choice must use at least three comparable criteria and acknowledge one trade-off or limitation.

Common mistakes

  • Connecting an ammeter in parallel or a voltmeter in series.
  • Confusing current with voltage or saying current is consumed.
  • Ignoring direction in force, field, or induction.

Mastery check

  • ✓I draw and analyse a circuit with correct instruments.
  • ✓I connect charge, current, voltage, resistance, and power.
  • ✓I interpret fields and induction with direction.

Electricity

Chapter homework

Six distinct assignments from core fluency to challenge, each with an estimated time, hint, and answer guide.

Core8 minutes

Homework 1: A 6 Ω resistor carries 4 A. Find voltage and power.

Hint

V=IR and P=VI.

Answer guide

V=24 V, P=96 W.

Core10 minutes

Homework 2: Structure a solution for “Potential difference”: givens, SI units, law, substitution, and interpretation.

Hint

State the law before substituting numbers.

Answer guide

A full solution states symbols/units, selects a valid law for “Potential difference”, shows substitution and calculation, and interprets the result.

Stretch12 minutes

Homework 3: Identify three uncertainty sources in measuring “Resistance” and improve each one.

Hint

Consider instrument resolution, reaction time, repeats, and controls.

Answer guide

A full response links each specific error source to a targeted improvement and identifies random or systematic impact.

Stretch15 minutes

Homework 4: Plan a suitable graph for “I-V characteristics” data and explain how to obtain a gradient or relationship.

Hint

Put the independent variable on x and dependent variable on y.

Answer guide

A full response labels axes/units, uses a suitable scale and best fit; gradient uses a large triangle and is interpreted with units.

Challenge18 minutes

Homework 5: Check whether a result for “DC circuits” is sensible using units, order of magnitude, and a limiting case.

Hint

A check should not merely repeat the same calculation.

Answer guide

A full check confirms dimensions/units, compares expected magnitude, and tests behaviour when one variable becomes very small or large.

Challenge20 minutes

Homework 6: Connect “Kirchhoff laws in AS scope” to energy conservation or a force/field model and justify the choice.

Hint

Define the system and interactions.

Answer guide

A full response defines the system, describes transfer or interaction, applies the appropriate model, and states losses or limitations.

50 minutes / 40 marks

Full chapter test

A timed, full-mark self-assessment with model-answer guidance.

Test timer

Ready to start

Time remaining: 50:00

Start the timer when ready, work without notes, show every step, and open model answers only after finishing.

1. A 6 Ω resistor carries 9 A. Find voltage and power.

2 marks
Answer guide

V=54 V, P=486 W.

2. Structure a solution for “Potential difference”: givens, SI units, law, substitution, and interpretation.

3 marks
Answer guide

A full solution states symbols/units, selects a valid law for “Potential difference”, shows substitution and calculation, and interprets the result.

3. Identify three uncertainty sources in measuring “Resistance” and improve each one.

3 marks
Answer guide

A full response links each specific error source to a targeted improvement and identifies random or systematic impact.

4. Plan a suitable graph for “I-V characteristics” data and explain how to obtain a gradient or relationship.

4 marks
Answer guide

A full response labels axes/units, uses a suitable scale and best fit; gradient uses a large triangle and is interpreted with units.

5. Check whether a result for “DC circuits” is sensible using units, order of magnitude, and a limiting case.

4 marks
Answer guide

A full check confirms dimensions/units, compares expected magnitude, and tests behaviour when one variable becomes very small or large.

6. Connect “Kirchhoff laws in AS scope” to energy conservation or a force/field model and justify the choice.

4 marks
Answer guide

A full response defines the system, describes transfer or interaction, applies the appropriate model, and states losses or limitations.

7. Write a multi-step exam response about “Current and charge” with calculation and evaluation.

5 marks
Answer guide

A full response includes an appropriate diagram/model, laws, algebraic rearrangement, SI substitution, suitably precise result, and evaluation of assumptions.

8. Compare two methods for investigating “Potential difference” and select the more reliable using criteria.

5 marks
Answer guide

The choice must use at least three comparable criteria and acknowledge one trade-off or limitation.

9. Create an extension question about “Resistance”, a prediction, and a data-collection plan.

5 marks
Answer guide

A full response gives a testable question, justified prediction, independent-variable range, repeats, and an analysis method.

10. A 4 Ω resistor carries 8 A. Find voltage and power.

5 marks
Answer guide

V=32 V, P=256 W.

Unit

Official sources and verification

Curriculum reference sources. Always confirm the teaching sequence with the school and tutor.

UK Department for Education - ScienceOfficial national curriculum progression and attainment guidance.Cambridge InternationalOfficial programme, syllabus, and qualification information; confirm the current syllabus code.

Physics

Link each topic to equations, units, data handling, and required practical thinking.

Back to subject

What this chapter covers

The structure follows the official textbook layout and is used to organise study.

Current and charge
Potential difference
Resistance
I-V characteristics
DC circuits
Kirchhoff laws in AS scope

Where to focus

The areas that usually create mistakes or need extra revision.

I draw and analyse a circuit with correct instruments.
I connect charge, current, voltage, resistance, and power.
I interpret fields and induction with direction.

Sources, daily material, and resources

Where to start: textbook, daily material, PDFs, videos, and worked examples.

Start from the official textbook or specification referenced on the subject page.
Use the notes and examples as support, not as a replacement for the official syllabus.
Check the current syllabus version before exam preparation.

Practice by subtopic

Targeted practice before full tests so coverage is clear.

A 5 Ω resistor carries 8 A. Find voltage and power.
Structure a solution for “Potential difference”: givens, SI units, law, substitution, and interpretation.
Identify three uncertainty sources in measuring “Resistance” and improve each one.
Plan a suitable graph for “I-V characteristics” data and explain how to obtain a gradient or relationship.
Check whether a result for “DC circuits” is sensible using units, order of magnitude, and a limiting case.
Connect “Kirchhoff laws in AS scope” to energy conservation or a force/field model and justify the choice.
Write a multi-step exam response about “Current and charge” with calculation and evaluation.
Compare two methods for investigating “Potential difference” and select the more reliable using criteria.

Mocks and progress checks

How to measure progress in this chapter and when it enters a cumulative mock.

Start with untimed practice by subtopic.
Move to a short timed checkpoint only after completing the mastery checklist.
Record each error with the correct method and revisit it after 48 hours.

Next step

What to do after finishing the chapter and how it connects to the next unit.

Complete the practice without support.
Explain the core method aloud in under two minutes.
Continue to the next chapter or request targeted tutor support.

Note: for the official examinable syllabus of each school year, always confirm with the school, tutor, and current Ministry/IEP announcements.

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