#P3.2a
describe the differences between series and parallel circuits
positioning of measuring instruments in circuits and descriptions of the behaviour of energy, current and potential difference
#P3.2b
represent d.c. circuits with the conventions of positive and negative terminals, and the symbols that represent common circuit elements
cells, power supply, diodes, LDRs, NTC thermistors, filament lamps, ammeter, voltmeter, fixed and variable resistors and switch
#P3.2c
recall that current (I) depends on both resistance (R) and potential difference (V) and the units in which these are measured
the definition of potential difference
#P3.2d
recall and apply the relationship between I, R and V, and that for some resistors the value of R remains constant but that in others it can change as the current changes
#P3.2e
explain that for some resistors the value of R remains constant but that in others it can change as the current changes
#P3.2f
explain the design and use of circuits to explore such effects
components such as wire of varying resistance, filament lamps, diodes, NTCthermistors and LDRs
#P3.2g
use graphs to explore whether circuit elements are linear or non-linear
#P3.2h
use graphs and relate the curves produced to the function and properties of circuit elements
components such as wire of varying resistance, filament lamps, diodes, NTC thermistors and LDRs
#P3.2i
explain why, if two resistors are in series the net resistance is increased, whereas with two in parallel the net resistance is decreased (qualitative explanation only)
#P3.2j
calculate the currents, potential differences and resistances in d.c. series and parallel circuits
components such as wire of varying resistance, filament lamps, diodes, NTCthermistors and LDRs
#P3.2k
explain the design and use of d.c. circuits for measurement and testing purposes
#P3.2l
explain how the power transfer in any circuit device is related to the potential difference across it and the current, and to the energy changes over a given time
#P3.2m
apply the equations relating potential difference, current, quantity of charge, resistance, power, energy, and time, and solve problems for circuits which include resistors in series, using the concept of equivalent resistance