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CAIE
10. D.C. circuits
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
- understand the principle of a potential divider circuit
- recall and use the principle of the potentiometer as a means of comparing potential differences
- understand the use of a galvanometer in null methods
- 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