D.C. circuits – Physics Academy London

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