How does the symbol for a variable resistor differ from the symbol for a fixed resistor?

A fixed resistor is a plain rectangle in the wire, while a variable resistor is that rectangle with an arrow drawn through it.

Describe the circuit symbol for a diode.

A triangle pointing at a straight bar, the triangle pointing in the direction in which current can pass.

Where must an ammeter be connected if it is to measure the current through a lamp?

In series with the lamp, in the same loop, so that all the current through the lamp passes through the meter.

AQA GCSE Combined Science Physics 8464

Atomic Structure

Topic overview The structure of an atom Mass number, atomic number and isotopes From the plum pudding model to the nuclear model Chadwick, the neutron, and comparing the models Radioactive decay and nuclear radiation Nuclear equations Half-lives and the random nature of radioactive decay Radioactive contamination

Electricity

Topic overview Circuit symbols, electrical charge and current Current, resistance and potential difference Ohmic conductors, filament lamps, diodes and thermistors Light-dependent resistors, and investigating resistance Current and potential difference in series and parallel Constructing circuits, and calculating in series circuits Direct and alternating potential difference, and mains electricity Power and efficiency Appliances, and the energy transferred by electrical work Power, and the power ratings of domestic appliances The National Grid

Energy

Topic overview Energy stores and systems Kinetic energy Elastic and gravitational potential energy Energy changes in systems Power Energy transfers in a system The main energy resources, renewable and non-renewable Environmental impact and trends in energy use

Forces

Topic overview Scalars, vectors, forces and the resultant force Gravity Work done and energy transfer Stretching, compressing, and the spring constant Linear and non-linear extension, and work done on a spring Distance, displacement and speed The speed of sound, and the distance-speed-time equation Velocity and the distance-time relationship Acceleration, deceleration and velocity-time graphs Area under a velocity-time graph, and the uniform acceleration equation Newton's First Law Newton's Second and Third Laws Stopping distance and reaction time Factors affecting braking distance Braking force, deceleration and the dangers of stopping quickly

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Topic overview Poles of a magnet Magnetic fields around a magnet The compass, and plotting a magnetic field Electromagnetism

Particle Model of Matter

Topic overview Density of materials Changes of state and internal energy Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity Changes of state and specific latent heat Particle motion in gases

Waves

Topic overview Transverse and longitudinal waves, and the wave equation Wave properties, and refraction at a boundary Types and uses of electromagnetic waves Radio waves, and the hazards of ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays

Electricity

Circuit symbols, electrical charge and current

3 things to know
Physics Paper 1

Overview

Circuit symbols for cells, batteries, meters, resistors and diodes, where ammeters and voltmeters are connected, reading series and parallel circuit diagrams, closed circuits and electric current as a rate of flow of charge, the equation Q = It with its units and calculations, and why the current is the same all round a single loop.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What kind of symbols are used in a circuit diagram, and why?

Key term

Describe the circuit symbol for a cell, and say how the symbol for a battery differs from it.

Key term

Which components are shown by a circle containing the letter A and a circle containing the letter V?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What kind of symbols are used in a circuit diagram, and why?
Model answer
Standard agreed symbols, so that the same diagram means the same circuit to everyone who reads it.
2
Describe the circuit symbol for a cell, and say how the symbol for a battery differs from it.
Model answer
A cell is a long thin line beside a short thick line, the long line being the positive terminal, and a battery is two or more of these cell symbols in a row.
3
Which components are shown by a circle containing the letter A and a circle containing the letter V?
Model answer
An ammeter and a voltmeter.
4
How does the symbol for a variable resistor differ from the symbol for a fixed resistor?
Model answer
A fixed resistor is a plain rectangle in the wire, while a variable resistor is that rectangle with an arrow drawn through it.
5
Describe the circuit symbol for a diode.
Model answer
A triangle pointing at a straight bar, the triangle pointing in the direction in which current can pass.
6
Where must an ammeter be connected if it is to measure the current through a lamp?
Model answer
In series with the lamp, in the same loop, so that all the current through the lamp passes through the meter.

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