US+6370

To pass th​is element you need to be able to do two things
1. **Write definitions** You need to be able to define: a conductor and insulator, in terms of electrons an ammeter, fuse, open and closed switch in terms of current a resistor and light bulb in terms of energy

Use the resources below to help learn the definitions. Definitions - this sheet provides the 'must know' definitions. You can cut it up and match terms correctly or use it with someone else and ask them to test you. Crossword - this crossword tests you on all the 'must know' definitions

2. **Work out voltage and current in series and parallel circuits.** You must give answers with units. Work through the task below until you are confident that you can work out current and voltage for any simple series and parallel circuit. Answers are supplied on the bottom of the worksheets.

__Current__ is the rate of flow of charge, ie it is a measure of how quickly electrons flow past a point in the circuit. Current is measured by an ammeter placed in series. The units of current are amperes (amps) which has the unit symbol A. In series, current is the same everywhere in the circuit (as there is nowhere else for the electrons to go). In parallel, current from the battery splits up when it goes through the parallel branches.



__Voltage__ is a measure of the amount of energy transferred to/from a component. Voltage is measured by a voltmeter placed in parallel. The units of voltage are volts which has the symbol V. In series, voltage supplied by the battery is shared amongst the components in the circuit. In a simple parallel circuit, voltage across the battery is equal to voltage across each parallel branch.

Once you are able to do both of these things you can ask your teacher for an opportunity to sit this element. If you are doing a resit you may need to arrange to sit this in your own time.

Element 2 - Draw a circuit diagram for a simple electrical system
To pass this element you need to be able to draw circuit diagrams from photos, and written instructions. You also need to know some basic ideas about bulbs and batteries and switches in series and parallel. Work through each of the resources below then try the practice assessment tasks. You will need to take these to a teacher to be checked before you sit this element. If you are doing a resit you may need to arrange to sit this in your own time.

The revision task below needs the symbol cards for activity one.

Element 3 - Construct a simple electrical circuit from a circuit diagram
To pass this element you must know your circuit symbols - see element 2 instructions. You also need to arrange some time to practice setting up circuits with your teacher. A good strategy is to cover up all the parallel branches so that only the main series circuit (the part with the battery in) is showing. Set this up first and then add the bits in parallel. The other thing you must be careful of is to make sure your meters are connected correctly. If your needle goes backwards then you must swap the leads so the lead in the positive (red) socket goes into the negative (black) and vice versa. If you are doing a resit you may need to arrange to sit this in your own time.