Current, voltage, and what they measure
Understand that electric current is the rate of flow of charge (measured in amperes using an ammeter), and that potential difference (voltage) is the energy transferred per unit charge (measured in volts using a voltmeter)
Typical age: 11–12 years
“If your child sets up a circuit with an ammeter and a voltmeter, can they explain what each one is measuring and describe the difference between current and voltage?”
0 / 3 mastered
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Needs first
- Circuit vocabularyREQUIRED
Understanding current as charge flow and voltage as energy per charge requires these exact technical terms
- Drawing circuits with proper symbolsREQUIRED
Understanding current and voltage as quantities requires the ability to read circuit diagrams with standard symbols, established at KS2
- More batteries, brighter bulbREQUIRED
KS2 observation that more cells gives brighter bulbs is the empirical foundation for defining voltage as energy per charge
Unlocks next
- ElectromagnetsREQUIRED
The magnetic effect of a current requires understanding what an electric current is and how it flows
- Static electricity and sparks
Understanding charge flow in circuits (current) enriches the concept of static charge as a build-up of charge with no flow path
- Ohm's Law: voltage, current, resistanceREQUIRED
Ohm's Law relates voltage (V), current (I) and resistance (R) — requires prior understanding of what each quantity means