Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can define series and parallel connections and say which quantity is shared in each (current or potential difference). (Guide: “From one resistor to many”)
- I can decide whether two elements are in series, in parallel or neither by tracing their connections, not their positions on the page. (Guide: Figure 3; Practice Q5)
- I can explain why adding a branch in parallel lowers the equivalent resistance. (Guide: “Equivalent resistance in parallel”; Practice Q2)
- I can explain when the resistance of connecting wires can be ignored and when it cannot. (Guide: “Wires”; Practice Q7d)
- I can define emf and model a real battery as an ideal emf in series with an internal resistance. (Guide: Figure 2)
Calculation and skills
- I can derive the series and parallel rules for equivalent resistance from ΔV = IR and conservation of charge and energy. (Guide: “Equivalent resistance in series” and “in parallel”)
- I can reduce a compound network and find the current in and potential difference across every resistor. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q1, Q5)
- I can use ΔV_terminal = ℰ − Ir, including finding ℰ and r from two measurements. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q3, Q7)
- I can sketch terminal voltage against current for a real battery and read ℰ and r from it. (Practice Q7c)
Reasoning
- I can predict how the currents in, and brightness of, bulbs change when a branch is added, removed or short-circuited, and justify each change. (Practice Q2, Q6)
- I can explain why an extra lamp dims the first one with a real battery but not with an ideal one. (Guide: Worked example 2)
- I can place ammeters and voltmeters correctly and explain qualitatively how real meters change the readings. (Guide: Worked example 3; Practice Q4)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 11.6, Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule, or return to the course roadmap.