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 describe the energy change of a charge moving through a battery, a resistor and a wire using ΔU_E = qΔV. (Guide: “Energy and potential round a circuit”; Worked example 1(d))
- I can state the loop rule and explain why it follows from conservation of energy. (Guide: “The loop rule”; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why only potential differences are physical and the choice of zero is free. (Guide: Worked example 1(c); Practice Q5)
- I can explain what a negative answer for a current means. (Guide: “Writing a loop equation”; Practice Q3)
Calculation and skills
- I can write a loop equation with a consistent sign convention, walking in either direction. (Guide: sign table; Practice Q3)
- I can solve a loop equation for a current, an emf or a resistance, including internal resistances. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q2, Q4)
- I can find the potential at points in a loop and the potential difference between any two points along any path. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q5)
- I can find the terminal voltage of a battery that is delivering current and of one that is being charged. (Practice Q4, Q7)
- I can sketch a graph of potential against position round a loop. (Guide: Figure 2; Practice Q5)
- I can combine the loop rule with calculus to find the load that receives the greatest power. (Practice Q6)
Reasoning
- I can read a potential-against-position graph and identify batteries, resistors and wires, and the direction of the current through each battery. (Practice Q7)
- I can compare two versions of a circuit, such as a cell inserted backwards, and predict the change in current and power. (Practice Q4)
- I can check a loop analysis with an energy or power balance. (Guide: Worked example 1(d); Practice Q7)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 11.7, Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule.