Potential divider circuits | Combined science | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

What is this electrical component?

a fuse ✓

a resistor

a heater

a cell
What currents will be able to pass through this component?

1 A ✓

3 A ✓

6 A

10 A
In this model of a metal lattice, what do the black circles represent?

electrons

neutrons

protons

ions ✓
In this model of a metal lattice, what do the small blue circles represent?

electrons ✓

neutrons

protons

ions
What is the total resistance of these resistors when they are joined together?

1 Ω

2 Ω

3 Ω

7 Ω ✓
A current of 0.3 A flows through these resistors. What is the p.d. across the 3 Ω resistor?

0.1 V

0.3 V

0.9 V ✓

1.5 V

Which of these statements is correct about the p.d. across components in a series circuit?

a component with a higher resistance will have a lower p.d. across it

a component with a higher resistance will have a higher p.d. across it ✓

a component with a lower resistance will have a lower p.d. across it ✓

a component with a lower resistance will have a higher p.d. across it
What is the p.d. across the 3 Ω resistor if the p.d. across the three resistors is 15 V?

3 V

6 V

9 V ✓

12 V
What is the p.d. across the 20 Ω resistor?

1 V

2 V

3 V

4 V ✓
What is the current through the 10 Ω resistor?

0.1 A

0.2 A ✓

0.3 A

0.6 A
What is correct about a potential divider circuit with two resistors, one that has a lower resistance than the other?

the p.d. across the lower value resistor is higher

the p.d. across both resistors is the same

the p.d. across the lower value resistor is lower ✓
Which of these components would be used in a dimmer switch?

a diode

a buzzer

a variable resistor ✓

a voltmeter

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The p.d. across a component in an electric circuit measures the size of push that is moving current through it.
The p.d. across each component in a series circuit adds up to the p.d. across the battery.
The current is the same through every component in a series circuit.
The larger the total resistance of a series circuit, the smaller the current through it.
In a series circuit, the share of p.d. across each component is proportional to its resistance.

A battery pushes a constant current around a circuit.

Provide opportunity for pupils to measure p.d. across a power supply when the resistance of a circuit it is connected to is altered.

Series circuit - an electrical circuit with a single loop
Potential difference (p.d.) - a measure of the push an electric field gives to charges
Resistance - a property of a material that opposes the flow of current
Potential divider - a series circuit that divides the p.d. across a power supply into two or more smaller voltages