What this topic covers
Topic P3: Electricity has 2 subtopics:
- P3.1 Static and charge
- P3.2 Simple circuits
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GCSE OCR Foundation Physics · Topic 3 of 9
Topic P3: Electricity – GCSE OCR Foundation Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. OCR Electricity: static charge and simple circuits. 21 lessons in 2 subtopics.
Revise Topic P3: Electricity for GCSE OCR Foundation Physics, including P3.1 Static and charge and P3.2 Simple circuits. 21 lessons across 2 subtopics.
21
Lessons
2
Subtopics
Topic P3: Electricity lessons by subtopic
21 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
P3.1 Static and charge
P3.2 Simple circuits
- Circuit Symbols and Diagrams
- Electric Charge and Current
- The Charge Flow Equation
- Current, Potential Difference and Resistance
- Resistors in Series and Parallel
- Calculating Voltage, Current, and Resistance
- Measuring Resistance and Ohmic Conductors
- Non-Ohmic Components: Lamps and Diodes
- Thermistors, LDRs, and Non-Linearity
- Series Circuits: Current, PD & Resistance
- Parallel Circuits: Current, PD & Resistance
- Series Circuits: Calculations, Design & Testing
- AC vs DC Potential Difference
- Mains Electricity: Dangers and Precautions
- Three-Core Cables and Wire Identification
- Understanding Electrical Power
- Power, Current, and Resistance
- Energy Transfers in Appliances
- Electrical Work and Energy Calculations (Part 1/2)
- Electrical Work and Energy Calculations (Part 2/2)
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE OCR Foundation Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Topic P3: Electricity?
OCR Electricity: static charge and simple circuits. 21 lessons in 2 subtopics.
What are the circuit symbols you need to know?
Key circuit symbols include the battery and cell (long and short lines), resistor (rectangle), variable resistor (rectangle with an arrow through it), open switch (gap in line), lamp (circle with an X inside), motor (circle with M) and power supply (circle with + and - signs). The Circuit Symbols and Diagrams notes cover this in full.
What is potential difference?
Potential difference (V) is the energy transferred per unit charge between two points in a circuit, measured in volts (V). The Current, Potential Difference and Resistance notes cover this in full.
What is the circuit symbol for a variable resistor?
The circuit symbol for a variable resistor is a rectangle with an arrow through it. The Circuit Symbols and Diagrams notes cover this in full.
What is Ohm's law?
Ohm's Law connects potential difference, current and resistance: V = IR. The Current, Potential Difference and Resistance notes cover this in full.
What is electric current?
Electric current is the rate of flow of electrical charge through a conductor, measured in amperes (A). The Electric Charge and Current notes cover this in full.
How do you calculate resistance from current and potential difference?
Resistance is calculated with R = V ÷ I, giving ohms when volts are divided by amperes. The Measuring Resistance and Ohmic Conductors notes cover this in full.
How do you convert milliamps to amps?
To convert milliamps to amps, divide by 1000, because a milliamp (mA) is one thousandth of an amp: 500 mA equals 0.5 A and 250 mA equals 0.25 A. The Calculating Voltage, Current, and Resistance notes cover this in full.
What is the circuit symbol for a battery?
The circuit symbol for a battery is two parallel lines: one long line for the positive terminal and one short line for the negative terminal. The Circuit Symbols and Diagrams notes cover this in full.