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This “Investigating Resistance in Series and Parallel Circuits” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics Foundation students. It guides students through the required practical to examine how adding resistors in series and parallel affects total resistance. The lesson provides clear explanations, step-by-step instructions, and practical applications to help students develop a deeper understanding of resistance and circuit behavior.
Students can complete the practical using physical circuit components or an interactive simulation, with a link provided to a PhET virtual lab.
The lesson begins with a starter activity that reviews key equations, including charge (Q=I×t) and voltage (V=I×R). It also reinforces prior knowledge about how resistance changes in filament bulbs, the function of diodes, and the definition of an ohmic conductor. These foundational concepts help students connect theoretical knowledge to experimental practice.
The core focus of the lesson is the required practical investigation, where students:
- Set up circuits with resistors in series and parallel.
- Measure current and voltage to determine resistance using Ohm’s Law.
- Compare the effects of adding resistors in both circuit types.
- Analyze results and apply theoretical concepts to explain changes in total resistance.
The PowerPoint includes circuit diagrams, step-by-step practical instructions, and guided analysis questions. Students record their observations and answer GCSE-style questions, such as:
- What happens to total resistance when resistors are added in series?
- How does total resistance change when resistors are added in parallel?
- How do current and voltage behave in both circuit types?
The lesson concludes with practice calculations and multiple-choice questions to reinforce key takeaways.
This editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is specifically designed for AQA GCSE Physics Foundation students. Updated in February 2025, it provides structured guidance, hands-on learning opportunities, and real-world applications, making it an essential resource for mastering resistance in series and parallel circuits.
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