Free worksheet and solutions · AQA GCSE · 8463 / 8464
AQA GCSE Physics Resistance Required Practical Wire Length and Networks Worksheet
AQA GCSE resistance practical worksheet with answers. Investigate wire length and resistor networks, analyse graphs, control variables and write a method.
What is covered
Questions and skills covered
The worksheet contains 7 pages of printable questions. A separate 7-page solutions PDF makes it easy to mark, review or share answers after the activity.
- Ammeter in series and voltmeter across measured P–Q section
- Contact-to-contact length and parallax
- Same material and thickness; low current, disconnection and cooling
- Five R=V/I results:2,4,6,8,10 ohms
- Repeat mean p.d. and resistance
- Resistance–length graph, proportionality and interpolation
- Scaffolded six-mark-style wire method
- Heating versus other explanations for an anomalous result
- Two20Ω resistors in series and two in parallel
- Total network resistance from measured4V/total current
- Series p.d. sharing
- Parallel additional path and lower total resistance
- Full p.d. and independent display-lamp paths
- Fair network-comparison procedure
- Total versus branch current misconception
About this activity
A model-railway workshop tests wire lengths and resistor-network models to make an evidence-based display-lighting recommendation.
Before you start
After teaching V=IR, series and parallel circuit rules, meter placement, practical controls and graph plotting. R=V/I is supplied.
A question from the worksheet
Question7(d), pupil page7
Why does4.0V divided by a0.20A branch current not give the total resistance of the parallel network?
Show the answer
It gives that branch’s resistance. The whole-network calculation must use total current0.40A, giving10Ω.
Common error: Combining whole-network p.d. with current in only one branch, or assuming extra parallel paths increase total resistance.
Revise the physics
Specification fit
AQA GCSE Physics Worksheets
8463 and 8464 · 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.3, 4.2.2, 6.2.1.1, 6.2.1.3, 6.2.2
- 8463: 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.3, 4.2.2
- 8464: 6.2.1.1, 6.2.1.3, 6.2.2
Choose the correct pathway: Combined Trilogy 8464 and Separate Physics 8463, both tiers. Written RP3/RP15 preparation for both wire-length and resistor-network strands, not evidence of practical completion.
Classroom use
Use the worksheet for class practice, homework, intervention, cover work or revision. Keep the PhysicsUK attribution intact when sharing copies with pupils.