Build the circuit model
Current is the rate of flow of charge. Potential difference is the energy transferred per coulomb. Resistance describes how difficult it is for current to pass through a component at a given potential difference.
GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Electricity
AQA GCSE Electricity Revision
Electricity questions reward careful definitions and circuit rules. Keep current, charge, potential difference, resistance, power and energy as separate quantities.
Topic overview
Plan your electricity revision
Use the resource cards below to revise one idea at a time. Each page includes worked examples, mini quizzes, practice questions, exam language and a visual or simulation when it adds learning value.
Knowledge map
How the topic fits together
Use this overview to find the part of the topic that needs attention; the focused guides below teach and assess each idea in depth.
Use the circuit rules
In series, current is the same everywhere and the potential differences add. In parallel, the potential difference across each branch is the same and the current splits between branches.
Read the practical evidence
A correct circuit diagram, a controlled variable and a suitable graph are often worth more marks than a long method. State what is measured, what is changed and what is kept constant.
Focused revision
Choose one idea at a time
Each guide combines explanation, a diagnostic check, misconception repair, worked examples and exam-style practice.
EL-01
Current, Charge and Potential Difference
Current is charge flowing per second, while potential difference is the energy transferred per coulomb. Use Q = It and V = E/Q to connect the measurements to the particle and energy models.
EL-02
Resistance and I-V Characteristics
Resistance is the ratio V/I for a component at a particular point. A fixed resistor is approximately ohmic at constant temperature, while a filament lamp and diode have non-linear current-potential difference relationships.
EL-03
Series and Parallel Circuits
Use conservation of charge at junctions and the idea of shared potential difference. In series current is constant; in parallel the branches have the same potential difference and the total current is the sum of branch currents.
EL-04
Mains Electricity, Power, Energy and Safety
Appliance power ratings describe the rate of energy transfer. Use P = VI or E = Pt, and understand why the live wire, neutral wire, earth wire, fuse and plastic insulation have different safety roles.
EL-05
Resistance Required Practical
Change one factor such as wire length, keep material and cross-sectional area constant, measure current and potential difference, and calculate resistance for each reading. The circuit should be switched off between readings to limit heating.
EL-06
I-V Characteristics Required Practical
Reverse the power supply for negative potential differences and record pairs of current and potential difference. Use a suitable scale and explain the different curve shapes for a resistor, filament lamp and diode.
Across every topic
Build the exam skills around the physics
AQA GCSE Physics Required PracticalsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.GCSE Physics Equations and Maths SkillsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.How to Answer GCSE Physics Calculation QuestionsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.How to Answer GCSE Physics Six-Mark QuestionsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.GCSE Physics Graph SkillsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.
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