GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Electricity
A circuit transfers energy while charge circulates. Track how much charge passes each second separately from how much energy each coulomb transfers.
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A circuit transfers energy while charge circulates. Track how much charge passes each second separately from how much energy each coulomb transfers.
Before you revise
Choose an answer from memory. Your result tells you what to watch for in the guide.
Core revision guide
A circuit transfers energy while charge circulates. Track how much charge passes each second separately from how much energy each coulomb transfers.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Current I is Q/t, measured in amperes: 1 A = 1 C/s. In metallic wires electrons move; conventional current is drawn from positive to negative around the external circuit. A complete path is needed for a steady current. Put the ammeter in series so the component’s charge flow passes through it.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
V = E/Q, measured in volts: 1 V = 1 J/C. A 6 V battery transfers 6 J per coulomb, rather than supplying 6 coulombs. A voltmeter spans the two terminals of the component and is connected in parallel. Charge does not disappear in a lamp; each passing coulomb transfers some energy to the lamp and surroundings.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
If 0.50 A flows for 20 s, Q = 10 C. Across 6.0 V, E = QV = 60 J. The same current can occur at different potential differences because resistance differs. A cell provides a direct potential difference; an alternating supply reverses its polarity periodically.
Misconception clinic
Read each belief, say what is wrong with it, then compare your correction.
Tempting idea: 216 V.
Use instead: This multiplies rather than divides. 36/6 = 6 J/C = 6 V.
Tempting idea: I = 4 A; V = 2 V.
Use instead: The definitions have been swapped. Current is C/s, voltage is J/C.
Retrieval practice
Worked examples
Apply current and charge in the worked reasoning, then try the changed-context questions below.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
I = 2.0 A.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Q = 72 C.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
E = 60 J.
Exam precision
Do this: Convert current and time units before Q = It. Identify the component across which p.d. is measured before using E = QV.
Independent practice
Write an answer before opening the marking guidance. Then edit the exact phrase or step that would gain the next mark.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Original PhysicsUK mark scheme: Point 1 (1 mark): Q = It. Point 2 (1 mark): Q = 0.40 × 75. Point 3 (1 mark): Q = 30 C. Award each distinct point once. Accept equivalent scientifically correct wording. No half marks.
Model answer: Q = It. Q = 0.40 × 75. Q = 30 C.
Acceptable answers: Expected result: Q = 30 C. Accept the unrounded value or a correctly rounded equivalent to two or more significant figures; accept equivalent units if converted correctly. No additional measurement interval is implied.
Marking notes: Method marks remain available after an arithmetic error. Carry an earlier numerical error into a later valid step; award that method point if the unit conversion and physics are correct. A fully correct answer with unit earns all marks unless working is expressly requested.
Scope: 8463 and 8464 · Foundation and Higher
Original PhysicsUK mark scheme: Point 1 (1 mark): E = QV. Point 2 (1 mark): E = 60 × 12. Point 3 (1 mark): E = 720 J. Award each distinct point once. Accept equivalent scientifically correct wording. No half marks.
Model answer: E = QV. E = 60 × 12. E = 720 J.
Acceptable answers: Expected result: E = 720 J. Accept the unrounded value or a correctly rounded equivalent to two or more significant figures; accept equivalent units if converted correctly. No additional measurement interval is implied.
Marking notes: Method marks remain available after an arithmetic error. Carry an earlier numerical error into a later valid step; award that method point if the unit conversion and physics are correct. A fully correct answer with unit earns all marks unless working is expressly requested.
Questions pupils ask
No. In a steady series circuit the same charge per second passes each point. The lamp transfers energy carried by the charge.
Useful next steps