GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Electricity
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.
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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.
Core learning content
Start with this short teaching sequence for Resistance Required Practical. Read the model, use the visual, then test your recall before moving into examples and exam practice.
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.
A resistance investigation needs pairs of voltage and current readings for each value of the independent variable. If wire temperature rises, its resistance can change for a reason other than the variable being tested. Switch off between readings and use a graph to expose the trend.
Choose a relationship because of the physical change in the question, not because it is familiar. Charge and current: Q = It (C, A, s). Potential difference: V = E ÷ Q (V, J, C). Resistance: V = IR (V, A, Ω). Keep the unit next to each value while you substitute.
Describe the circuit, independent/dependent/control variables, repeats, graph and how heating could affect validity. Before writing, underline the command word and identify the information that matters. Keep a calculation as equation, substitution and answer with unit; keep an explanation as a linked chain using because, so or therefore. Finish by checking that the final sentence answers the exact context in the question and that the number, direction or conclusion agrees with the evidence given.
Retrieval practice
Answer without looking back first. The feedback explains the model, so a wrong answer still helps you learn.
Mini quiz 1
Mini quiz 2
Mini quiz 3
Try it
How does a fair test turn wire measurements into resistance evidence?
What to notice: the readout and written explanation remain available if you do not use the controls.
Worked examples
Cover the answer, attempt the method and then compare your physics language as well as the number.
R = 8.0 Ω.
Use the same wire at different lengths, measure p.d. and current for each, calculate R = V/I, repeat, and control material, diameter and heating.
The wire heats up and its resistance changes independently of length. Use low current and switch off between readings.
Misconception clinic
Each of these is tempting because it sounds almost right. Replace it with the precise physics before you meet it in a question.
Independent practice
Use the working space first. Reveal the guidance only after you have committed to an answer, then improve the exact part that would gain the next mark.
Length of wire.
Wire material and diameter; also keep temperature/current conditions controlled.
R = 6.0 ÷ 0.25 = 24 Ω.
It measures the current through the test wire.
It measures the potential difference across that wire.
Repeat each length and calculate a mean, keeping the wire cool between readings.
Questions pupils ask
Electricity questions reward careful definitions and circuit rules. Keep current, charge, potential difference, resistance, power and energy as separate quantities.
Read the snapshot, attempt the worked examples without looking, complete the mini quizzes and then use the practice questions to check your wording and method.
Next step
Physics sticks when you move between explanation, retrieval and application.