Read circuit connections, not the drawing’s shape
A circuit’s junctions determine its behaviour. Different-looking diagrams can describe exactly the same series and parallel connections.
Follow the reasoning
- Trace continuous wires and label their junctions.
- Identify components connected across the same pair of junctions.
- Redraw the circuit before applying current and voltage rules.
Try it in a past paper 6
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 3
Calculate resistance in a series-and-parallel network.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Series and parallel circuits before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Question 3(b)
Calculate and evaluate the output of a thermistor potential divider.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Series and parallel circuits before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Question 4(b)
Design a potentiometer experiment to compare cell e.m.f.s.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Circuit symbols before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Question 5
Find the resistance of a series–parallel network.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Series and parallel circuits before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Show 2 more paper references
Question 23(a)
Plan measurements and a circuit for a thermistor investigation.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Circuit symbols before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Question 7
Connect a resistor network to internal resistance, drift speed, charge and dissipated energy.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Circuit symbols before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
A curated collection checked against the question papers and mark schemes; not a complete past-paper catalogue. Links open official OCR PDFs in a new tab.
Put the ideas to work
More practice is on its way
No PhysicsUK question linked yet. New eligible questions appear here as the bank grows.
Specification outcomes (3)
- 4.2.1(b) Construct and interpret circuit diagrams using correct symbols.
- 4.3.1(b) Apply Kirchhoff’s first and second laws to analyse electrical circuits.
- 4.3.1(e) Analyse circuits with components including both series and parallel arrangements.