Circuit Diagrams (OCR Gateway GCSE Physics: Combined Science)

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Circuit Diagrams

  • All students in the GCSE examination will be expected to recognise the following standard circuit symbols and be able to construct circuits using them:

circuit-symbols, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Common circuit symbols

  • The function of the most common components are:
    • Cell / battery: Provides the circuit with a source of potential difference - i.e. energy per unit of charge. A battery is two or more cells
    • Switch: Turn the circuit on (closed), or off (open)
    • Fixed resistor: A resistor limits the flow of current. A fixed resistor has a resistance it cannot change
    • Variable resistor: A resistor with a slider that can be used to change its resistance. These are often used in dimmer switches and volume controls
    • Thermistor: The resistance of a thermistor depends on its temperature. As its temperature increases, its resistance decreases and vice versa
    • Light-dependent resistor (LDR): The resistance of an LDR depends on the light intensity. As the light intensity increases, its resistance decreases and vice versa

    • Motor: A device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy
    • Diode: A diode allows current to flow in one direction only. They are used to convert AC to DC current
    • Light-emitting diode (LED): This is equivalent to a diode and emits light when a current passes through it. These are used for aviation lighting and displays (TVs, road signs)
    • Ammeter: Used to measure the current in a circuit. Connected in series with other components
    • Voltmeter: Use to measure the potential difference of an electrical component. Connected in parallel with the relevant component

  • Each of these components have an electrical resistance that may impact the current in the circuit
    • However, the resistance of the ammeter and voltmeter are taken as negligible in exam questions

Drawing & Interpreting Circuit Diagrams

  • Being able to draw and interpret circuit diagrams using circuit symbols is an essential skill in the electricity & circuits topic
  • Electric circuit diagrams require the following to work correctly:
    • An energy source – This is a source of potential difference so a current can flow. This can be a cell, battery, or a power supply
    • closed path or a complete circuit – Electrons need to flow in a complete loop for a current to flow. A circuit can be open and closed using a switch
    • Electrical components – These could act as sensors that respond to the environment (LDR, thermistor), or measure a value (ammeter, voltmeter), or transfer electrical energy to other forms of energy (LED, lamp). These must be drawn with the correct circuit symbol

  • The key rules to remember are:
    • An ammeter is always connected in series
    • A voltmeter is always connected in parallel to the component the voltage is being measured
    • The direction of current flow is always from the positive to the negative terminal of the power supply

Worked example

Which circuit diagram correctly represents a circuit with current flowing through?WE - Circuit diagrams question image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

WE - Circuit diagrams answer image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

  • For a circuit to be connected, the switch must be closed
    • This is either circuit B or D

  • The other circuit symbol is a diode
    • Diodes only allow current to flow in one direction

  • Since current flow is from positive to negative, a forward-biased diode must point in this direction in order for the current to flow
    • This is seen in circuit B

Exam Tip

When asked to draw a circuit diagram, make sure to draw the wires as straight lines with a straight edge or a ruler and make it as neat as possible, especially the circuit symbols.If the diagram is too small or there is ambiguity as to what a symbol represents, the examiner may not award you full marks!

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.