Resistors: Required practical activity 16: use circuit diagrams to construct appropriate circuits to investigate the I–V characteristics of a variety of circuit elements, including a filament lamp, a diode and a resistor at constant temperature.

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Draw a circuit diagram with a cell, ammeter in series, voltmeter in parallel with the test component, and a variable resistor to change the potential difference.

2 key terms

Study notes

From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.

The idea

Draw a circuit diagram with a cell, ammeter in series, voltmeter in parallel with the test component, and a variable resistor to change the potential difference. Connect one component at a time: a fixed resistor kept at constant temperature, a filament lamp, and a diode. Record current and potential difference for several settings, including negative values where possible. For the resistor, keep it cool and note the straight-line graph. For the lamp, observe the curve as heating raises resistance. For the diode, note the forward threshold and near-zero reverse current. Repeat readings and check connections to reduce error.

What earns the marks

Draw and build a series circuit containing a cell, ammeter, variable resistor and the test component, with a voltmeter connected in parallel across that component.
Vary the potential difference using the variable resistor and record paired ammeter and voltmeter readings, including negative values where the circuit allows.
Investigate a fixed resistor at constant temperature, a filament lamp and a diode, changing only the component under test between runs.
Plot current against potential difference for each component and describe the shape: straight line for the resistor, curve for the lamp, and threshold behaviour for the diode.
Control variables such as keeping the resistor at constant temperature and using the same circuit arrangement, and repeat readings to improve reliability.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

Connecting the ammeter in parallel with the component.
Put it right: Place the ammeter in series so the full current passes through it.
Connecting the voltmeter in series.
Put it right: Place the voltmeter in parallel across the component so it measures potential difference.
Allowing the fixed resistor to heat up.
Put it right: Use a low current or switch off between readings so its resistance stays constant.

Exam tips

Sketch the circuit diagram clearly, using standard symbols for cell, ammeter, voltmeter, variable resistor and component.
State the independent variable (potential difference), dependent variable (current) and control variables such as temperature.
Describe how to obtain negative readings by reversing the connections or the cell, and explain why this matters for the diode.

Try the lesson

The start of the Resistors: Required practical activity 16: use circuit diagrams to construct appropriate circuits to investigate the I–V characteristics of a variety of circuit elements, including a filament lamp, a diode and a resistor at constant temperature. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.

Have a go first

In the required practical to investigate the I–V characteristics of a filament lamp, which circuit arrangement allows the current through the lamp to be varied?

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Key words

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Circuit construction and diagrams

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Experimental measurement and error

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See every definition

Circuit construction and diagrams: Using circuit diagrams to construct appropriate circuits, with a cell, ammeter in series, voltmeter in parallel with the test component, and a variable resistor.
Experimental measurement and error: Recording paired ammeter and voltmeter readings, including negative values where the circuit allows, and repeating readings and checking connections to reduce error.

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