AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
Students should be able to draw and interpret circuit diagrams.
Full specification wording
Standard circuit diagram symbols: Students should be able to draw and interpret circuit diagrams.
Drawing a circuit diagram is a skill with rules.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Drawing a circuit diagram is a skill with rules. Components in series sit on one loop so the same current passes through each; components in parallel sit on separate branches across the same two points. Meters have fixed positions: an ammeter always goes in series with the component whose current it measures, because the current has to pass through it, and a voltmeter always goes in parallel across the component, because it compares the potential at two points. A variable resistor in series lets you change the current, and so the potential difference across the component under test. Interpreting a diagram runs the same rules backwards: follow each loop, check what is in series with what, and decide what each meter is actually reading.
What earns the marks
- A battery or cell connected in series with the component and the ammeter.
- The voltmeter connected in parallel across the component.
- Including a variable resistor, variable power supply or potentiometer where the pd has to be varied.
- A diagram that forms a complete circuit using standard symbols.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Placing the ammeter in parallel and the voltmeter in series, which measures nothing useful.
Drawing a voltmeter across the battery when the question asked for the pd across one component.
Leaving the circuit open so no current could flow in the diagram drawn.
Adding extra components that change the circuit being investigated.
Exam tips
- Say it as you draw: ammeter in series, voltmeter in parallel, and check both before moving on.
- When a circuit has to be varied, include the variable resistor, as it is usually a mark on its own.
- Follow each wire with a pencil tip when interpreting a given diagram so no branch is missed.
Try the lesson
The start of the Standard circuit diagram symbols: Students should be able to draw and interpret circuit diagrams. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A student is drawing a circuit diagram to show how to measure the current flowing through a lamp. How must the ammeter be represented and positioned in the diagram?
Listen
Drawing a circuit diagram is a skill with rules. Components in series sit on one loop so the same current passes through each; components in parallel sit on separate branches across the same two points. Meters have fixed positions: an ammeter always goes in series with the component whose current it measures, because the current has to pass through it, and a voltmeter always goes in parallel across the component, because it compares the potential at two points. A variable resistor in series lets you change the current, and so the potential difference across the component under test. Interpreting a diagram runs the same rules backwards: follow each loop, check what is in series with what, and decide what each meter is actually reading. A strong answer earns marks for these points. a battery or cell connected in series with the component and the ammeter. the voltmeter connected in parallel across the component. including a variable resistor, variable power supply or potentiometer where the pd has to be varied. a diagram that forms a complete circuit using standard symbols. Exam tip: Say it as you draw: ammeter in series, voltmeter in parallel, and check both before moving on.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
series and parallel
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
ammeter placement
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
voltmeter placement
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
variable resistor
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- series and parallel
- Components in series sit on one loop so the same current passes through each, while components in parallel sit on separate branches across the same two points.
- ammeter placement
- An ammeter always goes in series with the component whose current it measures, because the current has to pass through it.
- voltmeter placement
- A voltmeter always goes in parallel across the component, because it compares the potential at two points.
- variable resistor
- A variable resistor in series lets you change the current, and so the potential difference across the component under test.
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