Electricity — WJEC GCSE Physics
In summary: Electricity is a key topic in WJEC GCSE Physics. Key exam tip: Always check if a component is ohmic or non-ohmic when using V=IR
Exam Tips for Electricity
- Always check if a component is ohmic or non-ohmic when using V=IR
- Remember that the UK domestic supply is 230V at 50Hz
- Use circuit diagrams to identify series vs parallel paths before calculating total resistance
- Ensure units are consistent (e.g., converting time to seconds for charge calculations)
- Be prepared to explain the 'why' behind safety features like fuses and earth wires
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the properties of current and potential difference in series versus parallel circuits
- Failing to identify that current remains constant in a single closed loop
- Incorrectly calculating equivalent resistance for parallel circuits
- Misunderstanding the safety function of the earth wire and fuse
- Assuming resistance is always constant for all components (e.g., lamps)
Marking Points
- Current is the rate of flow of charge (Q = It)
- Relationship between potential difference, current, and resistance (V = IR)
- Power transfer in circuits (P = IV = I²R)
- Energy transfer calculations (E = QV)
- Differences between series and parallel circuit properties
- Function of live, neutral, and earth wires in domestic mains
- Role of fuses in circuit safety
- Explanation of static electricity via electron transfer
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