Applied Science AQA/Electric Circuits

Topic Title

Setting Applied context

Electric circuits are found in a huge number of devices. Electrical and electronic engineers are able to alter the properties of an electrical circuit by adding different components.

Syllabus Content	What you need to do
• calculating current, voltage, power and resistance in a range of electrical circuits • calculating the heating effect of a current • the formulas: I = Q/t P = IV I = V/R rate of heat loss = I ² R • the behaviour of electric current, voltage and resistance in series and parallel circuits

Exploration of key ideas (must be original text, not C&P) – level checked by AQA

In general, point students towards the approach to take, as opposed to just giving them information.

Circuit Symbols

The circuit symbols that will be used in learning and the production of a circuit are the following picture on the left. This doesn't include the light dependent resistor (LDR), light independent resistor (LIR) or the thermistor.

mad scientist

Calculating : I, V, P, Q, R.

The way that you calculate Current or I, is to use the equation; Q/t (Q being charge, t being time).

An example could be if a hairdryer has a current of 300A and is active for 30 secs, the hairdryer would have a charge of 10c or coulombs.

For Power or P you will use the equation; I*V (I is Current, V is volts).

An example of this would be, a hairdryer uses 300A and 150V.

Concept 4

explanation 4

Study Task

Work to do to understand this topic e.g. research, analysis

Careers and Organisations

Carry out some research into these jobs in this area. (Feel free to add other jobs you find.)

Research these roles:	What are the benefits of this role to society?	What organisations would employ someone in this role? (Where would they work?)	What would someone in this role have to do within the organisation?	What scientifically-related skills do they need to have? What techniques do they need to have mastered?	What experience is needed to undertake this role and its responsibilities within an organisation?	What other science personnel will they work with in their organisation.
Job 1
Job 2

Relevant practical/s

– relating to criteria skills

Quick questions

Example:

quick questions

Solution

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Exam-style questions

– can we use old AQA qs… e.g. from more than 5 years ago? With Examiner comments

Solution

click to reveal answer

Links

to other sections within this book

to good external websites (including AQA website, wikipedia, relevant applications / companies) - also considering links in spec

References / Bibliography

of recommended text books

including mapped refs to existing books

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