AS · Topic 10

The grammar of circuits.

Kirchhoff's two laws as direct consequences of conserving charge and energy, the internal resistance that pulls the terminal P.D. below the e.m.f., and the potential divider that taps off any voltage you need. From a single cell with a load to thermistors and LDRs steering a sensing circuit. Play the three simulations below. The gamified lessons, the topic Paper 1 practice, and the concept map are all live below too.

Simulations · live
Interactive · live Internal resistance and terminal P.D. Vary the load and watch the terminal voltage sag below the e.m.f. as the lost volts I·r build up across the cell's internal resistance. Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Interactive · live The potential divider Slide the wiper and watch the output voltage split in the ratio of the resistances, V  out = V·R₂/(R₁+R₂). Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Interactive · live Series and parallel resistors Rearrange resistors and watch the combined resistance climb in series and fall in parallel as current and P.D. redistribute. Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Paper 1 practice · live
Multiple choice · with worked answers Topic Paper 1 style questions A full topic set of multiple-choice questions across Kirchhoff's laws, internal resistance and potential dividers, each with a worked answer. Open practice →
Lessons · live
E.M.F. and internal resistance Kirchhoff's laws and combining resistance Potential dividers and the potentiometer
Concept map
Open the concept map