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Physics Paper 1 · P2 · Lesson 2.10

Practical: current–voltage graphs

Collect pairs of readings and recognise the resulting graph.

Key ideas1 of 3

Use the same meter rules

Put the ammeter in series with the test component and the voltmeter across it. Use a low-voltage supply and a variable resistor to control current.

A low-voltage supply, variable resistor, ammeter and test resistor are in series. A voltmeter is connected across the test resistor.

The test component can be a resistor, filament lamp or diode.

Next: Mains electricity: AC and DC →
Topic resources and sources

Daily 5 · Exam practice · Extra calculation practice · A4 revision sheet

Start with lessons 2.1–2.6 for the circuit basics. Lesson 2.15 offers extra calculation practice. The P2 specification content is shared by Foundation and Higher Tier; extra practice is not Higher Tier-only.

AQA Combined Science Trilogy specification · 6.2.1.4 · Required practical 16. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Circuit animations are simplified; motion is deliberately slowed. Measurements and example values are illustrative. All practical circuits use suitable supervised low-voltage apparatus.

Photographs: Photograph of the inside of a UK plug by Alby Reid, Public domain, released by the copyright holder; Electricity pylons near Grafham Water by Mat Fascione, CC BY-SA 2.0; Photoresistor 2 by oomlout, CC BY-SA 2.0. Images displayed without cropping or alteration.