Few students can say in words what the physical quantity measured by a voltmeter is

Electricity and Magnetism

Misconception RESEARCH REVIEW

Students may struggle to explain what the physical quantity being measured in volts is. This is particularly so when the voltmeter is connected across passive components, rather than across the power source.

Resources to Address This

  • What do Voltages Measure? (11-14)

    This resource discusses a variety of ways teachers can discuss voltage with students of different ages and abilities.

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  • Voltage and Potential Difference

    This resource offers some guidance on the use of common voltage/gravitational potential analogies in the classroom.

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  • Lamp brightness comparison (11-16)

    This experiment provides an excellent introduction to the concept of potential difference. Students observe that two lamps with the same current give out quite different amounts of light and this sets off a discussion.

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References

  • Psillos, D.; Tiberghien, A. and Koumaras, P. () Voltage presented as a primary concept in an introductory teaching sequence on DC circuits. International Journal of Science Education, 10 (1), 29-43.

  • Summers, M., Kruger, C. and Mant, J. () Teaching electricity effectively in the primary school: a case study. International Journal of Science Education 20 (2), 153-172.

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