Electric Current
Electricity and Magnetism

Questions on loops: electric current

Diagnostic Questions for 11-14 Supporting Physics Teaching

What the Activity is for

The diagnostic questions can be used to check the pupils' understanding of key ideas introduced in this episode.

What to Prepare

  • copies of these three sheets


Support sheet

What Happens During this Activity

The questions might be used for homework or as the basis for discussion in class.

The Electric current at points question asks about the relative size of the electric current at two points on either side of a bulb. Some pupils may think that the bulb must use up some of the current.

CharList

  • The electric current is the same at a and b.
  • The current is the same all round the circuit. EndList
    • The Battery and bulb question probes pupils' ideas about what is happening (unseen) inside the wires of a circuit.

    CharList

  • There is an electric current in wire B from the bulb to the battery.
  • The current in wire B is the same as in wire A. EndList
    • The Current motor question asks about the relative size of the electric current at two points on either side of a motor. Some pupils may think that a motor must use up some current (even if they think a bulb would not).

    CharList

  • The reading on ammeter A2 is exactly 0.4 ampere.
  • The current is the same all around the circuit. EndList

    • Resources

    Download the support sheet / student worksheet for this activity.

    Diagnostic questions on current.pdf
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