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This “Component Characteristics” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students and explores the electrical characteristics of key circuit components, including resistors, diodes, thermistors, and light-dependent resistors (LDRs). The lesson covers Ohm’s Law, current-voltage (I-V) graphs, and practical applications of these components in electrical circuits.
The lesson begins with a starter activity to reinforce prior knowledge on resistance and Ohm’s Law. Students answer key questions such as how resistance is affected by wire length, the equation for Ohm’s Law, and how current and voltage are measured in circuits. These questions help build foundational knowledge before introducing new concepts.
Students then explore different circuit components, including fixed resistors, variable resistors, LDRs, diodes, LEDs, and thermistors. Each component is explained with circuit symbols, real-world applications, and an emphasis on how their resistance changes under different conditions. For example, students learn that an LDR’s resistance decreases as light intensity increases, making it useful in automatic street lighting, while thermistors are used in temperature-sensitive devices such as thermostats and fire alarms.
The lesson also introduces Ohm’s Law, defining resistance as the opposition to current and explaining how it can be calculated using the formula R=V/I. Students examine how some components obey Ohm’s Law (ohmic conductors) while others, such as filament bulbs and diodes, do not. I-V graphs for different components are analyzed, showing how resistance changes with voltage. Fixed resistors produce a straight-line graph as current and voltage are directly proportional, while filament bulbs show a curved graph due to increased resistance at higher temperatures.
To deepen understanding, students complete circuit diagram tasks, analyze I-V graphs, and discuss practical applications of electrical components. They also apply their knowledge through GCSE-style exam questions, including calculation problems and conceptual questions about resistance and component behavior.
This editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file aligns with the AQA GCSE Physics Specification and is an essential resource for teaching component characteristics, resistance, and I-V graphs. Updated in February 2025, the lesson includes structured explanations, real-world applications, and interactive problem-solving exercises to help students master the topic effectively.
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Very clear and easy to follow. Very informative for non-specialist teachers.
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