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This “Electrical Power & Resistance Heating” PowerPoint lesson is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students, covering the concepts of power, energy transfer, resistance heating, and key equations used to calculate electrical power. The lesson includes step-by-step explanations, worked examples, and practice questions to help students apply their understanding to real-world electrical applications.
The lesson begins with a starter activity reviewing key components of a plug, including the live, neutral, and earth wires, the function of a fuse, and the importance of three-core cables for appliances with metal casings. This ensures students recall essential electrical safety concepts before learning about electrical power and resistance heating.
Students then explore electrical power, learning how power is defined as the rate at which energy is transferred. They compare appliances with different power ratings to understand how power affects performance, using relatable examples such as blenders and kettles. The power equation is introduced: P = E/t where P is power (watts), E is energy transferred (joules), and t is time (seconds). Students complete practice calculations using this equation to determine the power of household appliances.
The lesson also introduces the power equation in terms of current and voltage: P=I×V. Students apply this equation to calculate the power output of electrical devices when given current and voltage values. The lesson includes guided examples and independent practice questions to develop problem-solving skills.
In the resistance heating section, students learn that when a current flows through a resistor or a wire, some electrical energy is converted into heat due to collisions between free electrons and metal ions. This process is essential in devices such as electric kettles, filament light bulbs, and electric heaters. The equation for power dissipation due to resistance heating is introduced: P = I2R where P is power, I is current, and R is resistance. Students complete calculations to determine the heat produced in different circuit components and discuss how this affects the efficiency of electrical appliances.
This editable PowerPoint (.pptx) file is designed for AQA GCSE Physics students. Updated in February 2025, it includes structured explanations, practice questions, and real-world applications, making it an essential resource for understanding electrical power, energy transfer, and resistance heating in GCSE Physics.
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This is a very good resource. It covers everything in detail and provides lots of practice questions. Thanks!
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