Edexcel IGCSE Physics topic guide
Edexcel IGCSE Physics Electricity questions
Electricity covers mains safety, charge, current, voltage, resistance, electrical energy and the behaviour of components in series and parallel circuits.
Electricity topic overview
Electricity covers mains safety, charge, current, voltage, resistance, electrical energy and the behaviour of components in series and parallel circuits.
Mark current paths and potential differences on the circuit first, then apply the correct relationship with consistent units and explain observations using charge and energy transfer.
Question types in electricity
- Circuit diagrams and calculations using charge, current, voltage, resistance, energy and power.
- Series and parallel circuit reasoning, including component characteristics and resistance.
- Mains electricity, plugs, fuses, earthing and electrical safety explanations.
- Practical investigations using meters, variable resistors and current-voltage graphs.
Electricity subtopics
Choose a subtopic for its syllabus points, answering guidance and worked exam questions.
2.a Units
2.1 use the following units: ampere (A), coulomb (C), joule (J), ohm (Ω), second (s), volt (V) and watt (W)
2.b Mains electricity
2.2 understand how the use of insulation, double insulation, earthing, fuses and circuit breakers protects the device or user in a range of domestic appliances
2.c Energy and voltage in circuits
2.7 explain why a series or parallel circuit is more appropriate for particular applications, including domestic lighting
2.d Electric charge
2.22P identify common materials that are electrical conductors or insulators, including metals and plastics