Resistors in Series and Parallel Practical

This AQA GCSE Physics required practical investigates how combining resistors in different configurations affects total circuit resistance.

Experimental setup:

• Power supply
• Ammeter and voltmeter
• Various resistor combinations in series and parallel

Key findings:

1. Series circuits:

   • Total resistance = sum of individual resistances
   • Adding resistors increases total resistance and decreases current

2. Parallel circuits:

   • Total resistance is less than the smallest individual resistor
   • Adding resistors decreases total resistance and increases current

Example: In a series circuit with 3Ω and 2Ω resistors, the total resistance would be 5Ω.

Highlight: In parallel circuits, current has multiple paths, leading to lower overall resistance.

This practical develops understanding of complex circuit analysis, crucial for AQA required practicals Physics A Level and beyond.

Students should be prepared to:

• Explain resistance patterns in different configurations
• Discuss measurement accuracy and potential sources of error
• Apply findings to real-world circuit design scenarios

Mastering these concepts is essential for success in GCSE Physics required practicals and forms a foundation for advanced study in electrical engineering and physics.

Specific Heat Capacity Practical

This AQA GCSE Physics required practical investigates the specific heat capacity of materials. Students heat a metal block and measure energy input to determine how much energy is needed to raise its temperature.

Key apparatus includes:

• Joulemeter to measure energy input
• Heater to warm the metal block
• Insulation to prevent heat loss
• Thermometer to track temperature change

The practical aims to calculate specific heat capacity using the formula:

Specific heat capacity = Energy transferred / (Mass × Temperature change)

Highlight: Insulation is crucial to prevent heat loss to the atmosphere and obtain accurate results.

Common exam questions may ask about:

• Purpose of insulation
• Reasons for discrepancies from true values
• Initial slow temperature increase
• Measurement resolution and uncertainty

Vocabulary: Specific heat capacity - The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C

This GCSE Physics required practical explained provides hands-on experience with calorimetry concepts essential for understanding thermal physics.