Answers to AQA GCSE Series Circuit Calculations (Combined science)

Practice Questions

1.Calculate the resistance of the bulb in the circuit below

Calculating resistance in a series circuit

 V = IR

I = V/R

I = 6/4 = 1.5A

2. Calculate the current flowing through the circuit below with the two resistors.  

Calculating current in a series circuit

In a series circuit, total resistance is the sum  of the individual resistors. 

Total resistance = 4 ohms + 4 ohms = 8 Ohms

V = IR

I = V/R

I = 12/8 = 1.5A

3. In the circuit below, calculate V1 and R1

Calculating resistance in a series circuit

Potential difference is shared between the components in a series circuit. 

25V = 10V + V1

So, V1 = 25-10 = 15V, so V1 = 15V. 

Next calculate the current that flows through the 1500ohm resistor

V = IR, so I = V/R

I = 15/1500 = 0.01A

In a series circuit, current is the same at all points in a circuit.

We can now calculate the value of resistor, R1

V =IR

R = V/I, R = 10V/0.01A = 1000 ohms

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