ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

PAPER 1 FOCUS
CLOSING THE GAPS AND
IRONING OUT
MISCONCEPTIONS
 Concepts Check - PAPER 1 (PHYSICS)
ESTIMATED TOTAL
CONTENT SUB-TOPIC
MARKS MARKS
Mechanics Newton’s laws and applications ± 18
Vertical projectile motion ± 17
65
Conservation of linear momentum ± 14
Work , energy and power ± 17
Waves, Sound Doppler effect: Blue shift & Red shift
± 15 15
and Light
Electricity and Electrostatics (Coulomb’s law ; Electric fields) ± 20
Magnetism Electric circuits ± 18 55
Electrodynamics(Electric machines) ± 16
Matter and Photo electric effect Spectrum (Absorption
Materials & Emission) ± 15 15

2
TOTAL 150
Concepts Check - PAPER 1 (PHYSICS)

2
Concepts Check - PAPER 1 (PHYSICS)

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 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - GRADE 10
Electric Circuits Syllabus Requirement
Emf  Define potential difference in terms of work done and charge (V = W/Q)

Terminal potential difference ❑ Know that voltage measured across the terminals of a battery when:
(pd)
 no current is flowing through the battery is called the emf.

 a current is flowing through the battery is called terminal potential

difference (pd).

❑ Unit: Emf and pd are measure in volts (V)

Current ❑ Define current, I (rate of flow of charge)

❑ Unit - measured in ampere (A), =coulomb per second

Q
❑ Calculate current flowing ,use equation I = ∆𝑡

❑ Indicate the direction of the current in circuit diagrams (conventional)

Measurement of voltage(pd) ❑ Draw a diagram to show how to correctly connect:
and current
 an ammeter to measure the current through a given circuit element

 a voltmeter to measure the voltage across a given circuit element

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 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - GRADE 10
Electric Circuits Syllabus Requirement

Resistance ❑ Define resistance (opposition to the flow of electric current)

❑ Unit: of resistance; one ohm ( Ω) -one volt per ampere.

❑ Give a microscopic description of resistance - in terms of electrons moving

through a conductor colliding with the particles of which the conductor (metal) is
made and transferring kinetic energy.

❑ Explain

 And state factors that affect resistance of a substance

 Why a battery in a circuit goes flat eventually - refer to the energy

transformations that take place in the battery and the resistors in a circuit
Resistors in series ❑ Know that:

 Current is constant through each resistor in series circuit.

 Series circuits are called voltage dividers because the total potential difference
is equal to the sum of the potential differences across all the individual
components.
 Calculate the equivalent (total) resistance of resistors connected in series using:

Rs = R1 + R2 + … 6
 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - GRADE 10

Electric Circuits Syllabus Requirement

Resistors in parallel ❑ Know that:

 Voltage is constant across resistors connected in
parallel.
 A parallel circuit is a current divider - the total current
in the circuit is equal to the sum of the branch currents
1 1 1
using = + +⋯
𝑅𝑝 𝑅1 𝑅2

 Know that for TWO resistors connected in parallel, the

total resistance can be calculated using:

𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑅1𝑅2
𝑅𝑝 = =
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑅1 + 𝑅2
7
ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - GRADE 10

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ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - GRADE 10

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 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - GRADE 11

Electric circuits Syllabus Requirement

All concepts covered in grade 10.
In addition to grades 10 content , grade 11 learners will be required to do the following:
Relation between ❑ Determine the relationship between current, voltage and resistance at constant
current, voltage and temperature using a simple circuit.
resistance ❑ State the difference between ohmic and non-ohmic conductors and give an example of
each. (light bulb ohmic; Nichrome non-ohmic).
(Ohm’s Law)
❑ Calculate/Solve problems using the mathematical expression of Ohm’s Law, R=V/I,
for:

 series circuits

 parallel circuits
Resistance, ❑ Calculate the equivalent resistance of series and parallel arrangements of resistors
equivalent resistance, (Maximum of FOUR resistors).
internal resistance
❑ Solve problems involving current, voltage and resistance for circuits containing
arrangements of resistors in series and in parallel.
Series, parallel ❑ Solve circuit problems involving resistors in series with parallel networks of resistors
networks
1
0
 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - GRADE 11
Power, Energy ❑ Define:
 power (the rate at which electrical energy is converted in an electric
circuit and is measured in watts (W))

❑ Know:
 Electrical power dissipated in a device is equal to the product of the
potential difference across the device and current flowing through it i.e. P
= IV
𝑉2
 Power can also be given by P = I2 R or P =
𝑅

 Electrical energy is given by E = Pt and is measured in joules (J)

 The kilowatt hour (kWh) refers to use of 1 kilowatt of electricity for 1 hour
❑ Solve/calculate problems involving:
 Circuits, including the concept of power
 The concept of electrical energy
 The cost of electricity usage, given the power specifications of appliances
used and the duration if the cost of 1 kWh is given 9
 ELECTRIC CIRCUIT - GRADE 12
Electric circuit Syllabus Requirement

All content covered in grades 10 and 11.

In addition to grades 10 and 11 content, grade 12 learners will be required to do the
following:
Resistance, ❑ State that a real battery has internal resistance.
equivalent
❑ Explain why there is a difference between the emf and terminal voltage of a battery if the
resistance, internal
load (external resistance in the circuit) is comparable in size to the battery’s internal
resistance
resistance.

❑ Solve circuit problems in which the internal resistance of the battery must be considered.
Series, parallel  Solve circuit problems involving resistors in series with parallel networks of resistors
networks (Maximum of FOUR resistors).

 Calculations - Solve circuit problems involving:

 The sum of the voltages across the external circuit plus the voltage across the
internal resistance is equal to the emf:

ε= Vload + Vinternal resistance or ε=IRext+ Ir

 current, voltage and resistance for circuits containing arrangements of resistors in
series and in parallel
10
 the internal resistance of the battery, involving series-parallel networks of resistors
 Special concepts about circuits
Series Circuit Parallel Circuit
R1
R1 R2 R3

R2

R3

1 1 1 1
Rs = R1 + R2 + R3 = + +
Rp R1 R2 R3
 Series connection
A r1 r2 r3 B
= Resistor

For current to pass

V1 V2 V3 from A to B, it must
pass through each
resistor.
V4
These resistors are connected in series.
Rtot = r1 + r2 +r3 & Vtot = V4 = V1 + V2 +V3
Connecting resistors in series increases resistance
and divides the potential difference. 15
1. In a series circuit, certain general rules may be
stated with regard to quantities of voltage, current,
resistance, and power:
❖ Ïn a series circuit, voltage drops add to equal
the total."
❖ Ïn a series circuit, current is equal through all
components."
❖ Ïn a series circuit, resistances add to equal the
total."
❖ Ïn a series circuit, power dissipations add to
equal the total."
16
1. In a series circuit, the total resistance increases as
more resistors are added.

2. In a series circuit, if one resistor is not working (burns

out), the circuit is broken and no current will flow through
the circuit.
3. In a series circuit, the total resistance will always be
greater than that of the resistor with the greatest
resistance in the circuit.
4. In a series circuit, transfer of power will be the greatest
with the resistor with the greatest resistance according
to, P = I2R
5. In a series circuit, the resistor with the greatest
resistance will also have the greatest voltmeter reading
(potential difference) according to V = IR and according
17
to P = VI also the greatest transfer of power.
 Parallel connection
r1
A
These resistors are
B
r2 connected in parallel and
for current to go from A to
r3 B, some will go through
each resistor
Connecting resistors in
parallel, decreases the
Parallel resistors are
effective resistance.
called current dividers.
1 1 1 1
= + + IT = I1 + I2 + I3
R T R1 R 2 R3
19
1. In a parallel circuit, certain general rules may be
stated with regard to quantities of voltage, current,
resistance, and power.
❖ Ïn a parallel circuit, voltage across all components
equals voltage across each component/
❖ Ïn a parallel circuit, currents add to equal the total."
❖ Ïn a parallel circuit, resistance of resistors diminish to
equal the total."
❖ Ïn a parallel circuit, power dissipations add to equal the
total."

20
1. The equivalent resistance is always less than the
resistance of the smallest resistor in the group.

2. In parallel circuit, each device operates independently of

the others so that if one is switched off, the others
remain on.
3. In parallel circuit, all of the devices operate on the
same voltage.

4. The current takes all the paths.

❖ The resistor with the lower resistance will have higher

currents.
❖ Even very high resistances will have some currents.
21
5. Household circuits are wired so that electrical
devices are connected in parallel.

6. In a parallel circuit, transfer of power will be the

greatest with the resistor with the smallest
resistance according to P = V2 /R

7. In a parallel circuit, the greatest current will flow

through the resistor with the smallest resistance
and according to P = VI will also have the greatest
transfer of power.

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 Resistors in parallel
When current passes through parallel resistors, it splits
up according to the ratios of the resistors.
Where:
ib = I x Rǁ
ib = current in branch
Rb
I = total current

Rb = resistor in branch
Rǁ= parallel resistance

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Resistors in parallel (special case):for only two resistors

1 1 1
= +
Rp R1 R2

Product

R1  R2
Rp =
R1 + R2
Sum
• There is a need to impress on learners that emf is a potential
difference which is produced by the conversion of other forms of
energy (chemical, kinetic,…) by an electro pump, a device which
uses non-electrical energy to maintain a potential difference
between its terminals.

• The emf is produced whether or not the pump is delivering

current.
• Furthermore, when delivering current I, the electro pump will, by
virtue of its internal resistance r, have a pd V across its terminals
which is less than the emf, such that

Pd (V) =  - Ir

With Ir representing the pd inside the source of emf. This

25 particular
relationship is understood by very few learners.
 Requires Skills: SERIES AND PARALLEL NETWORKS
NOTE THE FOLLOWING WITH REFERENCE TO CALCULATIONS

❖ Always use different subscripts to identify the various components in calculations.

❖ The current is the same at all points around the circuit, except where the current
splits in the parallel circuit.

❖ In parallel circuits, where the current divides, the voltage is the same at all points.
❖ In series circuits, the current is the same everywhere, but the voltage divides.

❖ The question: “Calculate the current passing through the circuit” may be asked in a
variety of ways – and they all mean the same thing:
➢ Calculate the current through the ammeter.
➢ Calculate the current through the battery.
➢ Calculate the current through the light bulb/resistor.
➢ What is the ammeter reading?

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 APPROACH: ELECTRIC CIRCUITS
The following steps may be used when solving circuit calculations:

1. If a schematic diagram is not provided, sketch the circuit and fill in the data.
2. Identify whether there is internal resistance or not?
3. If there is No internal resistance, the terminal potential difference on open circuit is
equal to the emf of the battery or cell
4. If there is an internal resistance,
Vemf = Vext. + Vint.
Vemf = IRext + Irint
(When the battery delivers current).
5. It there is an internal resistance, there are TWO circuits: internal and external
circuits, summed up the formula  = I ( R + r )

• Calculate the emf (E) of the battery – if not given.

• Calculate the internal resistance (r) of the battery - if not given.
• Calculate the Total Current - if not given. 44
 APPROACH: ELECTRIC CIRCUITS CONT…
6. For the external circuit, ask yourself how many resistors constitute this circuit and how are they
connected. (In most exam questions, the external circuit is a combination of Series- Parallel
circuits).

• If solving Series-Parallel circuits, solve the Parallel parts first, by Calculating the total resistance
(R) of the resistors in parallel – i.e. the equivalent resistance of the grid
• Calculate the total external resistance (Rext) of the circuit
• Calculate the total resistance of the circuit (Rext + ri).

7. Apply the formula (R + r = 𝑬𝑰) OR E = I(R+ r)

8. Calculate the current through the circuit.

9. Calculate the answers to questions relating to different components of the circuit.

• Make sure you know which I, V and R applies to that component of the circuit.
• Make use of subscripts to identify the various components.
• Use the Ohm's law equation (R = 𝑉𝐼) often and appropriately. Most answers will be determined
using this equation.
• When using this formula (R = 𝑉𝐼), it is important to substitute the appropriate values into the
equation. For instance, if calculating I2, it is important to substitute the V2 and the R2 values into
the equation. 45
 Solving Electric Circuits Problems- Possible Exam Scenarios

A real battery has internal resistance.  = pd + Ir

 = I (R + r) = IR + Ir
= I (R + r)
When Solving problems involving current, voltage and resistance for circuits containing arrangements of resistors in series
and in parallel, you will usually be given one of the following cases below:

❑ CASE 1: Emf (E), Internal resistance (r) of the battery and total current in the circuit are KNOWN.
❑ CASE 2: Emf (E), Internal resistance (r) of the battery are KNOWN but total current in the circuit is UNKNOWN.
❑ CASE 3: Emf (E) of the battery is KNOWN, Internal resistance (r) of the battery is UNKNOWN but total current in the
circuit is KNOWN. (Sometimes in terms of Power rating OR Potential Difference across of one of the resistors in the
external circuit using P = VI OR R=V/I OR using Itot = Vtot (Emf)/Rtot )

❑ CASE 4: Emf (E) of the battery is UNKNOWN, Internal resistance (r) of the battery is KNOWN and total current in the
circuit is also KNOWN (Sometimes in terms of Power rating OR Potential Difference across of one of the resistors in the
external circuit using P = VI OR R=V/I OR using Itot = Vint (Lost volts)/ri )

❑ CASE 5: Emf (E), Internal resistance (r) of the battery and total current in the circuit are UNKNOWN.
❑ CASE 6: Emf (E) IS KNOWN, But Internal resistance (r) of the battery and total current in the circuit are UNKNOWN.
 Solving Electric Circuits Problems – Key Words and Implications

• When dealing with electric circuits with internal resistance ,r, of the cell
it is therefore necessary to make two measurements ( i.e. One with the
switch open and one with the switch closed.
• With the MAIN SWITCH open, there will be A ZERO reading on the
voltmeter across the resistor of the external circuit.
• A voltmeter across the cell, when the MAIN SWITCH is open will read
the Emf (E)of the battery.
• With the switch closed, the voltmeter will read the difference between the
emf and the energy lost in the cell (due to internal resistance) – The Pd.
• Decreases by/with, when the MAIN SWITCH is CLOSED the voltmeter will read
the lost volts (due to the internal resistance of the battery).
• Changes to, when the MAIN SWITCH is CLOSED the voltmeter will read the
potential difference drop (Vexternal).
• Changes to, when the MAIN SWITCH is OPENED the voltmeter will read the
Emf (E)of the battery.
ACTIVITY 1 :GR 10-11 ASPECTS
ACTIVITY 1 :GR 10-11 ASPECTS
ACTIVITY 1 :GR 10-11 ASPECTS
ACTIVITY 1 :GR 10-11 ASPECTS
Internal Resistance (Grade 12)
A real battery has internal resistance.

  = pd + Ir
r
= IR + Ir
= I (R + r)
I
R  = I (R + r)
 Battery of Emf ():
a measure of the
Terminal potential amount of energy that can be Has internal
difference on open transferred/work done per resistance (r)
circuit coulomb of charge passing
through a battery.

Connected to
Voltage across internal
external resistance When the battery does resistance is not used in
(Rext) kown as the deliver current the external circuit(lost
load. Vemf = Vext. + Vint. volts).

Vemf = IRext + Irint

Vint = Irint

Vext = Terminal
potential difference When Rext decreases,
When Rext increases, current current delivered
when battery delivers
delivered decreases, increases,
current
Vext Increases Vext Decreases
Vload = IRext
Vint. Decreases Vint. Increases
Vext = Vemf. - Vint. Vext = Vemf. - Vint.
 Electrical energy equations
Energy is transferred to the lamp &
equals work done in moving charge
against the resistance of the lamp.
The potential difference is V, the
V
current is I & Q charge passes through.

Using the equations W = VQ, Q = It & V = IR

We can deduce the energy equations:
W = VIt These equations can be use to
determine the electrical energy
W = I2Rt
transferred to an electrical
V2t
W= R equipment in a given time interval.
 Electrical power

Written on the bulb is: 220 V & 100 W

The 100 W indicates the electrical power
of the globe.

Power is the rate at which electrical work is done, or the

rate at which energy is transferred to the bulb.

Using the energy equations we can deduce the power

equations:
V2
P= W P = VI P = I2Rt P= R
∆t
Most pieces of electrical equipment have the potential
difference and the power required written on the back of the
apparatus.
Measured in Joules Electrical energy (E) Sold as units of
(J) electrical energy

POWER(P)
The rate at which energy is RESISTORS
Battery of Cells dissipated/supplied.
P = W/ Δt

Supplies charge with Energy is dissipated in

electrical energy resistors as heat and light
P = VI energy

P = I2R
P = V2 /R W = I2Rt
W = VIt
W = V2 t/R
 ACTIVITY 2 :CIRCUITS WITH INTERNAL RESISTANCE
1.Learners conduct an investigation to determine the emf
and internal resistance (r) of a battery.
They set up a circuit as shown in the diagram below and
measure the potential difference using the voltmeter for
different currents in the circuit.

A V

1.4 Use the graph to determine the emf of the battery.(1)

The results obtained are shown in the graph . 4.4 Calculate the gradient of the graph. (3)
1. Which ONE of the measured quantities is the 4.5 Which physical quantity is represented by
dependent variable? (1)
the magnitude of the gradient of the graph? (1)
2. Which ONE of the measured quantities is the
4.6 How does the voltmeter reading change as the ammeter reading
independent variable? (1) increases? Write down INCREASES,
3. Write down ONE variable that must be kept DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. Use the formula
constant during this investigation. (1) emf = IR + Ir to explain the answer. (3)
EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS : ELECTRIC CIRUITS

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EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS CONTINUED,,

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EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS(NSC NOV 2018)

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EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS(NSC NOV 2019)

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NCS 2021 (NOV) : Requirements on Electric circuits-CASE ???

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EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS(NSC NOV 2020)

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EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS(NSC JUNE 2021)

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MARATHON PROBLEM 1
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MARATHON PROBLEM 2 2
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