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CIE IGCSE Physics Your notes
4.2 Electrical Quantities

Contents
4.2.1 Electric Fields & Charges
4.2.2 Demonstrating Electric Charges
4.2.3 Electric Fields
4.2.4 Investigating Conductors & Insulators
4.2.5 Current
4.2.6 Electromotive Force & Potential Difference
4.2.7 Resistance
4.2.8 Resistance of a Wire
4.2.9 Electrical Energy
4.2.10 Electrical Power
Page 1 of 43
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4.2.1 Electric Fields & Charges

Your notes
Positive & Negative Charges
Objects can be given one of two types of electric charge:
Positive
Negative
When two charged objects are brought close together, there will be a force between those objects
Like charges repel; opposite charges attract

Remember:
Opposite charges attract
Like charges repel
EXTENDED
Electric charge is measured in units called coulombs (C)
Exam Tip
Whilst electrostatic forces share many similarities with magnetic forces, they are different phenomena
– take care not to confuse the two!
Page 2 of 43
4.2.2 Demonstrating Electric Charges

Your notes
Demonstrating Electrostatic Charges
Electrostatic repulsion is caused by the force between charges
When these charges are the same as each other, they repel (push apart)
In simple experiments showing the production of electrostatic charges by friction, insulating solids
such as plastics are given a charge
This is done using friction to transfer electrons from the surface
By removing electrons, which have negative charge, the insulator is left with a positive charge
Method:
Suspend one of the insulating materials using a cradle and a length of string so that the material can
rotate freely
Rub one end of the material using a cloth (in order to give it a charge)
Now take a second piece of insulating material and charge that by rubbing with a cloth
Hold the charged end of the second piece close to the charged end of the first piece:
If the first piece rotates away (is repelled) from the second piece then the materials have the same
charge
If the first piece moved towards (is attracted to) the second piece then they have opposite
charges
Exam Tip
Experimental demonstrations, such as the one above, are different from experiments in which you
have to take measurements. In the case of this demonstration your results are your observations.
When describing a demonstration you should state a conclusion – in other words, explain what you
expect to happen and what it means.
Page 3 of 43
4.2.3 Electric Fields

Your notes
Electric Fields (Extended)
EXTENDED
A charged object creates an electric field around itself
This is similar to the way in which magnets create magnetic fields
This can be shown by electric field lines
Fields lines always point away from positive charges and towards negative charges
Electric fields are always directed away from positive charges and towards negative charges
The direction of the field lines in an electric field is described as:

The direction of the force on a positive charge at that point
Page 4 of 43
Your notes
Field lines show the direction that a positive charge would experience if it was at that point
Although the definition of the force direction refers to a positive charge, in demonstrations it is always
electrons (negative charges) which are free to move according to that force
The strength of an electric field depends on the distance from the object creating the field:
The field is strongest close to the charged object - this is shown by the field lines being closer
together
The field becomes weaker further away from the charged object - this is shown by the field lines
becoming further apart
Page 5 of 43
Electric Field Patterns (Extended)

EXTENDED Your notes
Objects in an electric field will experience an electrostatic force
Since force is a vector, the direction of this force depends on whether the charges are the same or
opposite
The force is either attractive or repulsive
If the charges are the same (negative and negative or positive and positive), this force will
be repulsive and the second charged object will move away from the charge creating the field
If the charges are the opposite (negative and positive), this force will be attractive and the second
charged object will move toward the charge creating the field
Electric field lines show force direction and force strength
The size of the force depends on the strength of the field at that point
This means that the force becomes:
Stronger as the distance between the two charged objects decreases
Weaker as the distance between the two charged objects increases
The relationship between the strength of the force and the distance applies to both the force of
attraction and force of repulsion
Two negative charges brought close together will have a stronger repulsive force than if they were
far apart
Page 6 of 43
Field Lines Around a Point Charge

The electric field is the region in which another charge will experience a force Your notes
Fields lines always go away from positive charges and towards negative charges – they have the same
direction as the direction of the force on a positively charged particle at a point in that field
Electric fields are always directed away from positive charges and towards negative charges
Field Lines Between Two Oppositely Charged Parallel Conducting Plates
The electric field between two parallel plates is a uniform electric field
The field lines are:
Directed from the positive to the negative plate
Parallel
Straight lines
Page 7 of 43
Your notes
The electric field between two parallel plates

Field Lines Around a Charged Conducting Sphere
The field lines around a charge conducting sphere are symmetrical, as with a point charge
This is because the charges on the surface of the sphere will be evenly distributed
The charges are the same, so they repel
The surface is conducting, allowing them to move
Page 8 of 43
Your notes
This field line pattern can be demonstrated using a Van der Graaff Generator
One method using streamers is shown
Other methods often demonstrated in schools include
Small pieces of paper
Polystyrene beads
Aluminium foil containers
Page 9 of 43
4.2.4 Investigating Conductors & Insulators

Your notes
Conductors, Insulators & Electrons
The key difference between conductors and insulators is that:

Conductors allow charge carriers to freely move
Insulators do not allow charge carriers to move
The reasons for this are to do with their internal structure
Conductors
A conductor is a material that allows charge (usually electrons) to flow through it easily
Examples of conductors are:
Silver
Copper
Aluminium
Steel
Conductors tend to be metals
Different materials have different properties of conductivity

On the atomic scale, conductors are made up of positively charged metal ions with their outermost
electrons delocalised
This means the electrons are free to move
Metals conduct electricity very well because:
Current is the rate of flow of charged particles
So, the more easily electrons are able to flow, the better the conductor
Page 10 of 43
Your notes
The lattice structure of a conductor with positive metal ions and delocalised electrons
Insulators
An insulator is a material that has no free charges, hence does not allow the flow of charge through
them very easily
Examples of insulators are:
Rubber
Plastic
Glass
Wood
Some non-metals, such as wood, allow some charge to pass through them
Although they are not very good at conducting, they do conduct a little in the form of static electricity
For example, two insulators can build up charge on their surfaces. If those surfaces touch, this
would allow that charge to be conducted away
Page 11 of 43
Investigating Electrical Conductors & Insulators

The Gold-leaf Electroscope (GLE) Your notes
To distinguish between conductors and insulators a Gold-leaf electroscope (GLE) can be used
The gold-leaf electroscope is a device used to demonstrate charge

The GLE consists of
A metal plate attached to one end of a metal rod
At the other end of the rod a very thin leaf of gold foil is attached
The rod is held by an insulating collar inside a box with glass sides, allowing the gold leaf to both be
seen and protected from draughts
When the GLE is charged, the plate, rod and gold leaf have the same charge (either positive or
negative)
Since the rod and leaf have the same charge, they repel, and the leaf sticks out to the side
When the rod and leaf are discharged (are neutral) the leaf hangs down
Page 12 of 43
To Test Electrical Conductors and insulators

Charge the plate of the GLE so that the gold leaf stands clear of the rod Your notes
Carefully touch the plate of the GLE with the items being tested, for example:
Metals, such as: wire, paperclip, scissor blades
Non-metals, such as: paper, fngers, glass, graphite
Plastics, such as: plastic ruler, the handles of the scissors, finger in a plastic sandwich bag
Comparisons, such as: wet cloth, dry cloth; fnger and finger in a plastic sandwich bag
Record the observations each time

Leaf falls: material is a good conductor
Leaf remains in place: object is a poor conductor (good insulator)
Leaf falls slowly: material is a poor conductor
Alternative method
An electronic charge detector can be used in place of the Gold-leaf Electroscope
Expected Results
Overall, metals are very good conductors whilst non-metals tend to be good insulators
Conductors and Insulators Summary Table
Page 13 of 43
4.2.5 Current
Your notes
Current
The current is the amount of charge passing a point in a circuit every second
(It is helpful to think of current as the charge per second)
Charge, current and time are related by the following equation:
Where the symbols:

Q stands for charge (measured in coulombs, C)
I stands for current (measured in amps, A)
You can rearrange this equation with the help of the formula triangle:
Page 14 of 43
Your notes
Use the formula triangle to help you rearrange the equation
Page 15 of 43
Direct & Alternating Current

When two oppositely charged conductors are connected together (by a length of wire), charge will Your notes
flow between the two conductors
Charge can flow between two conductors

This flow of charge is called an electric current
The greater the flow of charge, the greater the electric current
Direct Current and Alternating Current

Current can be direct current (dc) or alternating current (ac)
In terms of calculations they can be treated in the same way
Page 16 of 43
Your notes
Two graphs showing the variation of current with time for alternating current and direct current
Direct Current (dc)

Direct current is produced when using dry cells and batteries (and sometimes generators, although
these are usually ac)
The electrons flow in one direction only, from the negative terminal to the positive terminal
Alternating Current (ac)

Alternating current typically comes from mains electricity and generators
It is needed for use in transformers in the National Grid (covered later in this topic)
The direction of electron flow changes direction regularly
A typical frequency for the reversal of ac current in mains electricity is 50 Hz
Exam Tip
If asked to explain the difference between alternating and direct current, sketch the graphs shown
above: a well-sketched (and labelled) graph can earn you full marks.
Page 17 of 43
Measuring Current
Current is measured using an ammeter Your notes
Ammeters should always be connected in series with the part of the circuit you wish to measure the
current through
Ammeters measure the amount of charge passing through them per unit time, so the ammeter has
to be in series so that all the charge flows through it
An ammeter can be used to measure the current around a circuit
Digital or Analogue?
Ammeters can be either
Digital (with an electronic read out)
Analogue (with a needle and scale)
Analogue Ammeters
Typical ranges are 0.1-1.0 A and 1.0-5.0 A for analogue ammeters
Always double check exactly where the marker is before an experiment, if not at zero, you will need
to subtract this from all your measurements. They should be checked for zero errors before using
They are also subject to parallax error
Page 18 of 43
Always read the meter from a position directly perpendicular to the scale
Your notes
Digital Ammeters
Digital ammeters can measure very small currents, in mA or µA
Digital displays show the measured values as digits and are more accurate than analogue displays
They’re easy to use because they give a specific value and are capable of displaying more precise
values
However digital displays may 'flicker' back and forth between values and a judgement must be
made as to which to write down
Digital ammeters should be checked for zero error
Make sure the reading is zero before starting an experiment, or subtract the “zero” value from the
end results
Page 19 of 43
Your notes
Digital meter
Page 20 of 43
Electrical Conduction in Metals

In a metal, current is caused by a flow of electrons Your notes
In metals, the current is caused by a flow of free (delocalised) electrons
Page 21 of 43
Conventional Current
EXTENDED Your notes
Electrons are negatively charged
This means that the electrons flow from negative to positive
Conventional current, however, is still defined as going from positive to negative
By definition, conventional current always goes from positive to negative (even though electrons go the
other way)
Page 22 of 43
4.2.6 Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

Your notes
Electromotive Force
The electromotive Force (e.m.f.) is the name given to the potential difference of the power source in a
circuit
It is defined as
The electrical work done by a source in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit
Electromotive force (e.m.f.) is measured in volts (V)
The EMF is the voltage supplied by a power supply: 12 V in the above case
EXTENDED
The definition of e.m.f. can also be expressed using an equation
W
E=
Q
Where
E = electromotive force (e.m.f.) (V)
Page 23 of 43
W = energy supplied to the charges from the power source (J)

Q = charge on each charge carrier (C)
Note: in circuits the charge carriers are electrons Your notes
This equation should be compared to the definition of potential difference (below) as the two are
closely related
Page 24 of 43
Potential Difference
As charge flows around a circuit energy is transferred from the power source to the charge carriers, Your notes
and then to the components
This is what makes components such as bulbs light up
The potential difference between two points in a circuit is related to the amount of energy
transferred between those points in the circuit
Potential difference is defined as
The work done by a unit charge passing through a component
Potential difference is measure in volts (V)
The potential difference is the difference in the electrical potential across each component: 5 volts for
the bulb (on the left) and 7 volts for the resistor (on the right)
EXTENDED
The definition of p.d. can also be expressed using an equation
W
V=
Q
Page 25 of 43
Where
V = potential difference (p.d.) (V)
W = energy transferred to the components from the charge carriers (J) Your notes
Q = charge on each charge carrier (C)
In circuits the charge carriers are electrons
This equation should be compared to the definition of e.m.f. as the two are closely related due to
conservation of energy
Page 26 of 43
Measuring Potential Difference

Potential difference is measured using a voltmeter, which can be either Your notes
Digital (with an electronic read out)
Analogue (with a needle and scale)
Voltmeters are connected in parallel with the component being tested
The potential difference is the difference in electrical potential between two points, therefore the
voltmeter has to be connected to two points in the circuit
Analogue or Digital?
Analogue voltmeters are subject to parallax error
Always read the meter from a position directly perpendicular to the scale
Typical ranges are 0.1-1.0 V and 0-5.0 V for analogue voltmeters although they can vary
Always double check exactly where the marker is before an experiment, if not at zero, you will need
to subtract this from all your measurements
They should be checked for zero errors before using
Voltmeters can be either analogue (with a scale and needle) or digital (with electronic read-out)
Digital voltmeters can measure very small potential differences, in mV or µV
Digital displays show the measured values as digits and are more accurate than analogue displays
They’re easy to use because they give a specific value and are capable of displaying more precise
values
However digital displays may 'flicker' back and forth between values and a judgement must be
made as to which to write down
Digital voltmeters should be checked for zero error
Make sure the reading is zero before starting an experiment, or subtract the “zero” value from the
end results
Page 27 of 43
Your notes
Voltmeters are connected in parallel to the component being tested
Exam Tip
When you are actually building a circuit in class, always save the voltmeter until last.
Make the whole circuit first and check it works.
Only then pick up the voltmeter. Connect two leads to your voltmeter. Now connect the leads so that
they are one on each side of the component you are measuring. This will save you a LOT of time waiting
for your teacher to troubleshoot your circuit!
Page 28 of 43
4.2.7 Resistance
Your notes
Ohm's Law
Resistance is the opposition to current
For a given potential difference, the higher the resistance, the lower the current
Therefore resistors are used in circuits to control the current
The unit of resistance is the ohm, represented by the Greek symbol omega Ω
Ohm's Law
The definition of resistance can be given using the equation
V
R=
I
Where
R = resistance (ohms, Ω)
V = potential difference (volts, V)
I = current (amperes, A)
Ohm's Law can be stated in words:

Current is directly proportional to potential difference as long as the temperature remains constant
Page 29 of 43
Your notes
Use the formula triangle to help you rearrange the equation
Consequences of Ohm's Law

Resistors are used in circuits to control either
The current in branches of the circuit (through certain components)
The potential difference across certain components
This is due to the consequences of Ohm's Law
The current in an electrical conductor decreases as its resistance increases (for a constant p.d.)
The p.d. across an electrical conductor increases as its resistance increases (for a constant
current)
Page 30 of 43
I-V Graphs for Ohmic Resistors, Filament Lamps & Diodes

As the potential difference (voltage) across a component is increased, the current in the component Your notes
also increases
The precise relationship between voltage and current can be different for different types of
components and is shown by an IV graph:
IV graphs for a resistor and a filament lamp

The IV graph for a resistor is very simple:
The current is proportional to the potential difference
This is because the resistor has a constant resistance
For a lamp the relationship is more complicated:

The current increases at a proportionally slower rate than the potential difference
This is because:
The current causes the filament in the lamp to heat up
As the filament gets hot, its resistance increases
Page 31 of 43
This opposes the current, causing it to increase at a slower rate
Your notes
I-V graph for a diode
A diode is a non-ohmic conductor that allows current to flow in one direction only
The direction is shown by the triangular arrow of the diode symbol
This is called forward bias
In the reverse direction, the diode has very high resistance, and therefore no current flows
This is called reverse bias
The I–V graph for a diode has a unique shape
When the diode is in forward bias, the graph shows a sharp increase in voltage and current (on the
right side of the graph)
When the diode is switched around, in reverse bias, the graph shows a flat line where current is
zero at all voltages (on the left side of the graph)
Page 32 of 43
4.2.8 Resistance of a Wire

Your notes
Resistance of a Wire
As electrons pass through a wire, they collide with the metal ions in the wire
Electrons collide with ions, which resist their flow
The ions get in the way of the electrons, resisting their flow
If the wire is longer, each electron will collide with more ions and so there will be more resistance:
The longer a wire, the greater its resistance
If the wire is thicker (greater diameter) there is more space for the electrons and so more electrons can
flow:
The thicker a wire, the smaller its resistance
Page 33 of 43
Proportionality Relationships for Electrical Conductors

EXTENDED Your notes
The relationship between resistance, length and cross-sectional area can be represented
mathematically
Resistance is directly proportional to length
R∝ L
Resistance is inversely proportional to cross-sectional area (width, or thickness)
1
R∝
A
The mathematical relationship between length and width of the wire and the resistance
Page 34 of 43
4.2.9 Electrical Energy

Your notes
Electrical Energy Equation
Everyday appliances transfer electrical energy from the mains to other forms of energy in the
appliance
For example, in a heater, this will transfer electrical energy into a thermal energy store
The amount of energy an appliance transfers depends on:
How long the appliance is switched on for
The power of the appliance
A 1 kW iron uses the same amount of energy in 1 hour as a 2 kW iron would use in 30 minutes
A 100 W heater uses the same amount of energy in 30 hours as a 3000 W heater does in 1 hour
Calculating Electrical Energy
To calculate electrical energy use the equation
E = VIt
Where:
E = energy (joules, J)
V = voltage (volts, V)
I = current (amps, A)
t = time (seconds, s)
Exam Tip
Remember that kilo (k) means 1000, so 1 kW = 1000 W
Page 35 of 43
Energy Transfer in Electrical Circuits

As electricity passes around a circuit, energy is transferred from the power source to the various Your notes
components (which may then transfer energy to the surroundings)
As charge passes through the power supply it is given energy
As it passes through each component it loses some energy (transferring that energy to the
component)
The current transfers electrical energy from the power source and to the components
Different domestic appliances transfer energy from batteries, such as a remote control
Most household appliances transfer energy from the AC mains
This can be to the kinetic energy of an electric motor. Motors are used in:
Vacuum cleaners - to create the suction to suck in dust and dirt off carpets
Washing machines - to rotate the drum to wash (or dry) clothes
Refrigerators - to compress the refrigerant chemical into a liquid to reduce the temperature
Or, in heating devices. Heating is used in:
Toasters - to toast bread
Page 36 of 43
Kettles - to boil hot water

Radiators - hot water is pumped from the boiler so the radiator can heat up a room
Your notes
Energy transfers for a washing machine and toaster
Page 37 of 43
4.2.10 Electrical Power

Your notes
Electrical Power Equation
In mechanics, power P is defined as the rate of doing work
The potential difference is the work done per unit charge
Current is the rate of flow of charge
Therefore, the electrical power is defined as the rate of change of work done:
The work done is the energy transferred so the power is the energy transferred per second in an
electrical component
The power dissipated (produced) by an electrical device can also be written as
Using Ohm's Law V = IR to rearrange for either V or I and substituting into the power equation, means
power can be written in terms of resistance R
Page 38 of 43
Your notes
This means for a given resistor if the current or voltage doubles the power will be four times as great.
Which equation to use will depend on whether the value of current or voltage has been given in the
question
Rearranging the energy and power equation, the energy can be written as:
E = VIt
Where:
E = energy transferred (J)
V = potential difference (V)
I = current (A)
t = time (s)
Page 39 of 43
Worked example
Your notes
Two lamps are connected in series to a 150 V power supply.
Which statement most accurately describes what happens?

A. Both lamps light normally
B. The 15 V lamp blows
C. Only the 41 W lamp lights
D. Both lamps light at less than their normal brightness
ANSWER: A
Page 40 of 43
Your notes
Exam Tip
You can use the mnemonic “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Power equals I squared R” to remember whether
to multiply or divide by resistance in the power equations.
When doing calculations involving electrical power, remember the unit is Watts W, therefore, you
should always make sure that the time is in seconds
Page 41 of 43
Measuring Energy Usage

The Kilowatt Hour (kWh) Your notes
Energy usage in homes and businesses is calculated and compared using the kilowatt hour
The kilowatt hour is defined as:
A unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power expended for one hour
Appliances are given power ratings, which tell consumers:

The amount of energy transferred (by electrical work) to the device every second
This kettle uses between 2500 and 3000 W of electrical energy
Page 42 of 43
This energy is commonly measured in kilowatt-hour (kW h), which is then used to calculate the cost of
energy used
Your notes
Calculating with kWh
The kilowatt hour can also be defined using an equation:
E = Pt
Where
E = energy (kWh)
P = power (kW)
t = time (h)
This equation is unusual because S.I. unit are not used, both energy and power are × 103, and
time is in hours, not seconds
Since the usual unit of energy is joules (J), this is the 1 W in 1 s
Therefore:
1 kW h = 1000 W × 3600 s = 3 . 6 × 106 J
Since 1 kW = 1000 W and 1 h = 3600 s
To convert between Joules and kW h:

kW h × (3 . 6 × 106) = J
J ÷ (3 . 6 × 106) = kW h
The kW h is a large unit of energy, and mostly used for energy in homes, businesses, factories and so on
Worked example
A cooker transfers 1.2 × 109 J of electrical energy to heat. How much will this cost if 1 kW h costs 14.2p?
Step 1: Convert from J to kW h
(1 . 2 × 109) ÷ (3 . 6 × 106) = 333 . 333 kW h

Step 2: Calculate the price
1 kW h = 14. 2 p
333 . 333 × 14. 2 = 4733 p = £ 47. 33
Page 43 of 43

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CIE IGCSE Physics Your notes

4.2 Electrical Quantities

4.2.1 Electric Fields & Charges

Like charges repel; opposite charges attract

4.2.2 Demonstrating Electric Charges

4.2.3 Electric Fields

The direction of the field lines in an electric field is described as:

Electric Field Patterns (Extended)

Electric field lines show force direction and force strength

Field Lines Around a Point Charge

The electric field between two parallel plates

4.2.4 Investigating Conductors & Insulators

The key difference between conductors and insulators is that:

Different materials have different properties of conductivity

Investigating Electrical Conductors & Insulators

The gold-leaf electroscope is a device used to demonstrate charge

To Test Electrical Conductors and insulators

Record the observations each time

Where the symbols:

Use the formula triangle to help you rearrange the equation

Direct & Alternating Current

Charge can flow between two conductors

Direct Current and Alternating Current

Direct Current (dc)

Alternating Current (ac)

An ammeter can be used to measure the current around a circuit

Electrical Conduction in Metals

In metals, the current is caused by a flow of free (delocalised) electrons

4.2.6 Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

W = energy supplied to the charges from the power source (J)

Measuring Potential Difference

Voltmeters are connected in parallel to the component being tested

Ohm's Law can be stated in words:

Use the formula triangle to help you rearrange the equation

Consequences of Ohm's Law

I-V Graphs for Ohmic Resistors, Filament Lamps & Diodes

IV graphs for a resistor and a filament lamp

For a lamp the relationship is more complicated:

This opposes the current, causing it to increase at a slower rate

I-V graph for a diode

4.2.8 Resistance of a Wire

Electrons collide with ions, which resist their flow

Proportionality Relationships for Electrical Conductors

4.2.9 Electrical Energy

Energy Transfer in Electrical Circuits

Kettles - to boil hot water

Energy transfers for a washing machine and toaster

4.2.10 Electrical Power

Which statement most accurately describes what happens?

Measuring Energy Usage

Appliances are given power ratings, which tell consumers:

This kettle uses between 2500 and 3000 W of electrical energy

To convert between Joules and kW h:

Step 1: Convert from J to kW h

(1 . 2 × 109) ÷ (3 . 6 × 106) = 333 . 333 kW h

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