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Northern IrelandPhysics

Electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are charge, current, voltage and resistance, and how are they related?

Electric charge and current, the equation Q = I t, potential difference, resistance, and Ohm's law V = I R.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on electric charge and current, the equation charge equals current times time, potential difference, resistance, and using Ohm's law V = I R.
11 min answer →

How is a voltage induced by a changing magnetic field, and how do generators and transformers work?

Electromagnetic induction, the AC generator, the structure and action of a transformer, and the transformer equation.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on electromagnetic induction, how an AC generator produces a voltage, the structure and action of a transformer, and how to use the transformer equation.
11 min answer →

How do the current-voltage graphs of a resistor, a lamp and a diode differ?

The current-voltage characteristics of an ohmic resistor, a filament lamp and a diode, and what each graph shows about resistance.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on the current-voltage characteristic graphs of an ohmic resistor, a filament lamp and a diode, and how each graph shows the way resistance changes.
10 min answer →

How does mains electricity reach our homes safely, and how is electrical power calculated?

Alternating and direct current, the live, neutral and earth wires, fuses and earthing, and the electrical power equation P = V I.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on alternating and direct current, the live, neutral and earth wires in a plug, how fuses and earthing keep us safe, and using the electrical power equation P = V I.
11 min answer →

How do current and voltage behave differently in series and parallel circuits?

The rules for current and potential difference in series and parallel circuits, and how total resistance changes with each arrangement.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on the rules for current and potential difference in series and parallel circuits, and how the total resistance changes when components are added in series or in parallel.
11 min answer →

How do magnets and electric currents produce magnetic fields and forces?

Magnetic fields around magnets and current-carrying wires, electromagnets, the motor effect and Fleming's left-hand rule, and the electric motor.
A CCEA GCSE Physics answer on magnetic fields around magnets and current-carrying wires, electromagnets, the motor effect and Fleming's left-hand rule, and how a simple electric motor works.
11 min answer →