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GCE O-Level Physics Syllabus 

Chapter 18: D.C. Circuits

Chapter Topics:

Current and potential difference in circuits
Series and parallel circuits
Thermistor and light-dependent resistor

Learning Objectives:

(a) Draw circuit diagrams with power sources (cell, battery, d.c. supply or a.c. supply), switches, lamps, resistors (fixed and variable), variable potential divider (potentiometer), fuses, ammeters and voltmeters, bells, light-dependent resistors, thermistors and light-emitting diodes.

(b) State that the current at every point in a series circuit is the same and apply the principle to new situations or to solve related problems.

(c) State that the sum of the potential differences in a series circuit is equal to the potential difference across the whole circuit and apply the principle to new situations or to solve related problems.

(d) State that the current from the source is the sum of the currents in the separate branches of a parallel circuit and apply the principle to new situations or to solve related problems.

(e) State that the potential difference across the separate branches of a parallel circuit is the same and apply the principle to new situations or to solve related problems.

(f) Recall and apply the relevant relationships, including R = V/ I and those for current, potential differences and resistors in series and in parallel circuits, in calculations involving a whole circuit.

(g) Describe the action of a variable potential divider (potentiometer).

(h) Describe the action of thermistors and light-dependent resistors and explain their use as input transducers in potential dividers.

(i) Solve simple circuit problems involving thermistors and light-dependent resistors.

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