Circuit symbols and diagrams, series and parallel circuits, the parts of a zinc–carbon cell, primary and secondary cells, and how a secondary cell is recharged.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
Every phone, torch and car battery is an electrical circuit. If you can read the symbols, you can read the circuit.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Cell, battery, switch, lamp, resistor, variable resistor, ammeter, voltmeter, fuse, diode, LED, earth.
Long line +, short thick line −.
One path; same current; one break stops all.
Separate branches; current splits; each branch works independently.
Zinc case (−), carbon rod (+), ammonium chloride paste, manganese dioxide.
Cannot be recharged.
Can be recharged (lead-acid, Li-ion).
+ to +; − to −; charger voltage slightly higher.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Physics Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (14 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [14 marks]
A student connects a cell, a lamp, a switch and an ammeter in series, and a voltmeter across the lamp.
(a) (a) Draw the circuit diagram using standard symbols. [5]
(b) (b) State the difference between a series and a parallel circuit. [2]
(c) (c) Name the part of a zinc–carbon cell that is the negative terminal and the part that is the positive terminal. [2]
(d) (d) State the function of the ammonium chloride paste. [1]
(e) (e) Distinguish between a primary cell and a secondary cell. [2]
(f) (f) State two conditions for recharging a secondary cell. [2]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.