GCSE Physics (Triple) WJEC

This subject is broken down into 109 topics in 18 modules:

  1. Electric Circuits 8 topics
  2. Generating Electricity 7 topics
  3. Making Use of Energy 6 topics
  4. Domestic Electricity 6 topics
  5. Features of Waves 8 topics
  6. The Total Internal Reflection of Waves 4 topics
  7. Seismic Waves 5 topics
  8. Kinetic Theory 6 topics
  9. Electromagnetism 7 topics
  10. Distance, Speed and Acceleration 4 topics
  11. Newton's Laws 6 topics
  12. Work and Energy 7 topics
  13. Further Motion Concepts 6 topics
  14. Stars and Planets 6 topics
  15. The Universe 4 topics
  16. Types of Radiation 9 topics
  17. Half-Life 4 topics
  18. Nuclear Decay and Nuclear Energy 6 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 18
    modules
  • 109
    topics
  • 35,827
    words of revision content
  • 4+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of GCSE Physics (Triple) WJEC in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

Physics (Triple)

Electric Circuits

Symbols of Components

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Symbols of Components

  • Each component in an electric circuit has a unique symbol for identification. These symbols are standard across international physics curriculums.

  • A straight line represents a wire connecting other components or parts of a circuit.

  • A cell, or battery, is symbolised by two lines. A longer line represents the positive terminal whilst the shorter line represents the negative terminal.

  • More than one cell connected together is depicted as several juxtaposed pairs of short and long lines.

  • A lamp (bulb) is displayed as a circle with an 'X' inside. This represents the filament within the bulb.

  • For resistors, a zig-zag or rectangular box is used. Resistors are components that resist the flow of electric current and reduce voltage.

  • A capacitor, which stores electric charge, is represented by two parallel lines with a gap between them. One line is often curved.

  • A fuse, a device designed to break a circuit if the current flowing through it is too high, is symbolised by a rectangular shape with a line going through it.

  • Switches are indicated by a break in the line. If the switch is closed, the break is paired with an adjacent line.

  • Diodes, which permit current flow in one direction only, are shown as a triangle facing a line.

  • The symbol for a voltmeter, a device that measures voltage, is a circle with a "V" in the middle.

  • The symbol for an ammeter, which measures current, is a circle with an "A".

Remember, whilst understanding these symbols is paramount, so too is understanding how these components function within a circuit. This will help you to efficiently design, analyse and predict outcomes in different electric circuit setups.

Course material for Physics (Triple), module Electric Circuits, topic Symbols of Components

Physics (Triple)

Electromagnetism

The Direction of the Induced Current in a Generator

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

The Direction of the Induced Current in a Generator

  • Understanding the direction of the induced current in a generator begins with knowing about electromagnetic induction. This is a process by which a conductor moving in a magnetic field induces a voltage.

  • The direction of the induced current in a generator is governed by Fleming's right-hand rule. This states that if your thumb points in the direction of movement of the conductor (or in generators, the direction the coil is rotating), and your first finger points in the direction of the magnetic field, then the induced current will flow in the direction that your second finger points to.

  • The direction of the magnetic field in basic generators moves from the North pole of the magnet to the South.

  • The direction of rotation in a simple, hand-crank generator is typically determined by the user. However, in mechanical generators (like in turbines), the direction depends on the mechanical force being applied.

  • The direction of the induced current changes each half cycle in a generator. This is because the side of the loop that moves up initially becomes the side that moves down in the next half cycle.

  • Therefore, the induced current in a generator is alternating current (AC) as its direction changes regularly, following the change in the direction that the coil cuts through the magnetic field.

  • The amplitude of the induced current depends on the speed of rotation, the strength of the magnetic field and the number of turns in the coil. However, the direction purely depends on Fleming's right-hand rule.

  • It is important to understand that reversing either the direction of the magnetic field, or the direction of the movement, will result in the reversal of the direction of the induced current.

  • During each rotation, when the plane of the coil is parallel to the magnetic field lines, no voltage is induced. However, a voltage is induced to its maximum when the plane of the coil is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines. This changing amplitude can be represented using a sine wave.

  • Diagrams or models of generators often show a split-ring commutator, which is a device used to switch the direction of current in a coil every half cycle. This allows the output to be direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC) because it maintains the direction of the current flow outside the generator.

  • In conclusion, the direction of the induced current in a generator is dependent on the direction of the rotation and the magnetic field but can be manipulated using components like a commutator.

Course material for Physics (Triple), module Electromagnetism, topic The Direction of the Induced Current in a Generator

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners. To date, 4,077 students have studied for their GCSE Physics (Triple) WJEC exams on the Adapt App.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.