Required Practical - I–V Characteristics

Investigating I–V Characteristics

This experiment aims to construct and use electrical circuits (based on circuit diagrams) to explore how current changes with potential difference for different components.

Apparatus

Ammeter (for measuring current)
Voltmeter (for measuring potential difference)
Variable resistor (rheostat)
Fixed resistor (100–500 Ω range)
Filament lamp
Diode
DC power supply
Connecting wires

Variables

Independent variable:
- Potential difference (voltage, V)
Dependent variable:
- Current (I)
Control variables:
- Same power supply throughout the investigation
- Consistent equipment (same wires, same ammeter/voltmeter, same variable resistor)
- Maintain components at constant temperature

Method

Assemble the circuit containing the fixed resistor as shown in the diagram.
Gradually alter the voltage across the component by adjusting the variable resistor. Record 8–10 voltage readings across a range of values.
For each voltage, record the current shown on the ammeter and calculate the mean current.
Increase the potential difference in increments of 0.5 V, and repeat the process.

Method (continuation)

Switch off the circuit between each set of readings to prevent the components and wires from overheating.
Reverse the polarity of the power supply and repeat the measurements to obtain readings for negative voltages and currents.
Replace the resistor with the filament lamp, and then with the diode, repeating the procedure for each.

Analysing Results

Plot graphs of current (I) on the y-axis against voltage (V) on the x-axis.
- A straight-line graph shows an ohmic conductor (e.g. the fixed resistor), where current is directly proportional to voltage and Ohm’s Law is obeyed (V = IR).
- A curved graph indicates a non-ohmic conductor (e.g. filament lamp or diode) — these do not obey Ohm’s Law, as resistance changes with current or temperature.
Compare your graphs to the expected I–V characteristics for each component.

Safety Precautions

Avoid touching wires or components when the circuit is live, as they can become very hot.
Switch off the power supply between measurements to prevent overheating.
Keep the work area dry–no liquids should be near the electrical apparatus.
Handle the filament lamp carefully, as it may stay hot for a while after use.

1Energy

1.1Energy Changes

1.2Energy Losses & Efficiency

1.2.1Energy Wastage

1.2.2Energy Efficiency

1.2.3Reducing Energy Loss

1.2.4Power & Energy Transfer

1.2.5Required Practical - Investigating Insulation

1.2.6Efficiency - Calculations

1.2.7Grade 9 - Energy & Efficiency

1.3Energy Resources

1.3.1Energy Resources

1.3.2Fossil Fuels

1.3.3Geothermal Energy

1.3.4Wind Energy

1.3.5Water Energy

1.3.6Tidal Energy

1.3.7Nuclear Energy

1.3.8Solar Energy

1.3.9Original Source of Energy

1.3.10Non-Renewable & Renewable Resources

1.3.11Uses of Energy Sources

1.3.12Changing Electricity Use

1.3.13Renewable Energy

1.3.14Limits to Renewable Energy Resources

1.3.15End of Topic Test - Energy

1.3.16Exam-Style Questions - Energy

2Electricity

2.1Electric Charge

2.1.1Circuit Diagrams

2.1.2Circuit Symbols

2.1.3Current

2.1.4Current Equation

2.1.5Current - Calculations

2.1.6Conductors

2.1.7Electrical Conductors - Electrons

2.1.8Potential Difference

2.1.9Voltage Equation

2.1.10Measurements in Circuit

2.1.11Voltage - Calculations

2.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Powering a Circuit

2.2Resistance & Electrical Work

2.2.1Resistance

2.2.2Measuring Resistance

2.2.3Resistance Graph

2.2.4Diodes

2.2.5LDRs & Thermistors

2.2.6Electrical Work

2.2.7Power

2.2.8Ohm's Law

2.2.9Ohm's Law - Equation

2.2.10Resistance & Ohms Law - Calculations

2.2.11Electrical Work - Calculations

2.2.12Required Practical - Investigating Resistance

2.3Electric Circuits

2.3.1Series Circuits

2.3.2Resistors

2.3.3Required Practical - I–V Characteristics

2.3.4Cells in Series

2.3.5Series Circuits - Calculations

2.3.6Parallel Circuits

2.3.7Parallel Current

2.3.8Parallel Resistance

2.3.9Lights in Parallel

2.3.10Parallel Circuits - Calculations

2.3.11Grade 9 - Circuits

2.3.12Exam-Style Questions - Electricity

2.4Electricity in Homes

2.4.1AC/DC

2.4.2Mains Electricity

2.4.3Power Ratings

2.4.4National Grid

2.4.5Domestic Uses - Calculations

2.4.6Fuses & Circuit Breakers

2.4.7Fuse Ratings

2.4.8Earthing

2.4.9Dangers of the Live Wire

2.4.10End of Topic Test - Electricity

2.5Static Electricity

2.5.1Electrical Charge

2.5.2Charging an Object

2.5.3Charged Objects

2.5.4Static Electricity

2.5.5Electric Fields

2.5.6Field Diagrams

3Particle Model of Matter

3.1States of Matter

3.1.1Atomic Model

3.1.2Atomic Structure

3.1.3Sub-Atomic Particles

3.1.4Models of the Atom

3.1.5Alpha Particles

3.1.6Electron Arrangements

3.1.7Density

3.1.8Density Equation

3.1.9Density & the Particle Model

3.1.10Density - Calculations

3.1.11Changes of State

3.1.12Melting & Boiling

3.1.13Exam-Style Questions - Density

3.1.14Required Practical - Density

3.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Floating

3.1.16Diagnostic Misconceptions - Volume

3.2Heat

3.2.1Internal Energy

3.2.2Change in Thermal Energy

3.2.3Required Practical - Specific Heat Capacity

3.2.4Equation for Heat Capacity

3.2.5Leslie's Cube

3.2.6Internal Energy - Calculations

3.2.7Melting & Boiling

3.2.8Latent Heat

3.2.9Energy Change for Change of State

3.2.10Latent Heat - Calculations

3.2.11Specific Latent Heat of Fusion

3.2.12Specific Latent Heat of Vaporisation

3.3Particle Motion in Gases

3.3.1States of Matter

3.3.2Properties of Gases

3.3.3Temperature Increase in a Gas

3.3.4Work Done on a Gas

3.3.5End of Topic Test - Particle Model of Matter

3.3.6Grade 9 - Particle Model of Matter

3.3.7Exam-Style Questions - Specific Heat Capacity

4Atoms & Radiation

4.1Atoms

4.1.1Atomic Model

4.1.2Structure of an Atom

4.1.3Sub-Atomic Particles

4.1.4Alpha Particles

4.1.5The Model of the Atom

4.1.6Electron Arrangements

4.1.7Proton & Nucleon Numbers

4.1.8Atoms & Ions

4.1.9Isotopes 1

4.1.10Isotopes 2

4.1.11Carbon Nuclides

4.1.12Exam-Style Questions - Atomic Structure

4.1.13Diagnostic Misconceptions - Types of Radiation

4.2Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.1.1Velocity

5.1.2Average Speed

5.1.3Adding Vectors

5.1.4Acceleration

5.1.5Distance vs Displacement

5.1.6Contact & Non-Contact Forces

5.1.7Contact Forces - Examples

5.1.8Distance-Time Graphs

5.1.9Speed-Time Graphs

5.1.10Velocity - Time Graph

5.1.11Average Speed - Calculations

5.1.12Acceleration - Calculations

5.1.13Uniform Acceleration - Calculations

5.1.14Grade 9 - Motion

5.1.15Exam-Style Questions - Motion

5.1.16Diagnostic Misconception - Motion

5.1.17Diagnostic Misconceptions - Acceleration

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

5.4.1Pressure & Force on Container

5.4.2Atmospheric Pressure

5.4.3Liquid Pressure

5.4.4Pressure - Calculations

5.4.5Liquid Pressure - Calculations

5.4.6Upthrust

5.4.7Depth Control of Submarine

5.4.8Pressure Difference

5.4.9End of Topic Test - Forces

5.4.10Exam-Style Questions - Pressure

6Waves

6.1Wave Basics

6.1.1Wave Basics

6.1.2Wave Speed Formula

6.1.3Wave Speed Equation

6.1.4Wave Speed - Calculations

6.1.5Wave Frequency Formula

6.1.6Wavelength & Amplitude

6.1.7Wave Frequency - Calculations

6.1.8Transverse Waves

6.1.9Longitudinal Wave

6.1.10Required Practical - Ripple Tank

6.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Wavelength

6.2Waves at a Boundary

6.2.1Waves at a Boundary

6.2.2Waves at a Boundary 2

6.2.3Reflection of Light

6.2.4Refraction of Light

6.2.5Refraction of Light 2

6.2.6Internal Reflection

6.2.7Required Practical - Reflection and Refraction

6.3Sound Waves

6.3.1Sound Waves

6.3.2Sound Waves & our Ears

6.3.3Speed of Sound 1

6.3.4Speed of Sound 2

6.3.5Sound as a Wave

6.3.6Uses of Sound Waves: Ultrasound Waves

6.3.7Uses of Sound Waves: Earthquakes

6.3.8Sound Waves - Calculations

6.3.9End of Topic Test - Introduction to Waves

6.3.10Exam-Style Questions - Wave Speed

6.4Electromagnetic Waves

6.4.1Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

6.4.2Gamma Rays

6.4.3X-Rays

6.4.4UV Light

6.4.5Infrared Radiation

6.4.6Microwaves

6.4.7Radio Waves

6.4.8Properties 2

6.4.9Visible Light

6.4.10Visible Light 2

6.4.11Specular & Diffuse Reflection

6.4.12Colours

6.4.13Grade 9 - Waves

6.5Lenses

6.5.1Lenses

6.5.2Convex Lens

6.5.3Concave Lens

6.5.4Lenses - Calculations

6.5.5Images

6.5.6Ray Diagrams

6.5.7Ray Diagrams 2

6.6Heat & Radiation

6.6.1Infrared Radiation

6.6.2Radiation & Surface Colour

6.6.3Surface Area & Temperature

6.6.4Temperature

6.6.5Absorption & Emission

6.6.6Greenhouse Effect

6.6.7Energy Balance of the Earth

6.6.8End of Topic Test - EM Waves, Lenses & Heat

6.6.9Exam-Style Questions - EM Radiation

7Magnetism

7.1Magnetism Basics

7.1.1Magnetism

7.1.2Magnetic Materials

7.1.3Induced Magnetism

7.1.4Magnetic Fields

7.1.5Magnetic Field Patterns

7.2Electromagnetism

7.2.1The Magnetic Effect of a Current

7.2.2Solenoid Field

7.2.3Magnetic Field Strength

7.2.4Uses of Electromagnets

7.2.5Motor Effect

7.2.6Direction of Motor Effect

7.2.7Magnetic Flux Equation

7.2.8Magnetic Flux - Calculations

7.2.9Electric Motors

7.2.10Loudspeakers

7.2.11Force Acting on a Coil in a Magnetic Field

7.2.12Induced Potential Difference

7.2.13Increasing the Induced Potential Difference

7.2.14Magnetic Field Direction

7.2.15Forces Between Electricity & Magnets

7.2.16AC/DC

7.2.17AC Generators

7.2.18Generator Effect

7.2.19Microphones

7.3Transformers

7.3.1Transformers

7.3.2Transformer Equation

7.3.3Step-Up & Step-Down Transformers

7.3.4Principles of Transformer Operation

7.3.5High-Voltage Transmission & Transformers

7.3.6Energy in Transformers

7.3.7Power Losses in Cables

7.3.8Transformers - Calculations

7.3.9Transformers 2 - Calculations

7.3.10End of Topic Test - Magnetism

7.3.11Grade 9 - Transformers

7.3.12Exam-Style Questions - Magnetic Fields

8Astrophysics

8.1Astrophysics

8.1.1The Solar System

8.1.2The Sun

8.1.3The Solar System - Calculations

8.1.4Orbits

8.1.5Stable Orbits

8.1.6Orbits HyperLearning

8.1.7Life Cycle of a Star like the Sun

8.1.8Life Cycle of a Star Much Bigger than the Sun

8.1.9Creation of Elements

8.1.10Red-shift

8.1.11The Big Bang Theory

8.1.12Gaps in Knowledge

8.1.13End of Topic Test - Astrophysics

8.1.14Exam-Style Questions - Astrophysics

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