Knowledge Organiser: Current and Charge
Part of Current & Charge · GCSE GCSE Physics revision
This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser: Current and Charge within Current & Charge for GCSE Physics. Revise Current & Charge in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 19 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 13 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 13 of 13
Practice
19 questions
Recall
30 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser: Current and Charge
Key Terms
- Current (I): Rate of flow of charge (A)
- Charge (Q): Amount of electricity that flows (C)
- Coulomb: Unit of charge
- Ammeter: Measures current; in series
- Conventional current: Positive to negative
Key Facts
- 1 A = 1 C per second
- Electrons flow negative to positive
- Conventional current: positive to negative
- Ammeter in series with the circuit
- Current is the same throughout a series circuit
Key Equations
- Q = I × t
- I = Q / t
- t = Q / I
Exam Tips
- Always convert minutes to seconds
- State units: A, C, s
- Ammeter = series; Voltmeter = parallel
- Current is conserved — never "used up"
Common Mistakes
- Not converting time to seconds: Q = I × t requires time in seconds — convert minutes by multiplying by 60
- Saying current is "used up": Current is not consumed — the same current flows into and out of a component; energy is transferred, not charge
- Confusing current and charge: Current (A) is the rate of flow of charge; charge (C) is the total amount transferred — they are different quantities
- Placing ammeter in parallel: Ammeters must be in series with the component — placing them in parallel causes a short circuit
- Confusing conventional and electron flow: Conventional current flows + to −; electrons flow − to + — both descriptions are correct in different contexts
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Practice Questions for Current & Charge
What is electric current?
Explain why an ammeter must be connected in series in a circuit.
Quick Recall Flashcards
19 questions on Current & Charge — practise free
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