This memory aid covers Memory Aid within Potential Difference for GCSE Physics. Revise Potential Difference in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 10 of 14 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
🧠 Memory Aid
For V = E/Q — the Ski Lift:
The Voltage is the Elevation (energy) given to each Quantity of charge (coulomb). The battery is the ski lift that raises each coulomb to a higher "energy height."
Voltmeter vs Ammeter connection — "V is a visitor, A is in the action":
The Voltmeter is a Visitor — it stands alongside (parallel), watching what happens across a component. The Ammeter is in the Action — it stands in the flow itself (series), part of the circuit.
Series vs Parallel voltage rule — "Series Shares, Parallel Pairs":
In a series circuit, the voltage is shared (split) between components. In a parallel circuit, every branch gets the same voltage as the supply.
Practice questions for Potential Difference
Which of the following is the correct definition of potential difference?
Explain what is meant by a potential difference of 6 V across a component.