top of page
GCSE Physics - Alternating Current

GCSE Physics - Alternating Current

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Trilogy Physics GCSE, particularly the 'Electricity’ SoW.

 

The lesson begins with an introduction to the differences between alternating and direct current, demonstrate with a diagram and a video. Students will then watch another video, using which they will answer a set of questions about alternating current, direct current and the use of oscilloscopes. Once this task has been completed students can self-assess their work using the mark scheme provided in the power point presentation.

 

The next task will require pupils to read a set of information about

wiring within three-pin plugs before sketching a diagram of the plug and completing a table to summarise the colour and roles of the live, neutral and earth wires. Again, this work can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided. Students will then need to sketch a diagram of an oscilloscope trace from an a.c. and d.c. supply and provide some notes about what these two traces are showing us.

 

The next part of the lesson will focus on the National Grid, firstly students will observe a simplified diagram of the route taken by an electric current from the power station to people’s homes, this route involves the electric current passing through a step-up and step-down transformer. Students will need to watch a video and then summarise the role of these two types of transformers. This task can be self-assessed against the answer provided in the PowerPoint presentation.

 

Next, the PowerPoint presentation explains why it is important to keep the voltage in the overhead cables very high and the current very low - to reduce resistance. Students will then need to complete a fill-in-the-blank task to sum up the main points about the National Grid.

 

The last part of the lesson will require pupils to observe oscilloscope traces for different a.c. supplies, firstly they will be shown how to work out the period, they will need to apply this to each oscilloscope trace. Then using the period, they will need to calculate the frequency for each trace - making sure they show all their working! Once this task is complete pupils can self or peer assess their work using the mark scheme provided.

 

The plenary task is an exit card, students are asked to write down three facts they have learned during the lesson, five key words and one question to test their peers knowledge.

 

  • FILETYPE

    Once purchased you will be able to instantly download and present this ready to use Powerpoint lesson. The lesson can be edited to suit the buyer's specific lesson requirements if needed.

  • TERMS/LICENCE

    Terms of service / User licence

    All products on our website, unless stated, are sold with a Single User License.

    This means that one purchase of one product means only one person is permitted to use that product. If you wish to purchase a multi-teacher license, please email us at info@swyftresources.com. Every product, and any part of any product on this website, may not be resold or distributed under any circumstances, including through any website, newsletters, unauthorised groups, or organisations, without express written permission from Swyft Resources. Swyft Resources is not responsible for the content of any external sites we link to. All suggested external content, clip links or information for further reading is used at the teachers discretion. 
    All rights to all products remain with Swyft Resources. For wholesale enquiries please contact us info@swyftresources.com

£2.75Price
No Reviews YetShare your thoughts. Be the first to leave a review.