Physics — Electricity · Lesson 4

Electron Flow & Series Calculations

⚡🔋💡🧲🔌

Spec 2.16 · 2.19 · Navigation: Arrow Keys or Spacebar

🎯 Learning Objectives:

✔ 2.16 – Know that electric current in solid metallic conductors is a flow of negatively charged electrons.
✔ 2.19 – Calculate the currents, voltages and resistances of two resistive components connected in series.

🏆 Success Criteria — I will…

describe current in a metal as a flow of negatively charged electrons
find R_total, the current and the voltage across each resistor in series
use the check step (V₁ + V₂ = supply) to prove my answer

🖨️ Pupil Packs

Page 1 of every pack = title, LOs & success criteria for that tier.

⏱️ 40-Minute Pacing Guide

Core path: Arrival → Starter → I Do 1 → We Do 1 → I Do 2 → We Do 2 → Independent → Exit Ticket

FLEX slides (I Do 3 + We Do 3): only if time allows, or as next-lesson warm-up. Marked 🟠 FLEX.

⏱️ 4 min

Arrival Task

Arrival Task – Recall from Lesson 2

Instructions: Answer from memory. Q1–3 recall V = I × R from Lesson 2. Q4 leads into today.

1. 🟢

Write the formula that links voltage, current and resistance.

V = I × R

2. 🟢

Current is the rate of flow of ___________.

Charge.

3. 🟢

A 3 A current flows through a 4 Ω resistor. Calculate the voltage.

V = I × R = 3 × 4 = 12 V

4. Lead-in ⚡

What tiny particles inside a metal wire actually carry the charge? What charge do they have?

Electrons. They have a negative charge.

1. 🟠

A 12 V battery pushes current through a 6 Ω resistor. Calculate the current.

I = V ÷ R = 12 ÷ 6 = 2 A

2. 🟠

Define current in terms of charge.

Current is the rate of flow of charge — the amount of charge passing a point per second. 1 A = 1 coulomb per second.

3. 🟠

A lamp has 9 V across it and 0.5 A flowing through it. Calculate its resistance.

R = V ÷ I = 9 ÷ 0.5 = 18 Ω

4. Lead-in ⚡

We draw current flowing from + to −, but the electrons actually flow the other way. Why do you think scientists still use the old direction?

Scientists agreed on the + to − direction (conventional current) before they discovered electrons. It became the global standard and changing it would cause confusion, so we kept it.

1. 🔵

A hairdryer draws 10 A on UK mains (230 V). Calculate its resistance. Show working.

R = V ÷ I = 230 ÷ 10 = 23 Ω

2. 🔵

Explain why increasing the voltage across a fixed resistor increases the current, using ideas about charge.

Higher voltage gives more energy per coulomb, pushing electrons faster through the circuit. Since current is the rate of flow of charge, faster electron flow = higher current. R stays constant, so by V = IR, if V↑ then I↑.

3. 🔵

Two resistors of 10 Ω and 20 Ω are in series with a 6 V battery. Calculate the current.

R_total = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. I = V ÷ R = 6 ÷ 30 = 0.2 A

4. Lead-in ⚡

In the circuit above, the voltage across the 10 Ω resistor is 2 V and across the 20 Ω it's 4 V. What do you notice when you add these together? Why?

2 + 4 = 6 V, which equals the battery voltage. In series, the voltages across each component add up to the total supply voltage.

⏱️ 3 min

Starter

Starter: True or False?

Instructions: ✍️ Write it — copy each statement into your book and write TRUE or FALSE, then correct the false ones. 🎮 Tap it — vote on the board as a class. 3 minutes.

📝 True or False?

1. Electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. ________

2. Electrons are positively charged. ________

3. In a series circuit, the current is the same at every point. ________

4. Adding a second resistor in series decreases the total resistance. ________

5. In series, every component gets the full battery voltage. ________

6. Metals conduct because their electrons are free to move. ________

💡 Hint

Q1: which way do the negative electrons get pushed? Away from the − terminal…

Qs 3–5 are the series rules — same current everywhere, voltages share. Watch out: three of these are false!

💡 Answers to discuss: 1. TRUE. 2. FALSE — negatively charged. 3. TRUE. 4. FALSE — it increases total resistance. 5. FALSE — that's parallel; in series the voltages share and add up to the supply. 6. TRUE.

💡 Did You Know?

An electron in a wire actually moves incredibly slowly — about 0.1 mm per second (slower than a snail!). But the electrical signal travels at nearly the speed of light because each electron pushes the next one, like dominoes.

⏱️ 4 min

I Do

I Do: Electron Flow in Metals (2.16)

Key Idea: Electric current in solid metallic conductors is a flow of negatively charged electrons.

⚡ What Actually Moves?

Inside a metal wire, there are billions of free electrons — they are not locked to any single atom.

When a battery provides voltage, it pushes these free electrons through the wire — this is current.

Electrons are negatively charged, so they flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.

🔄 Two Directions!

Conventional current: + → − (what we draw on diagrams)

Electron flow: − → + (what actually happens)

Scientists agreed on conventional current before discovering electrons, and it stuck.

🌍 Why This Matters

When engineers design fairy lights, phone chargers, or car dashboards, they need to know exactly how voltage is shared between components in series. Get the calculation wrong and the component burns out — or doesn't work at all. This is real engineering maths.

💡 Why do metals conduct? Metal atoms are arranged in a lattice. The outer electrons are delocalised (free to move). Non-metals like plastic don't have free electrons, so they are insulators.

Inside a Metal Wire

If the question says "describe the current in a metal wire" — say: "a flow of negatively charged electrons". This is the exact spec wording worth 1 mark.

⚠️ Misconception alert: "The lamp uses up the electrons."
Truth: Electrons are never used up — the same electrons keep looping round the circuit. It's energy that gets transferred to the lamp.

🔑 Keywords to Know

Electron	A tiny negatively-charged particle. Carries current in metals.
Charge	A property of particles. Measured in coulombs (C).
Conventional current	The "pretend" flow from + to − (opposite to electrons).
Series	Components on a single loop. Current same, voltages add.

⏱️ 5 min

We Do

We Do: Label the Wire 🏷️

Instructions: Select a label from the bank, then click the correct slot. Match all 8!

👥 Think-Pair-Share: Try it yourself → discuss with your partner → agree on the answer.

Electrons Negative Metal ions Fixed − to + + to − Amps (A) Insulators

Part A: Inside the Wire

The charge carriers in metals are ?

Their charge is ?

The large particles that don't move are ?

These ions are ? in position

Part B: Directions & Units

Electron flow direction: ?

Conventional current direction: ?

Current is measured in ?

Plastics and rubber are ?

Matched: 0 / 8

⏱️ 4 min

I Do

I Do: Series Circuit Calculations (2.19)

Key Idea: In series: R_total = R₁ + R₂. Current is the same everywhere. Voltage adds up to the supply.

📐 The Three Series Rules

R_total = R₁ + R₂

Rule 1: Total resistance = sum of all resistances.

Rule 2: Current is the same at every point in the circuit.

Rule 3: V_total = V₁ + V₂ — voltages across components add up to the supply.

✏️ Worked Example

Q: A 9 V battery is connected to a 5 Ω and a 10 Ω resistor in series. Find the current and voltage across each.

Step 1: R_total = 5 + 10 = 15 Ω

Step 2: I = V ÷ R = 9 ÷ 15 = 0.6 A

Step 3: V₁ = I × R₁ = 0.6 × 5 = 3 V

Step 4: V₂ = I × R₂ = 0.6 × 10 = 6 V

Check: 3 + 6 = 9 V ✅

Series Circuit with Two Resistors

💡 Step-by-step method:
1. Add the resistances → R_total
2. Use I = V ÷ R_total to find current
3. Use V = I × R for each resistor
4. Check: V₁ + V₂ should = supply V

🌟 The bigger resistor gets the bigger share of voltage. 10 Ω gets twice as much voltage as 5 Ω because it has twice the resistance. Voltage is shared in proportion to resistance!

⏱️ 5 min

We Do

We Do: Series Step Solver 🧮

Instructions: A 12 V battery is connected to a 4 Ω and an 8 Ω resistor in series. Work through each step — type your answer and check!

👥 Think-Pair-Share: Try it yourself → discuss with your partner → agree on the answer.

Step 1: Find R_total

R_total = R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 8 = Ω

Just add them: 4 + 8.

Step 2: Find the current (I)

I = V ÷ R_total = 12 ÷ 12 = A

Divide the battery voltage by R_total: 12 ÷ 12.

Step 3: Voltage across 4 Ω

V₁ = I × R₁ = 1 × 4 = V

Use V = I × R with THIS resistor: 1 × 4.

Step 4: Voltage across 8 Ω

V₂ = I × R₂ = 1 × 8 = V

Same again, other resistor: 1 × 8.

Step 5: Check — do the voltages add up?

V₁ + V₂ = 4 + 8 = V = supply? ✅

Add your two voltage answers — they should hit the supply voltage.

Steps correct: 0 / 5

Writing the formula first earns a mark even if the final number is wrong. Formula → substitute → answer + unit.

⏱️ 4 min · FLEX

I Do

I Do: Putting It All Together

Combining 2.16 + 2.19: We now know what flows (electrons), how much flows (V = IR), and how series circuits share voltage.

✏️ Worked Example 2

Q: A 6 V battery connects to a 3 Ω lamp and a 9 Ω resistor in series.

R_total = 3 + 9 = 12 Ω

I = 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5 A (same everywhere)

V_lamp = 0.5 × 3 = 1.5 V

V_resistor = 0.5 × 9 = 4.5 V

Check: 1.5 + 4.5 = 6 V ✅

✏️ Worked Example 3 — Finding R

Q: Two resistors in series have 15 V across them. The current is 0.5 A. R₁ = 10 Ω. Find R₂.

R_total = V ÷ I = 15 ÷ 0.5 = 30 Ω

R₂ = R_total − R₁ = 30 − 10 = 20 Ω

📋 Summary: What You Must Know

Fact	Detail
What carries current in metals?	Free negatively charged electrons
Electron flow direction	− → + (opposite to conventional)
Series: Total R	R_total = R₁ + R₂
Series: Current	Same everywhere in the loop
Series: Voltage	V_total = V₁ + V₂
Finding V across a component	V = I × R

You might be asked to find a missing resistance, voltage or current in a series circuit. Always start with R_total, then I, then individual voltages. The check step (do they add up?) catches errors!

⏱️ 5 min · FLEX

We Do

We Do: Spot the Mistake! 🔍❌

Instructions: Each student's working has one mistake. Find it and click the correct fix!

👥 Think-Pair-Share: Try it yourself → discuss with your partner → agree on the answer.

❌ Student A:

"A 10 V battery, 2 Ω and 3 Ω in series."
R_total = 2 × 3 = 6 Ω
I = 10 ÷ 6 = 1.67 A

What went wrong?

❌ Student B:

"12 V battery, 4 Ω and 8 Ω in series."
R_total = 12 Ω ✅
I = 12 × 12 = 144 A

What went wrong?

❌ Student C:

"9 V battery, 3 Ω and 6 Ω in series. I = 1 A."
V₁ = 1 × 3 = 3 V ✅
V₂ = 1 × 6 = 6 V ✅
"The voltages don't add to 9 V so it's wrong."

What went wrong?

❌ Student D:

"Current in metals is a flow of positively charged protons."

What went wrong?

Fixed: 0 / 4 🔧

⏱️ 8 min

Independent Work

Instructions: Complete the tasks in your printed pack independently.

📝 Your Pack Contains:

Section A: Multiple Choice — 4 questions

Section B: Short Answer — calculations + definitions

Section C: Long Answer — explain + calculate

Section D: Exam-Style Question — full marks breakdown

Need help? Check the Scaffolding Sheet for the series rules and step-by-step method.

📝 Exam Command Words:
State = write a fact, no explanation needed.
Calculate = show the formula, substitute, get the answer + unit.
Explain = say what happens AND why (use "because").
Describe = say what happens step by step (no "why" needed).

🏆 Success Criteria

Foundation (Grades U–1): I can state what carries current in metals, use V = I × R, and add resistances in series.

Middle (Grades 1–2): I can calculate current and individual voltages in a series circuit with two resistors and explain electron flow.

Higher (Grades 3–5): I can solve multi-step series problems, find missing resistances, and explain why voltage is shared in proportion to resistance.

✅ Tick as you go — Success checklist

I know electrons carry current in metals

I know electron flow direction (− to +)

I can find R_total in a series circuit

I can calculate voltage across each resistor (Middle/Higher)

⏱️ 3 min

Exit Ticket

Exit Ticket – Cumulative Recap (L1 · L2 · Today)

Instructions: 6 questions — 2 from each lesson. Answer from memory. No notes.

🟢 I'm confident — I could teach this

🟡 Getting there — need more practice

🔴 I'm stuck — I need help

1. Draw the circuit symbol for a lamp.

Circle with a cross inside.

2. State one difference between series and parallel.

Series: one loop / parallel: branches. (Or any valid difference.)

3. Write the formula linking V, I and R.

V = I × R

4. A 2 A current flows through a 5 Ω resistor. Find V.

V = 2 × 5 = 10 V

Today

5. What particles carry current in a metal wire?

Electrons (negatively charged).

Today

6. Two resistors (3 Ω and 6 Ω) are in series. What is the total resistance?

R = 3 + 6 = 9 Ω

⚡ Next lesson: Consolidation — we lock in everything from the electricity block with fresh practice. Then a brand new topic: WAVES!

Electron Flow & Series Calculations

Physics · Electricity · Lesson 4 | Spec 2.16 & 2.19

🟢 Foundation Pack (Grades U–1)🟠 Middle Pack (Grades 1–2)🔵 Higher Pack (Grades 3–5)

Name: ________________________________ Date: ________________ Class: __________

🎯 Learning Objectives

2.16 — Know that electric current in solid metallic conductors is a flow of negatively charged electrons.

2.19 — Calculate the currents, voltages and resistances of two resistive components connected in a series circuit.

🏆 Success Criteria — I will…

☐ state that electrons carry the current in metals, and that they are negatively charged

☐ use V = I × R to calculate voltage, current or resistance

☐ add resistances to find R_total in a series circuit

☐ explain the difference between electron flow (− to +) and conventional current (+ to −)

☐ calculate the current in a two-resistor series circuit (R_total first, then I = V ÷ R)

☐ calculate the voltage across each resistor and check they add up to the supply

☐ solve multi-step series problems, including finding a missing resistance

☐ explain why voltage is shared in proportion to resistance

☐ describe current using the exact spec wording: a flow of negatively charged electrons

🗺️ Today's route

Arrival Task → Starter → I Do → We Do → I Do → We Do → Independent Work → Exit Ticket

Before we start — how confident do you feel about circuits? (circle one) 🔴 Stuck 🟡 Getting there 🟢 Confident

📋 Exam Technique — Every Mark Counts!

1 mark = State / Name / Write the formula.

2 marks = Show the formula + substitute + answer with unit.

3+ marks = Full working + answer + unit. Explain questions need "because".

Golden rule: Write something for every question. Even a formula = 1 mark.

Knowledge Organiser: Electron Flow & Series Calculations (L4)

How to use: Read this before starting. Refer back during independent work. Cover it up for the exit ticket — that tests what you actually remember!

Concept	Details
Current in metals	A flow of negatively charged electrons through a metallic conductor.
Free electrons	Outer electrons in metals are delocalised — free to move through the lattice of positive metal ions.
Conventional current	Drawn from + to − on diagrams (historical convention).
Electron flow	Actual direction: − to + (opposite to conventional current).
Series: Total R	R_total = R₁ + R₂ (add all resistances together).
Series: Current	The same at every point in the circuit. I = V_total ÷ R_total.
Series: Voltage	V_total = V₁ + V₂. Voltage is shared between components.
Finding V across one component	V = I × R (use the current and that component's resistance).
Voltage sharing rule	The bigger the resistance, the bigger its share of the voltage.
Insulators	Materials like plastic with no free electrons. Charge cannot flow.

🧠 Memory Tricks

Electrons are Negative = think "EN"ergy flows − to +.

Series R: "Resistances ADD up, just like the word S-E-R-I-E-S adds letters."

Check step: "Voltages must add to the battery — if they don't, you made an error!"

Arrival Task – Foundation (U–1) 🟢

Answer from memory.

1. Write the formula linking V, I and R.

2. Current is the rate of flow of ___________.

3. A 3 A current flows through a 4 Ω resistor. Calculate V.

4. What tiny particles inside a metal wire carry the charge? What charge do they have?

Arrival Task – Middle (1–2) 🟠

Answer from memory.

1. A 12 V battery, 6 Ω resistor. Calculate the current.

2. Define current in terms of charge.

3. V = 9 V, I = 0.5 A. Calculate R.

4. We draw current + to −, but electrons flow the other way. Why do scientists keep the old direction?

Arrival Task – Higher (3–5) 🔵

Answer from memory.

1. Hairdryer: 10 A on 230 V. Calculate R. Show working.

2. Explain why increasing V across a fixed R increases I, using charge ideas.

3. 10 Ω + 20 Ω in series, 6 V battery. Calculate the current.

4. V across 10 Ω = 2 V, across 20 Ω = 4 V. What do you notice? Why?

Starter: True or False?

Write TRUE or FALSE. Correct any false statements.

#	Statement	T / F	Correction (if false)
1	Electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.
2	Electrons are positively charged.
3	In a series circuit, the current is the same at every point.
4	Adding a second resistor in series decreases the total resistance.
5	In series, every component gets the full battery voltage.
6	Metals conduct because their electrons are free to move.

We Do Worksheet

Part A: Label the Wire

Fill in each blank with the correct word from the bank.

1. The charge carriers in metals are _______________

2. Their charge is _______________

3. The large particles that don't move are _______________

4. Electron flow direction: _______________

5. Conventional current direction: _______________

6. Current is measured in _______________

Word bank: Electrons · Negative · Metal ions · − to + · + to − · Amps (A)

Part B: Series Step Solver

12 V battery, 4 Ω and 8 Ω in series. Complete each step.

Step	Working	Answer
1. R_total	R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 8 =
2. Current (I)	I = V ÷ R_total = 12 ÷ ___ =
3. V across 4 Ω	V₁ = I × R₁ = ___ × 4 =
4. V across 8 Ω	V₂ = I × R₂ = ___ × 8 =
5. Check	V₁ + V₂ = ___ + ___ =	= supply? ✅

Part C: Spot the Mistake

Each student made one error. Write what is wrong and the correct answer.

1. Student used R = 2 × 3 = 6 Ω for two resistors in series.

Mistake:

Correct:

2. Student wrote "Current in metals is a flow of positively charged protons."

Mistake:

Correct:

Scaffolding Sheet

Series Circuit Rules

Rule	Formula / Detail
Total Resistance	R_total = R₁ + R₂ (just add them up)
Current	Same everywhere. I = V_total ÷ R_total
Voltage	V_total = V₁ + V₂ (voltages add up to supply)
V across one component	V = I × R

Cover what you want — the rest is the formula!

Step-by-Step Method for Series

Step 1: Add resistances → R_total

Step 2: Find current → I = V ÷ R_total

Step 3: Find voltage across each → V = I × R

Step 4: Check → do voltages add up to supply?

Electron Flow

Current in metals = flow of negatively charged electrons.

Electron flow: − → + Conventional current: + → −

Metals conduct because outer electrons are free / delocalised.

Independent Work – Foundation (Grades U–1)

You've got this! Use your scaffolding sheet. Write the formula first every time. Show your working — even partial working earns marks.

Section A: Multiple Choice

1. Electric current in a metal wire is a flow of…

[ ] Protons [ ] Neutrons [ ] Electrons

2. Electrons have a _______ charge.

[ ] Positive [ ] Negative [ ] No charge

3. In a series circuit, total resistance is found by…

[ ] Multiplying them [ ] Adding them [ ] Subtracting them

4. In series, the current is…

[ ] Different everywhere [ ] The same everywhere [ ] Zero

Section B: Short Answer

5. State what carries the electric current inside a metal wire.

6. Two resistors (5 Ω and 10 Ω) are in series. What is R_total?

7. A 15 V battery is connected to the resistors in Q6. Calculate the current.

Section C: Long Answer (Grade 2 Challenge — scaffolded)

8. (4 marks) A 12 V battery is connected to a 4 Ω and a 2 Ω resistor in series.

Hint: Follow the steps. The formula is given for you each time.

(a) R_total = R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 2 = _______ Ω [1 mark]

(b) I = V ÷ R_total = 12 ÷ _______ = _______ A [1 mark]

(d) V across 2 Ω: V = I × R = _______ × 2 = _______ V [1 mark]

Section D: Exam-Style Question

9. (4 marks) A student says "current in a wire is a flow of positively charged protons."

(a) State two things wrong with this statement. [2 marks]

(b) Write the correct statement. [1 mark]

Independent Work – Middle (Grades 1–2)

Push yourself! Show full working for every calculation. Section D is your Grade 3 stretch — give it your best shot.

Section A: Multiple Choice & Recall

1. Conventional current flows from…

[ ] − to + [ ] + to − [ ] Either direction

2. In series, voltages across components…

[ ] Are all equal [ ] Add up to the supply voltage [ ] Are always zero

3. Explain why metals can conduct electricity but plastics cannot.

4. State the difference between conventional current and electron flow.

Section B: Application

5. Calculate the missing values. Show full working.

V_supply	R₁	R₂	R_total	I	V₁	V₂
9 V	3 Ω	6 Ω
12 V	4 Ω	8 Ω

6. In both circuits above, check: does V₁ + V₂ = V_supply?

Section C: Long Answer

7. (4 marks) A 10 V battery is connected to a 2 Ω resistor and a 3 Ω resistor in series.

(a) Calculate the current through the circuit. Show working. [2 marks]

(b) Explain why the 3 Ω resistor has a higher voltage across it than the 2 Ω. [2 marks]

Section D: Exam-Style (Grade 3 Stretch)

8. (5 marks) A 15 V battery is connected to two resistors in series. The current is 0.5 A. One resistor is 10 Ω.

(a) Calculate the total resistance of the circuit. [2 marks]

(b) Calculate the resistance of the second resistor. [1 mark]

Independent Work – Higher (Grades 3–5)

Aim high! Full sentences for explanations. Section D includes Grade 5 challenges — these go beyond the basics. Show the examiner you can reason, not just calculate.

Section A: Recall

1. Describe, in terms of particles, what electric current is in a metal wire. [2 marks]

2. Explain why the voltage across a larger resistor in series is greater. [2 marks]

3. Two resistors in series have a combined resistance of 30 Ω and a current of 0.5 A. R₁ = 10 Ω. Calculate R₂ and V across each. [3 marks]

Section B: Application

4. Complete the table. Show working in the final column.

V_supply	R₁	R₂	I
15 V	5 Ω	10 Ω
?	8 Ω	12 Ω	0.5 A
24 V	?	6 Ω	2 A

Section C: Long Answer

5. (5 marks) Explain, using ideas about electrons and resistance, why adding a second resistor in series to a circuit reduces the current but adding one in parallel increases the total current. [5 marks]

Section D: Exam-Style (includes Grade 5 Challenge)

6. (6 marks) A circuit contains a 24 V battery and three resistors in series: R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω, and R₃ = 12 Ω.

(a) Calculate the total resistance. [1 mark]

(b) Calculate the current flowing through the circuit. [2 marks]

(d) Grade 5 Challenge: The 8 Ω resistor is removed. Without calculating, predict whether the current increases or decreases. Explain your reasoning using V = IR. [1 mark]

Exit Ticket – Foundation (U–1) — Cumulative Recap

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

1) Draw the circuit symbol for a lamp.

2) State one difference between series and parallel.

3) Write the formula linking V, I and R.

4) I = 2 A, R = 5 Ω. Calculate V.

Today

5) What particles carry current in metals?

Today

6) 3 Ω + 6 Ω in series. What is R_total?

Exit Ticket – Middle (1–2) — Cumulative Recap

1) How must an ammeter and voltmeter be connected?

2) Give two golden rules for circuit diagrams.

3) Define current in terms of charge.

4) V = 9 V, R = 3 Ω. Calculate I.

Today

5) Electron flow vs conventional current direction?

Today

6) 12 V, 4 Ω + 8 Ω series. Find I and V across 4 Ω.

Exit Ticket – Higher (3–5) — Cumulative Recap

1) Explain why an ammeter in parallel is dangerous.

2) Why are houses wired in parallel? Two reasons.

3) Explain why increasing V across a fixed R increases I.

4) 230 V hairdryer, 5 A. Calculate R.

Today

5) Metals vs plastics: why do metals conduct?

Today

6) 15 V, I = 0.5 A, R₁ = 10 Ω. Find R₂ and V across each.

Electron Flow & Series Calculations

🖨️ Pupil Packs

⏱️ 40-Minute Pacing Guide

Arrival Task – Recall from Lesson 2

1. 🟢

2. 🟢

3. 🟢

4. Lead-in ⚡

1. 🟠

2. 🟠

3. 🟠

4. Lead-in ⚡

1. 🔵

2. 🔵

3. 🔵

4. Lead-in ⚡

Starter: True or False?

📝 True or False?

💡 Hint

💡 Did You Know?

I Do: Electron Flow in Metals (2.16)

⚡ What Actually Moves?

🔄 Two Directions!

🌍 Why This Matters

Inside a Metal Wire

🔑 Keywords to Know

We Do: Label the Wire 🏷️

Part A: Inside the Wire

Part B: Directions & Units

I Do: Series Circuit Calculations (2.19)

📐 The Three Series Rules

✏️ Worked Example

Series Circuit with Two Resistors

We Do: Series Step Solver 🧮

I Do: Putting It All Together

✏️ Worked Example 2

✏️ Worked Example 3 — Finding R

📋 Summary: What You Must Know

We Do: Spot the Mistake! 🔍❌

Independent Work

📝 Your Pack Contains:

🏆 Success Criteria

✅ Tick as you go — Success checklist

Exit Ticket – Cumulative Recap (L1 · L2 · Today)

🧑‍🏫 TA Focus —

🎲 Cold Call

📋 Teacher Notes — L4

At a glance

⏱️ Route & timings

⚠️ Misconceptions to ambush

🎯 Differentiation

📸 Evidence

⚡ Next lesson

Lesson Complete!

Electron Flow & Series Calculations

🎯 Learning Objectives

🏆 Success Criteria — I will…

🗺️ Today's route

📋 Exam Technique — Every Mark Counts!

Knowledge Organiser: Electron Flow & Series Calculations (L4)

🧠 Memory Tricks

Arrival Task – Foundation (U–1) 🟢

Arrival Task – Middle (1–2) 🟠

Arrival Task – Higher (3–5) 🔵

Starter: True or False?

We Do Worksheet

Part A: Label the Wire

Part B: Series Step Solver

Part C: Spot the Mistake

Scaffolding Sheet

Series Circuit Rules

Step-by-Step Method for Series

Electron Flow

Independent Work – Foundation (Grades U–1)

Section A: Multiple Choice

Section B: Short Answer

Section C: Long Answer (Grade 2 Challenge — scaffolded)

Section D: Exam-Style Question

Independent Work – Middle (Grades 1–2)

Section A: Multiple Choice & Recall