H2 Physics 9478 · Topic 14
D.C. circuits: components, networks and transients
Read topology before calculating, distinguish component and source behaviour, and use shared-current, shared-p.d., shared-charge and exponential models only in the arrangements where they apply.
Before you begin
Study each reviewed objective cluster, then use the recorded diagnostic and repair plan. H2 practice evidence remains separate from H1 and H3.
Be comfortable with: Current Electricity objective chainElectric Fields objective chain
Learn in order
Lesson route
Objective clusters
- 01Circuit symbols and diagrams 16(a)–(b)Learn and apply 2 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 02Resistance, resistivity, I–V characteristics and temperature 16(c)–(f)Learn and apply 4 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 03Internal resistance, terminal p.d. and output power 16(g)Learn and apply 1 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 04Series, parallel and potential-divider networks 16(h)–(j)Learn and apply 3 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 05Capacitors in series and parallel 16(k)Learn and apply 1 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 06Charging, discharging and time constant 16(l)Learn and apply 1 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise D.C. circuits: components, networks and transients checklist to locate the right objective cluster. Full definitions, derivations and worked examples stay in the linked lessons.
- Read topology before calculating, distinguish component and source behaviour, and use shared-current, shared-p.d., shared-charge and exponential models only in the arrangements where they apply.
- Circuit symbols and diagrams 16(a)–(b)
- Resistance, resistivity, I–V characteristics and temperature 16(c)–(f)
- Internal resistance, terminal p.d. and output power 16(g)
- Series, parallel and potential-divider networks 16(h)–(j)
- Capacitors in series and parallel 16(k)
Course coverage and review details
Topic 16 states no explicit exclusions. I–V graph gradient language always names the plotted axes; resistance is V/I at an operating point rather than automatically a graph gradient. Metal temperature dependence is explained through drift velocity and NTC behaviour through carrier number density. Terminal p.d. is E − Ir while a source supplies current. Capacitor rules are not copied from resistor rules. The exponential forms assume constant R and C, an ideal source or isolated discharge loop, and τ = RC.
Coverage is reviewed against 9478 topic 16(a)–(l), PDF page 25. Selected-response progress does not by itself prove constructed, diagrammatic or practical performance.
Reviewed 2026-08-01