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Exit to G3 Physics and O-Level D.C. Circuits Hub

Practical Electric Circuitry Lab

Train circuit build-and-repair logic, correct meter placement, rheostat use, and reading-table workflow for O Level practical questions.

  • SEC G3 Physics 2027
Learning goals
  • Recognise and interpret circuit symbols for cells, batteries, switches, lamps, LEDs, resistors, fuses, ammeters and voltmeters
  • Draw circuit diagrams with cells, batteries, switches, lamps, LEDs, fixed and variable resistors, fuses, ammeters and voltmeters
  • Recognise and interpret circuit symbols for d.c. and a.c. supplies, potentiometers, bells, light-dependent resistors and thermistors
  • Draw circuit diagrams with d.c. and a.c. supplies, potentiometers, bells, light-dependent resistors and thermistors
  • Apply the same-current rule in series circuits

Interactive stageLive model

Loading the interactive model…The interactive model did not load. Try again reloads this page; the explanation and worked content here are still available.

Change one variable at a time and watch the model respond.

Lab setup

Core mode
Reading controls
More controls
4.0 ohm

Practical checkpoint

What to notice:

Prediction target:

      Practice run

      Choose a mode and checkpoint count when you want scoring.

      Run mode
      Try Practical Electricity Quiz

      Choose your checkpoint count for guided or challenge mode.

      Study lensPlace ammeters and voltmeters correctly for common O Level practical setups.12 min activity

      Try this

      Treat the circuit like a measurement workflow: what are you varying, what are you measuring, and is each meter in the right place?

      Learn to

      • Place ammeters and voltmeters correctly for common O Level practical setups.
      • Use a rheostat as the variable component while keeping the rest of the arrangement sensible.
      • Choose the next useful reading or repair step instead of adding random components.

      Exam transfer

      • Practical setup
      • Circuit measurement

      Governing idea

      Current is measured through a component with an ammeter in series; potential difference is measured across it with a voltmeter in parallel. For an ohmic resistor, V = IR.

      Model boundary

      Leads and contacts are ideal unless a fault is shown. Real meters have non-zero resistance and real supplies can have internal resistance.

      Avoid this trap

      Never place an ammeter directly across a supply. Its low resistance can produce a dangerously large current.

      How to explore

      Build and repair circuit setups, place meters correctly, and collect sensible readings without drifting into graph-shape memorising.

      Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.

      About this activity

      Train circuit build-and-repair logic, correct meter placement, rheostat use, and reading-table workflow for O Level practical questions. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.

      How this activity affects progress
      Course and syllabus information
      Course
      SEC G3 Physics
      Edition
      SEC G3 Physics 2027