lesson
Current is not consumed by a lamp
1 · Learn
Electric current is the rate of flow of charge, measured in amperes. In a steady simple series circuit, the same current passes through each component. Energy is transferred by components, but charge is not used up as it passes through a lamp.
An ammeter is connected in series in the approved circuit being measured. The position and range of a meter matter; never improvise measurements on mains wiring or unknown supplies.
2 · Worked example
If a steady series circuit has current 0.3 A before a lamp, it also has 0.3 A after it in the simple model. The lamp transfers energy rather than consuming that charge.
3 · Your turn
Would a working series lamp normally make the current after it smaller because it used some up?
Check your answer
No. The same steady current flows through the series path; energy transfer is not charge consumption.
4 · Apply your learning
Trace current values on a supplied circuit diagram and identify where an ammeter would be placed in an approved model.
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Use supplied evidence and approved diagrams. Practical work requires a qualified adult, suitable equipment and a risk assessment. No unsupervised chemicals, heating, flames, mains electricity or bright-light experiments. Human biology is factual education, not personalised medical advice; never request intimate or health disclosures.
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Check a calculation · Year 5 onward
Use this only when your teacher or adult allows a calculator for the task. Show your thinking first. It does not replace mental or written arithmetic and does not mark your lesson answer.
Powers, roots and trigonometry · Year 7 onward
Use only when the task allows a calculator. Choose one operation at a time and record your working. Trigonometry here always uses degrees (DEG), not radians. Inverse sine, cosine and tangent return an angle, not a reciprocal. Keep exact fractions and π in answers when requested.
Approximate numerical results use up to 12 significant digits. Inverse sine returns −90° to 90°, inverse cosine 0° to 180°, and inverse tangent −90° to 90°; these are principal values, not every possible solution of a trigonometric equation.
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