Switch
Contents
Key Stage 1
Meaning
A switch is something you can use to turn things off and on.
Key Stage 2
Meaning
A switch is a component in a circuit that can connect or break the circuit to control whether electricity flows.
About Switches
- A switch is anything that breaks a circuit.
- A switch turns things off by breaking a circuit.
- A switch turns things on by connecting the wires to complete the circuit.
- A circuit should always have a switch in it so it can be turned off if anything goes wrong.
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| A switch. | The symbol for an open switch. | The symbol for a closed switch. |
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A switch is a component in a circuit that can connect or break the circuit to control whether electricity flows.
About Switches
- A switch is anything that breaks a circuit.
- An 'open' switch prevents electricity from moving around the circuit.
- A 'closed' switch allows electricity around the circuit.
- A switch is a useful safety device in a circuit so that the current can easily be stopped. This prevents components from getting too hot and prevent electrocution from a damaged wire.
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| A switch. | The symbol for an open switch. | The symbol for a closed switch. |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A switch is a component in a circuit that can connect or break the circuit to control whether electricity flows.
About Switches
- A switch is anything that breaks a circuit.
- An 'open' switch prevents electricity from moving around the circuit.
- A 'closed' switch allows electricity around the circuit.
- A switch is a useful safety device in a circuit so that the current can easily be stopped. This prevents components from getting too hot and prevent electrocution from a damaged wire.
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| A switch. | The symbol for an open switch. | The symbol for a closed switch. |
References
AQA
- Switches, circuit symbol, page 38, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA
- Switches, page 293, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 1, Hodder, AQA
- Switches, page 52, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Switches, page 60, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Physics, CGP, AQA
- Switches, page 62, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA