Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: 10 Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Know that the p.d. between two points is measured in volts (V)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the definition of potential difference and its unit (volt).
  • Explain the relationship between emf, internal resistance, and terminal potential difference.
  • Apply the formula V = W/Q to calculate potential difference in simple circuits.
  • Demonstrate the correct parallel connection of a voltmeter to measure p.d.
  • Interpret practical examples to differentiate emf from terminal p.d.
Materials Needed:
  • Textbook or teacher notes on emf and p.d.
  • Projector and screen for diagram display
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Digital voltmeter or simulation software
  • Simple circuit kit (battery, resistor, wires)
  • Worksheet with calculation problems
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick demonstration of a battery powering a lamp and ask students what “pressure” the electricity feels like. Recall that they already know voltage is a measure of electrical “pressure.” State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify and calculate potential difference in volts and explain why a voltmeter reads less than the emf when current flows.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short question on the definition of voltage on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present key definitions (emf, p.d., internal resistance) and the formula V = W/Q with examples.
  3. Demonstration (8'): Connect a voltmeter across a 12 V battery with a load; show the reading drops and discuss why.
  4. Guided practice (12'): Students work in pairs to calculate terminal p.d. for given currents and internal resistances using V = 𝓔 – Ir.
  5. Check for understanding (5'): Quick quiz via clickers – identify correct statements about voltmeter connections.
  6. Wrap‑up discussion (5'): Review the link between emf, internal resistance, and measured voltage.
Conclusion:

Summarise that potential difference is measured in volts, the voltmeter must be in parallel, and internal resistance reduces the terminal voltage. Ask each pair to write one exit‑ticket sentence explaining why the voltmeter reading differs from the emf. For homework, assign a worksheet that includes calculating p.d. for various circuits and predicting voltmeter readings.