Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Recall and use the equation for p.d. V = W / Q
Learning Objective/s:
  • Recall the definitions of potential difference, EMF, work and charge.
  • Explain the relationships V = W / Q and V = ε – I r.
  • Apply the equations to calculate potential difference, work or current in simple circuits.
  • Identify and correct common misconceptions about EMF versus terminal p.d.
  • Use correct units and symbols when solving circuit problems.
Materials Needed:
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Projector or interactive display
  • Printed worksheets with practice questions
  • Calculator (or classroom calculator app)
  • Simple circuit kit (battery, resistors, wires, voltmeter)
  • PowerPoint slides showing equations and diagram
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: connect a battery to a lamp and ask students what determines the brightness. Link this to prior learning about voltage and current, reminding them that voltage is the work done per unit charge. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to recall and use V = W/Q and relate EMF to terminal potential difference.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short question on the definition of EMF vs p.d. on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present V = W/Q, derive from W = VQ, introduce V = ε – I r, and show units and symbols with slides.
  3. Guided example (10'): Work through the 12 J/3 C example and the 9 V battery with internal resistance, modelling calculations step‑by‑step.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15'): In pairs, use circuit kits to measure terminal voltage, record work (J) and charge (C), and calculate V using the equation.
  5. Practice questions (10'): Students complete three practice problems while the teacher checks understanding.
  6. Misconception check (5'): Quick poll or exit card asking students to differentiate EMF from terminal p.d.
  7. Summary & recap (5'): Review key formulas and when to apply each.
Conclusion:
Summarise that potential difference equals work per charge and that internal resistance reduces the terminal voltage according to V = ε – I r. Ask students to write one example of how they would use V = W/Q on an exit ticket. Assign homework: complete a worksheet with additional circuit calculations.