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AQA GCSE · Question 07.2 · Electricity
Draw the circuit symbol for a switch in the box below.
Draw the circuit symbol for a switch in the box below.
How to approach this question
Recall the standard circuit symbols used in physics. The symbol for an open switch represents a break in the wire that can be closed.
Full Answer
A line with a break in it, and a hinged section that can close the break.
<svg width="150" height="50" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><line x1="20" y1="25" x2="60" y2="25" stroke="black" stroke-width="2"/><line x1="65" y1="25" x2="85" y2="10" stroke="black" stroke-width="2"/><line x1="90" y1="25" x2="130" y2="25" stroke="black" stroke-width="2"/><circle cx="62.5" cy="25" r="2.5" fill="black"/><circle cx="87.5" cy="25" r="2.5" fill="black"/></svg>
The standard circuit symbol for a switch is designed to look like a physical switch in a circuit diagram. It consists of:
- A straight line representing the wire.
- Two small circles representing connection points.
- A break in the line between the circles.
- A hinged line segment that can be drawn open (to show the switch is off) or closed (to show the switch is on and completing the circuit).
The provided SVG shows the symbol for an open switch.
Common mistakes
✗ Drawing the symbol for a different component (e.g., a resistor or a lamp).
✗ Drawing a picture of a household light switch instead of the circuit symbol.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier Paper 1
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