GCSE circuit symbols
Circuit symbols show the parts in an electrical circuit. These fourteen drawings match AQA GCSE Physics 8463, including open and closed switch states. Use the names and features below to read a diagram or draw your own.
Try Circuit Builder to place six named part types: cell, switch, bulb, resistor, ammeter and voltmeter. Then predict current or potential difference readings in ten circuits. Use Practice mode to turn the timer off.
For optional practice, Circuit Symbols asks you to name drawings or match their functions in ten questions, with an untimed option.
Circuit symbols
AQA GCSE Physics 8463 · Years 10 and 11
Open switch
Breaks the path so current cannot flow through the switch.
A visible gap separates the sloping line from the other contact.
Closed switch
Joins the contacts so current can flow through the switch.
The line touches both contacts without a gap.
Cell
Supplies potential difference to drive charge around a complete circuit.
One long plate and one short plate. The longer plate is positive.
Battery
Combines cells to supply potential difference.
Repeated long and short plate pairs distinguish it from one cell.
Diode
Allows current to flow in one direction.
A triangle points towards a bar inside a circle.
Resistor
Limits current for a given potential difference.
A plain rectangle with wires at each end.
Variable resistor
Lets you adjust resistance to change the current.
A diagonal arrow crosses the resistor rectangle.
LED (light-emitting diode)
Emits light when current flows through it in the forward direction.
A diode with two arrows pointing outwards, showing light leaving.
Lamp (bulb)
Transfers electrical energy to light and heating.
A cross sits inside a circle.
Fuse
Breaks the circuit when excessive current melts its wire.
A straight line runs through the rectangle.
Voltmeter
Measures potential difference across a component, in volts.
A circle containing V. Connect it in parallel.
Ammeter
Measures current through a component, in amperes (amps).
A circle containing A. Connect it in series.
Thermistor
Changes resistance with temperature. For the GCSE model shown, warming lowers resistance.
A diagonal mark with a short bend crosses the rectangle.
LDR (light-dependent resistor)
Its resistance falls as light gets brighter.
Two arrows point inwards towards a resistor inside a circle.
Spot the small differences
Check arrow direction: an LED sends light out, while an LDR receives light. The variable resistor has an arrow through its rectangle; the thermistor has a bent mark. A fuse has a line through its rectangle. These strokes carry meaning even when the symbol turns on the page.
From symbols to readings
Trace the wires before deciding where a meter belongs. An ammeter goes in the path of the current you want to measure. A voltmeter joins the two points whose potential difference you want to compare.
For calculations, the potential difference equation connects voltage, current and resistance. The AQA equation sheet helps you find equations. Use the electrical power guide when a question asks about energy transferred each second.
For other topics, browse physics games. The guides compare revision tools and link to this circuit reference.
Questions
Are a lamp and a bulb different circuit symbols?
Both names refer to the circle with a cross. You may see either name in a circuit question.
Does a cell always supply the same current?
The current depends on the potential difference and the circuit's resistance. Changing the resistance changes the current.
Does every thermistor lose resistance when it warms?
Thermistors can behave differently. AQA GCSE Physics uses the model whose resistance decreases as its temperature rises.
Sources
Checked 11 October 2026 against AQA GCSE Physics 8463, section 4.2.1.1. The fourteen entries include both open and closed switch states.