IV characteristic graphs
IV characteristic graphs plot current against potential difference and the graph builder draws the three required practical components. An ohmic conductor, a filament lamp and a diode. Ready to download for your worksheets, assessments or use within Plenary Studio to gather insights into pupil understanding.
A hand-built replica of the real builder page, not a screenshot. Every control shown exists in the product.
Part of the Graph builder family. See Half life graphs, Velocity time graphs, Infrared radiation graphs and Distance time graphs pages to explore further.
Why this works in Physics
Matching which each graph with the I-V characteristics of the three components is a key skill. Sketching the graphs on a whiteboard for the class is quick and covers the basics, but reproducing a GCSE standard graph takes time and gives more depth to questions.
You could crop them directly from past papers, but you can create you own with our graph builder. Familiarise you class with not just the shapes, but real data points. Create unique questions that cover the I-V characteristics required practical, not just recycled past paper questions.
IV characteristics for all three components
Every image here is free to use in your teaching under our image licence.
An ohmic conductor, current directly proportional to potential difference.Download image, An ohmic conductor, current directly proportional to potential difference. 
A filament lamp, the curve flattens because its resistance rises as the filament heats up.Download image, A filament lamp, the curve flattens because its resistance rises as the filament heats up. 
A diode, current only flows in one direction and only once the potential difference passes about 0.7 V.Download image, A diode, current only flows in one direction and only once the potential difference passes about 0.7 V.
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