Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Physics, Paper 1 · CAPS
Electric Circuits – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Physics, Paper 1)
What Electric Circuits covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), the 4 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 4
- Exam-style questions
- 11
- Marks of practice
- 125
- Study time
- ≈ 5 h 00 min
What it covers
Electric circuits builds on Ohm's law and the series and parallel combinations from Grade 11. In Grade 12 the battery has internal resistance, so you tell the emf apart from the voltage across the terminals and account for the volts lost inside the battery when a bigger current flows. Calculations of power, energy and the cost of running appliances are included, and a common exam question asks how meter readings change when a switch is opened or closed.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) – Friday 30 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Electricity & magnetism ≈ 55/150 (electric circuits typically ≈ 15–20 marks, plus MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 8 or 9 of Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Ohm's law, resistance and series/parallel networks35 min
- Emf, internal resistance and terminal potential difference35 min
- Power, energy and the cost of electricity30 min
- The switch question: what happens to the readings40 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 2 h 20 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions11 questions · 125 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 2 h 30 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 5 h 00 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 11 exam-style questions on Electric Circuits (125 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 4 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Electric Circuits? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Electric Circuits as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Physics P1 topics
- Electrodynamics: Generators, Motors and AC
- Photoelectric Effect and Spectra
- Newton's Laws and Applications
- Momentum and Impulse
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Electric Circuits
How many marks is Electric Circuits worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Electricity & magnetism ≈ 55/150 (electric circuits typically ≈ 15–20 marks, plus MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 8 or 9 of Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Electric Circuits?
About 5 h 00 min: 2 h 20 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 2 h 30 min for the 11 exam-style questions (125 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Electric Circuits?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Electric Circuits as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.