Sensing: OCR A‑Level Physics B questions

Every OCR A-Level Physics B exam question on 3.1.2 Sensing, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,881 questions

Q5
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.1.2 Sensing
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Q6
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.1.2 Sensing
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Q7
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.1.2 Sensing
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Q8
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark3.1.2 Sensing
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Q4(a)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 2
2 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q4(a)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 2
2 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q4(b)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 2
3 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q4(b)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 2
6 marks3.1.2 Sensing
Mark scheme (PDF)
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Q4(c)
June 2025 · Paper 2
3 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q18
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
1 mark3.1.2 Sensing
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Q22(a)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q22(b)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q24(a)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q24(c)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q1(a)
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
4 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q1(b)(i)
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
2 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q1(b)(ii)
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
3 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q5(b)(i)
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
2 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q5(b)(ii)
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
4 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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Q5(b)(iii)
June 2025 · AS Paper 2
4 marks3.1.2 Sensing
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All 220 questions on Sensing, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Two identical cells are connected in series. The e.m.f. of each cell is ε and the internal resistance of each cell is r. Which row shows the combined e.m.f. and
June 2025, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): A number of identical resistors are connected in parallel to a cell of negligible internal resistance. Which graph shows how the power dissipated in the circuit
June 2025, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): A network of resistors consists of m parallel branches. Each branch contains n identical resistors of resistance R. What is the total resistance of the network?
June 2025, Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Wires P and Q have circular cross sections. The table gives information about wires P and Q. Wire Diameter / mm Metal Resistivity / Ω m 4.9 × 109 P 0.25 constan
June 2025, Paper 2, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain the difference in the meaning of the terms e.m.f. and potential difference. [2]
June 2025, Paper 2, Q4(a)(ii) (2 marks): R1 has a resistance of 30 Ω. Calculate the resistance of R2. resistance = Ω [2]
June 2025, Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): Describe an experimental method that could be used to obtain such a calibration curve. Give one possible source of experimental uncertainty and suggest how it c
June 2025, Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (6 marks): This question is about a temperature sensor. Fig. 4.1 shows a potential divider circuit. Fig. 4.1 1.5 V R1 R2 (ii)* The ideal temperature for a baby bath is 37
June 2025, Paper 2, Q4(c) (3 marks): The resistance of the thermistor (a semiconductor) decreases when its temperature increases. Explain this by considering the behaviour and number density of the
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): 1.0 Ω 1.6 A 6.0 Ω In the circuit shown above, what is the value of the cell e.m.f.? A 1.6 V B 8.0 V C 9.6 V D 11.2 V Your answer [1]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q22(a) (2 marks): Complete the expression for Kirchhoff’s first law at the junction. I1 = [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q22(b) (2 marks): Kirchhoff’s first law represents the conservation of charge at the junction. Explain why. [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (2 marks): Draw lines to connect the dots to describe how the number density of mobile charge carriers varies with the class of material. Class of Mobile charge carriers p
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q24(c) (2 marks): The compound is used to obtain pure molybdenum metal. Around 1 in 20 molybdenum atoms contributes a free electron. Calculate an approximate value for the number
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q1(a) (4 marks): The student concludes that the e.m.f. of the cell is 1.5 V and that its internal resistance is 1.2 Ω. Explain how the student reaches these conclusions. Include
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that when the current is 0.40 A the number of electrons passing through the variable resistor each second is 2.5 × 1018. [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the energy transferred by one electron as it travels from one end of the variable resistor to the other when the current is 0.40 A. Energy transferred
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q5(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that the length of wire needed is about 18 cm. [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q5(b)(ii) (4 marks): The density of a substance is given by the equation density (ρ) = mass (m) ÷ volume (V). The density of nichrome is 8400 kg m–3. The specific thermal capacity o
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q5(b)(iii) (4 marks): A resistor of the same value can be made using a thicker wire of the same nichrome alloy. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using thicker wire to make
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (6 marks): A student investigates how the resistance of a light dependent resistor (LDR) varies with light level. The student uses the apparatus shown in Fig. 6.1. Fig. 6.
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q6(b) (3 marks): Explain why the voltmeter used in the experiment should have a very high resistance. [3]
June 2025, AS Paper 2, Q6(c) (3 marks): Fig. 6.4 shows how the circuit in Fig. 6.1 can be adapted and used as part of a burglar alarm. Fig. 6.4 Alarm The alarm switches on when the burglar’s torch shi
June 2024, Paper 1, Q21 (1 mark): The graph shows how a quantity y changes when a quantity x changes. y 0 x 0 Which row of the table shows two examples of quantities x and y that have the relati
June 2024, Paper 1, Q26 (1 mark): The diagram shows identical resistors connected in parallel to a cell with negligible internal resistance. Which graph shows how the power P, dissipated in the
June 2024, Paper 1, Q27 (1 mark): The diagram shows seven identical resistors connected in a circuit with a 6 V battery. 6 V P Q R S T Which pair of points has a potential difference of 0.5 V be
June 2024, Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): Use the value of the gradient and the further data to determine the resistivity of the material. Ignore the uncertainties at this stage. resistivity = Ω m [2]
June 2024, Paper 2, Q2(d) (3 marks): A student repeats the experiment but does not control the current. This leads to higher current values for shorter lengths of wire. Describe and explain the cha
June 2024, Paper 3, Q2(a) (3 marks): Calculate the conductance of the semiconductor diode when the potential difference = 0.65 ± 0.02 V and the current = 7.5 ± 0.02 mA. Give the uncertainty in your
June 2024, Paper 3, Q2(b) (3 marks): Describe how the circuit could be used to obtain values of current at different emfs in order to plot a graph of I against V. Explain the purpose of the fixed r
June 2024, Paper 3, Q2(c) (2 marks): Sketch on the axes below the shape of the graph you would expect to obtain for both forward and reverse bias. I V 0 [2]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): The circuit symbol for a fuse is: A B C D Your answer [1]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): The diagram shows an example of Kirchhoff’s First Law for the currents at a junction. I2 I3 I1 I4 I1 = I2 + I3 + I4 The law describes the conservation of: A Ato
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q21(a)(i) (1 mark): Complete the sentence to give the definition of current. Put a ring around each correct option. charged particles free electrons Current is the flow of mobile c
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q21(a)(ii) (1 mark): Two electrical components with different resistance are connected together so that the same current flows through them both. Complete the sentence. The two comp
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q21(b) (1 mark): State the energy transferred in joules when 1C of charge flows through the 20 Ω resistor. Energy = J [1]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q21(c) (2 marks): Determine the resistance of component R2. Resistance = Ω [2]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q26(a) (3 marks): Identify the independent variable, the dependent variable and the most significant variable that must be controlled in this experiment. Tick one box in each col
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q26(b) (1 mark): The teacher’s measurements are shown in the table below. Internal Length / cm Terminal p.d. / V Current / mA Resistance / Ω 30 8.64 297 1.212 45 8.68 266 60 8.7
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q26(d) (4 marks): Calculate the resistivity of the resistance wire. Use data from the table of results for 120 cm of wire. The wire has cross-sectional area 2.84 × 10–8 m2. resis
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q26(e) (1 mark): The 22 Ω resistor is replaced with Component X and the experiment is repeated. The sketch graph below shows the p.d. across Component X against current. V 0 0 I
June 2023, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Two wires X and Y are compared. Wire X has resistivity ρ, length L and cross-sectional area A. Wire Y has resistivity ρ /2, length L /2 and cross-sectional area
June 2023, Paper 1, Q22 (1 mark): A d.c. power supply is connected to a resistor combination as shown. The ammeter reads 2.0 A. The p.d. across the 3.0 Ω resistor is 6.0 V. d.c. supply 3.0 Ω A 1
June 2023, Paper 1, Q34(a) (1 mark): Show that the resistance of the filament when carrying 2.5 A is 1.6 Ω. [1]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q34(b) (2 marks): The conductivity of the filament at a resistance of 0.93 Ω is 1.8 × 107 S m–1. Calculate the conductivity of the filament when carrying a current of 2.5 A. cond
June 2023, Paper 1, Q34(c) (2 marks): Suggest and explain why the conductivity changes as the current through the filament increases. [2]
June 2023, Paper 1, Q37(a)(i) (2 marks): Use data from the circuit diagram and the graph to show that the resistance of the LDR is about 7 kΩ when the illuminance of the light is 200 lux. [2]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): Calculate the current and complete the missing rows in Table 1. [1]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(a)(iii) (3 marks): Find the gradient of the line of best fit and hence calculate the lemon’s internal resistance, in ohms, Ω. Show your working. Internal resistance = Ω [3]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(a)(iv) (2 marks): A student suggests that two lemon cells in series could be used to run a 1.5 V, 0.45 W filament lamp. Explain why this is not correct. [2]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q1(b) (6 marks): A cell can be made by inserting a zinc cathode and a copper anode into a lemon. A high resistance voltmeter is used in the circuit shown in Fig. 1.1 to measure
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): The emf of the cell is: A 1.6 V B 10.4 V C 12.0 V D 13.6 V Your answer [1]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): The power dissipated in the internal resistance is: A 2.56 J B 2.56 W C 19.2 J D 19.2 W Your answer [1]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): Estimate the reading on the ammeter in this circuit. 6 V 100 Ω 47 Ω A 100 Ω A 20 mA B 30 mA C 40 mA D 60 mA Your answer [1]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (2 marks): State and explain which graph shows the relationship between conductivity and temperature for a semiconductor material. [2] Graphene is a form of carbon with un
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why this property would make graphene nanoribbon an attractive replacement for the narrow metal wires used in electronic circuits. [1] 15 A graphene nan
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q24(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the conductivity of the graphene nanoribbon. conductivity = S m–1 [3]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (2 marks): Calculate the length L of nichrome wire of diameter 0.508 mm required to give a resistance of 15 Ω. electrical resistivity of nichrome = 1.10 × 10–6Ω m L = m [2
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(i) (2 marks): Draw and label fully the circuit diagram described above. [2]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(ii) (2 marks): The p.d. VAB is to be used to calculate the resistance of the active length AB of the sensor. Explain why the voltmeter should have a resistance much higher tha
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q8(d) (6 marks): Alex is planning an investigation which requires measurement of position which changes slowly with time. Alex decides to use a position sensor to monitor the ch
June 2022, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): A student is asked to construct a circuit to investigate the electrical characteristics of a resistor R. Which is the correct circuit? A V A V R R A B A V V A R
June 2022, Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): The emf of the cell in the circuit shown is 2.7 V. The high resistance voltmeter reads 2.4 V. 2.7 V r 0.8 Ω V What is the internal resistance r of the cell? A 0
June 2022, Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): What is the power transferred in the cell in the circuit shown? A 0.1 W B 0.9 W C 8.1 W D 9.1 W Your answer [1]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): The diagram shows a network of four conductors, each with conductance 0.2 S. What is the total conductance of the arrangement? A 0.12 S B 0.27 S C 0.30 S D 0.53
June 2022, Paper 2, Q3(a)(i) (2 marks): The student had a choice of three resistors for the strain potential divider; 100 Ω, 470 Ω and 2000 Ω. Suggest and explain why they chose the 470 Ω resistor. [2
June 2022, Paper 2, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Show that the p.d. across the resistor when the gauge is not under strain is about 3.6 V [2]
June 2022, Paper 2, Q3(a)(iii) (2 marks): The p.d. across the resistor drops to 3.57 V when the gauge experiences a tensile force. Calculate the resistance of the gauge in this case. resistance = Ω [2]
June 2022, Paper 2, Q3(b) (4 marks): Two gauges are fixed on a beam, clamped at one end, as indicated in Fig. 3.3a. gauge 1 clamp beam gauge 2 Fig. 3.3a (not to scale) Fig. 3.3b (not to scale) When
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which is the correct circuit symbol for an LDR? A B C D Your answer [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Three identical resistors, each of resistance R, are connected in parallel. The resistance of the combination is: A 3R 3 B R R 3 C R D 3 Your answer [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): “The sum of the currents entering and leaving a junction are equal.” This statement results from the conservation of: A charge B current C energy D momentum You
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Which statement about the number density of mobile charge carriers in a material is correct? A It depends on the amount of material. B It depends on the current
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): The diagram shows a circuit with a battery that has internal resistance r and EMF of 12.0 V. 12.0 V r 1.6 A 6.0 Ω The value of the internal resistance r is: A 1
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q21(b) (2 marks): At the start, the resistance of the thermistor is 36 kΩ. Calculate the reading on the meter. reading = mA [2]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q21(c) (2 marks): For the thermistor used in this circuit, the resistance increases as the temperature decreases. Explain what happens to the reading on the ammeter if the temper
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q3(a) (2 marks): Calculate the p.d. recorded by the voltmeter. Assume that the internal resistance of the battery is negligible. p.d. = V [2]
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q3(b) (2 marks): Without calculation, state and explain how the voltmeter reading would differ from the answer to (a) if the battery internal resistance were not negligible. [2]
November 2021, Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which expression gives a quantity that can be expressed in watts? A F s where F is the force causing a body to move and s is its displacement I 2 R B where I is
November 2021, Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): The following three statements were made by students to explain the relationship between current I in an ohmic resistor and the p.d. V across it. 1 I is directl
November 2021, Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): Kirchhoff’s Second Law states that the sum of the potential differences around any closed loop in the circuit must be zero. E r R1 I1 R3 I3 R2 I2 Here are three
November 2021, Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Kirchhoff’s First Law states that the sum of currents going into a junction is equal to the sum of currents coming out of that junction. Which conservation law
November 2021, Paper 1, Q27 (1 mark): The diagram shows a combination of three resistors connected to a 6.0 V power supply of negligible internal resistance. 6.0 V 300 Ω 100 Ω R A voltmeter connecte
November 2021, Paper 1, Q36(a) (6 marks): This question considers the internal resistance of chemical cells. (a)* Explain how you would practically measure the internal resistance of a 1.5 V cell. Inclu
November 2021, Paper 1, Q36(b)(i) (1 mark): Show that the unit A h is a unit of charge. [1]
November 2021, Paper 1, Q36(b)(ii) (2 marks): The graph shows the potential difference of the cell against time as it completely discharges at a constant load current of 4.5 A. 5 p.d. / V 4 3 0.3 r / Ω 2 0.
November 2021, Paper 1, Q36(b)(iii) (2 marks): Estimate the number of moles of lithium Li+ ions that are needed to store the amount of charge delivered by this cell. one mole = 6.0 × 1023 ions number of mole
November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(a) (2 marks): State and explain why it is important to keep the current constant when determining the resistivity of the nichrome wire. [2]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(b)(iii) (3 marks): Use the value from (ii) and the data below to calculate the conductivity of the wire. current through wire = 0.30 A diameter of wire = 5.6 × 10–4 m conductivity
November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(c) (2 marks): The experiment was repeated with nichrome wire of diameter 4.2 × 10–4 m carrying the same current of 0.30 A. The repeated experiment gave a different value for
November 2021, Paper 2, Q6(d) (3 marks): Metals have far higher electrical conductivities than insulators. Explain this difference by referring to the microscopic properties of both classes of material
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): 20 Ω 40 Ω V V V1 = 5 V V2 = ? In this circuit the reading on the voltmeter V2 is A 2.5 V B 5 V C 10 V D 40 V Your answer [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The diagram shows a sample of pure silicon. 1.0 mm 2.0 cm 2.0 cm The charge carrier number density of pure silicon is 1.0 × 1016 m–3. The number of charge carri
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Which graph shows the relationship between electrical power P and current I through an ohmic resistor? A B C D P P P P I I I I Your answer [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): A wire has resistance R. Another wire made of the same material has half the diameter and twice the length of the first wire. The resistance of this wire is 1 A
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): What is the total resistance between terminals X and Y? 100 Ω 47 Ω X Y 100 Ω A 47.02 Ω B 97 Ω C 147 Ω D 247 Ω Your answer [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q27(a) (2 marks): Explain what is meant by the term e.m.f. [2]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q27(b) (3 marks): Calculate the internal resistance of the cell. resistance = Ω [3] 21 A student records the p.d. and current values for several different values of the variable
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q27(d)(i) (1 mark): The e.m.f. of the cell. e.m.f. = V [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q27(d)(ii) (2 marks): The internal resistance. resistance = Ω [2]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): Explain why the charge received by the anode in a given time must have the same magnitude as the charge received by the cathode in that time. [2]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (3 marks): Draw an arrow on each ion to show the velocity of its movement. Explain your choices of direction and size of the arrows. [3]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q4 (3 marks): A 230 V electric kettle has a power of 2.0 kW and a resistance of 26 Ω. The heating element contains coiled nichrome wire of total length 4.8 m. The electrical
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(a) (4 marks): Modern electric cars use rechargeable batteries. The older fork-lift trucks, used on the flat floors of warehouses, also use rechargeable batteries. In each cas
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(b)(i) (1 mark): Use data from Table 7.1 to show that the total energy stored in the fully-charged lithium- ion battery is about 250 MJ. [1] Table 7.2 contains data for a typica
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(b)(ii) (2 marks): At the maximum power, the motor draws a current of 230 A. Calculate the resistance of the motor under these conditions. You can assume that the internal resista
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(b)(iii) (2 marks): Assuming that travelling for the given range at a speed of 80 km h–1 discharges the battery completely, show that the mean power drawn from the battery is about
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(c) (6 marks): This question is about electric vehicles (EVs). heavy load electric car being charged fork-lift truck in use Fig. 7.1 (c)* Table 7.3 displays data for two diffe
November 2020, Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which is the correct unit for electrical conductivity? A V−1 A C V−1 B S m−1 C D Ω m Your answer [1]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): the highest conductance? [1] Your answer
November 2020, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): a conductance of 0.15 S? [1] Your answer 5 The diagram is for use in questions 7 and 8. The diagram shows a comet in elliptical orbit around a sun. sun A D B co
November 2020, Paper 1, Q23 (1 mark): Which answer gives the correct output voltage range? Voltage range Vout / V A 0 12 B 2 10 C 3 9 D 4 8 Your answer [1]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q24 (1 mark): The potential divider is set to its mid-point with Vout = 6.0 V. A 200 Ω resistance is connected across the output. Which statement about Vout is correct? A It
November 2020, Paper 3, Q1(b)(i) (2 marks): Draw a circuit diagram to represent the apparatus used to calculate the power of the electrical heater. This symbol may be used for the electrical heater. [2]
November 2020, Paper 3, Q1(b)(ii) (4 marks): The following readings were obtained: potential difference V = 10.5 ± 0.2 V current I = 2.3 ± 0.2 A. Calculate the power supplied to the heater per unit mass of
November 2020, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain why the output reading on the voltmeter will increase as light intensity increases. [2] 8 Fig. 2.3 shows a graph of intensity against 1 x2. 100 90 80 70
November 2020, Paper 3, Q2(b)(ii) (3 marks): Use the graph in Fig. 2.3 to complete the third column and then plot the points and complete the calibration curve in Fig. 2.4. [3] 9 100 90 80 70 60 light 50 i
November 2020, Paper 3, Q2(c) (6 marks): This question is about calibrating a light meter to measure the intensity of light emitted by a torch. (c)* Use the calibration plots in this question to find t
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): In the diagram below each resistor has resistance 30 Ω. X Y What is the total resistance between X and Y? A 0.1 Ω B 10 Ω C 60 Ω D 90 Ω Your answer [1]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): A high resistance voltmeter, connected to the terminals of a cell, reads 1.5 V. When an 8.0 Ω resistor is connected in parallel with the voltmeter, the p.d. dro
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): The graph shows how the resistance of four different components changes with temperature. Which component would be best to use as a temperature sensor for a dom
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q23(a) (3 marks): Calculate the power dissipated in the heater when the current is 2.4 A and give the unit. power dissipated = unit [3] The student replaces the heater with a dif
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q23(b) (3 marks): Calculate the amount of energy transferred by the heater. energy = J [3] The student finds information in a text book that suggests this amount of energy should
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (1 mark): State the name of the component marked X. [1] The variable resistor is set to 18 kΩ. When the p.d. across the digital switch is 6.0 V it turns on the room light
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(b) (2 marks): Calculate the resistance of component X when this happens. resistance = Ω [2]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q24(c) (2 marks): Describe the steps the manufacturer must take to calibrate the sensor so that the switch turns on the light when the room is just dark enough. [2]
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q4(a) (2 marks): The temperature of the thermistor is increased. Without doing any calculations, describe and explain what will be observed on the voltmeter V during the tempera
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the resistance of the thermistor at this temperature. resistance = Ω [3]
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (1 mark): Use the data in the table to make an estimate of the temperature. temperature = °C [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): The unit of electrical conductance is the siemens S, 1 S is the same as 1 J C−1 A 1 A V−1 B 1 C V−1 C 1 Ω−1 m−1 D Your answer [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The circuit shows a potential divider with resistors of R and 4R. V R 4R power dissipated in resistor R What is the ratio power dissipated in resistor 4R? 1 A 1
June 2019, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): A student is calculating the charge carrier number density of a metal. She knows how many free electrons each atom contributes, the density of the metal and the
June 2019, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): A nickel wire has conductance of 0.43 S, a length of 2.0 m and a cross-sectional area of 5.0 × 10−7 m2. What is the conductivity of nickel in S m−1? 1.1 × 10−7
June 2019, Paper 1, Q23 (1 mark): An LDR is used in a potential divider circuit. 3 V R LDR R V The graph shows the LDR resistance against light intensity. LDR resistance R LDR / kΩ 40 30 20 10 0
June 2019, Paper 1, Q31(a) (1 mark): Calculate the total resistance of the two resistors when in series. total resistance = Ω [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q31(b) (1 mark): Calculate the total conductance of the two resistors when in parallel. total conductance = S [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q40(a)(i) (1 mark): Use the initial gradient of the graph to calculate the internal resistance of the cell under this illumination. internal resistance = Ω [1]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q40(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the maximum number of electrons per second that the cell can produce. electrons per second = s−1 [2]
June 2019, Paper 1, Q40(b) (6 marks): Fig. 40.1 shows the voltage–current characteristic for an illuminated solar cell. 3.5 p.d. / V 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 I / mA Fig. 4
June 2019, Paper 2, Q2(a) (1 mark): Show that the potential difference across the 4.7 kΩ resistor is 4.2 V to 2 significant figures. [1]
June 2019, Paper 2, Q2(b) (3 marks): An analogue voltmeter connected across the 4.7 kΩ resistor reads 3.2 V. Show that the resistance of the voltmeter is about 5 kΩ. [3]
June 2019, Paper 2, Q2(c)(i) (1 mark): Using your answer to (b), calculate the current in the circuit. current = A [1]
June 2019, Paper 2, Q2(c)(ii) (3 marks): When a digital voltmeter of resistance 1.0 MΩ replaces the analogue voltmeter in Fig. 2.2, it registers a potential difference of 0.93 V. Use the readings from
June 2019, Paper 3, Q3(a) (6 marks): This question is about the electrical conductivity of a metal. (a)* Describe a suitable experimental procedure which could be used to determine the electrical c
June 2019, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the current I in the wire. I = A [3]
June 2019, Paper 3, Q3(b)(ii) (1 mark): Use the relationship I = nAvq and the data below to estimate the mean drift velocity, v, of electrons in the wire. number density of free electrons in the metal
June 2019, Paper 3, Q3(b)(iii) (3 marks): The temperature of the metal wire is now increased. State and explain qualitatively the change, if any, to the mean drift velocity v of the electrons in the wir
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): Three identical resistors each of conductance G are connected in parallel. The conductance of the combination is A 3G 3 B G G3 C G D 3 Your answer [1]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q3 (1 mark): Which sketch graph shows how the current I in an ohmic resistor varies with the p.d. V across it? I I I I V V V V A B C D Your answer [1]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): In the circuit shown, the p.d. across the 2.0 Ω resistor is 6.0 V 1.0 Ω 2.0 Ω A 2.0 V B 3.0 V C 4.0 V D 6.0 V Your answer [1]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Which combination of resistors gives the lowest overall resistance? 200 Ω 100 Ω 200 Ω 100 Ω 300 Ω 200 Ω 200 Ω 100 Ω A B 200 Ω 100 Ω 100 Ω 400 Ω 400 Ω 300 Ω 100
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q21(b) (2 marks): Show that the total charge, ΔQ, in the cylinder above is nALe, where e is the charge of an electron. [2]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q21(c) (3 marks): The current in a cylindrical wire is related to the number density of charge carriers (electrons) by the equation I = nAve where I is the current and v is the d
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q26(a) (2 marks): Explain why the voltmeter should have a very high resistance. [2] 22 The cell has an e.m.f. of 1.0 V and negligible internal resistance. The wire has a resistan
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q26(b) (2 marks): Calculate the voltmeter reading you expect the student to see. Expected reading = V [2] 23 The student records the readings on the voltmeter and ammeter for a r
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q26(c)(i) (1 mark): State the shape of graph expected if R were directly proportional to l. [1]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q26(c)(ii) (4 marks): The graph is a curve for small lengths because the higher current heats the wire and its resistivity increases. The resistivity of the metal increases by 0.4% f
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q26(c)(iii) (1 mark): State one other variable, apart from temperature, that should be controlled in this investigation. [1] Another student repeats the experiment. The crocodile cli
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(a) (3 marks): The two components are connected, in parallel, between the terminals of a battery of e.m.f. 3.0 V with negligible internal resistance. Calculate the conductance
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q4(b) (2 marks): A and B are now connected in series to a battery of e.m.f. 6.0 V with negligible internal resistance. Explain why the graph of Fig. 4 shows that the current thr
June 2018, Paper 1, Q1 (1 mark): Which expression gives a quantity that can be expressed in joules? A F v where F is the force causing a body to move and v is its speed I 2 R B where I is the c
June 2018, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): These two circuits use identical components. The cells have zero internal resistance. V V R R R R circuit 1 circuit 2 What is the ratio power dissipated in circ
June 2018, Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Which combination of resistors gives the lowest total resistance? A 200 Ω 100 Ω 300 Ω B 300 Ω 400 Ω 100 Ω C 200 Ω 300 Ω 100 Ω D 100 Ω 200 Ω 400 Ω Your answer [1
June 2018, Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): A thermistor is used in a potential divider circuit. thermistor resistance RT / kΩ 40 3 V 30 20 RT R 10 0 V 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Circuit temperature / °C When
June 2018, Paper 1, Q34(a) (2 marks): Show that the initial current charging the rechargeable battery I is less than 0.2 A. [2]
June 2018, Paper 1, Q34(b) (2 marks): When fully charged, the rechargeable battery has enough charge to deliver an average current of 500 mA for an hour before it is fully discharged. Estimate the t
June 2018, Paper 1, Q40(a) (3 marks): Draw a straight line of best fit on Fig. 40.2 and use it to predict the current in the coil when the motor is not rotating. Use your prediction to calculate the
June 2018, Paper 2, Q1(b)(i) (4 marks): Describe and explain how the p.d. across the LDR changes as the second filter is rotated through 360° from its original orientation. You do not need to give val
June 2018, Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): The highest p.d. recorded by the voltmeter is 3.00 ± 0.01 V. Calculate the maximum value of the resistance of the LDR at this point. Assume that there is no unc
June 2018, Paper 2, Q6(a) (3 marks): A copper wire of length 1.5 m and radius 2.5 × 10–4 m has a resistance of 0.13 Ω at 20 °C. Calculate the conductivity of copper at this temperature. conductivit
June 2018, Paper 2, Q6(b) (2 marks): A simple model of conduction suggests that each copper atom in the wire contributes one or more electrons to a cloud of free electrons that behave rather like p
June 2018, Paper 2, Q6(c) (6 marks): This question is about conduction in metals and in semiconductors. (c)* The conductivity σ of semiconductors such as ntc thermistors increases dramatically with
June 2018, Paper 3, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): Show that the resistance R of the filament bulb Y in this circuit is approximately 2 Ω. [2] The bulb is broken and the diameter of the filament wire is measured
June 2018, Paper 3, Q1(a)(iii) (3 marks): The filament is removed from the bulb housing and the length is measured to be 20 cm. Using your answer from (a)(i) calculate the conductivity σ of the filament
June 2018, Paper 3, Q1(b) (6 marks): (b)* A new working identical bulb is put in the circuit in Fig. 1. The resistor X is changed to one with a resistance of 6.9 Ω. A student calculates that the vo
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): The sum of the currents entering a junction is equal to the sum of the currents leaving the junction. This is the principle of conservation of which quantity? A
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): There is a current of 5.0 mA in a 250 Ω resistor for 40 minutes. How much energy is dissipated in the resistor? 2.5 × 10−6 J A B 1.5 × 10−4 J C 0.25 J D 15 J Yo
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): Two wires of the same material have the dimensions shown in the diagram. 2 L L d 2 d wire X wire Y conductance of wire X What is the ratio conductance of wire Y
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q29(a) (4 marks): State suitable apparatus (other than indicated in Fig. 29.1) and describe how to use it to obtain the calibration graph shown in Fig. 29.2. You may wish to incl
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q29(b) (2 marks): The p.d. across the terminals of the power supply is 6.0 V and the resistance of the fixed resistor in the potential divider is 470 Ω. Calculate the resistance
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (6 marks): Fig. 6.1 represents a cell of e.m.f. f and internal resistance r. A and B are the positive and negative terminals of the cell. f r A B + – Fig. 6.1 (a)* Complet
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): Show that a charge of about 4 kC flows during this discharge. [1]
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the time taken for the discharge. time = s [3]
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(iii) (3 marks): Show that the percentage efficiency of energy transfer to the load resistance R is given by R percentage efficiency = 100 × R + 2r where r is the internal resis
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q6(c) (3 marks): Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are used for a large number of charge-discharge cycles. Fig. 6.2 shows how the energy stored in such a battery changes with t
June 2017, Paper 1, Q2 (1 mark): The unit of electrical resistance is the ohm Ω. 1 Ω is the same as 1 C V–1 A 1 S–1 B 1 C2 J–1 s–1 C 1 A V–1 D Your answer [1]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): What is the resistance between X and Y? A 5 kΩ B 7.5 kΩ C 15 kΩ D 30 kΩ Your answer [1]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): A battery of e.m.f. 12 V and negligible internal resistance is connected across X Y. What is the magnitude of the p.d. between L and M? A 2 V B 4 V C 6 V D 8 V
June 2017, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Which one of A to D below is equal to the ratio resistance of X ? resistance of Y 1 A 4 1 B 2 C 2 D 4 Your answer [1]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): Which one of A to D below is equal to the ratio diameter of wire X ? diameter of wire Y 1 A 4 1 B 2 C 2 D 4 Your answer [1] 10 The following information is for
June 2017, Paper 1, Q31(a) (1 mark): State why air needs to be ionised to carry an electric current. [1]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q31(b) (2 marks): The current in a main strike is 30 kA and lasts for 250 μs. Show that the charge delivered by this strike is less than 8 C. [2]
June 2017, Paper 1, Q33(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the time it will take the heater to deliver this amount of thermal energy. time = s [2]
June 2017, Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): Show that the p.d. across the 4.7 kΩ resistor in the circuit in Fig. 2.1 is about 4 V, assuming that the cell has zero internal resistance. [2]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(a) (2 marks): The resistance of the thermistor can be measured with a multimeter on the resistance range. Suggest how you might vary and measure the temperature of the thermi
June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(b) (1 mark): Suggest why the voltmeter is connected across the fixed resistor Q rather than the thermistor in this temperature sensing circuit. [1]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how you could calibrate the analogue voltmeter scale to read temperature directly. [2]
June 2017, Paper 3, Q1(d) (6 marks): This question is about using a thermistor in a temperature sensing circuit. The graph, Fig. 1.1, shows how the resistance R of a thermistor varies with temperat
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): In the circuit below, the thermistor conducts better at higher temperatures. V Which set of conditions produces the highest reading on the voltmeter? A high lig
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): Which is an expression for energy? A Fv where F is the force causing a body to move and v is its speed. I2R where I is the current in a resistance of value R. B
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): The resistors below are identical. Each combination is connected in a circuit to a 6 V battery of negligible internal resistance. For which combination is the m
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q21(a) (1 mark): State the relationship between the currents IT, I1 and I2. ��
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q21(b) (2 marks): Explain why I2 is twice as large as I1. ��
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q21(c) (2 marks): Show that the total resistance of the circuit is less than 170 Ω. ��
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q21(d) (2 marks): Calculate the power supplied by the battery. power = W [2]
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (3 marks): The gold wire has length L = 3.2 × 10−3 m and diameter d = 2.0 × 10−5 m. It carries a current I = 4.5 × 10−5 A. Calculate the p.d. V1 across the length L of wir
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): The conductance of the silicon section, in the direction of current, is 1.7 mS. Calculate the p.d. V2 across the silicon section. V2 = …………………………… V [2]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): An electron gun is used to accelerate electrons from rest through a voltage V. The electrons emerge with a speed u. electron u path voltage – + V V . At what sp
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): A digital voltmeter of very high resistance is connected across the terminals of a source of e.m.f. The voltmeter reads 12 V. When an analogue voltmeter with a
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): The rear window of a car is heated by passing an electric current through a grid of wires that are fixed to the glass. The grid is made up of five wires connect
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): In the diagram below, the battery of e.m.f 6 V has negligible internal resistance. 6 V 10 Ω 5 Ω What is the power dissipated in the 10 Ω resistor in the circuit
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (2 marks): Explain why there is a current when the power supply is switched on. [2]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q24(b) (2 marks): The charge on a carbon C+ ion is +1.6 × 10–19 C. Calculate how many carbon C+ ions arrive per second at the negative plate when the current is 28 μA. number of
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q28(a)(i) (1 mark): State which of the two graphs relates to the diode. Explain your decision. [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q28(a)(ii) (1 mark): Calculate the resistance of the fixed resistor. resistance = Ω [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q28(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why the diode should not be connected directly across a 1.5 V supply in its conducting direction. [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q28(b)(ii) (2 marks): The diode and resistor are connected in series across a 1.5 V supply. The diode is connected in its conducting direction. Use Fig. 28.1 to predict the current d
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q28(c) (4 marks): A sensitive ammeter has a full scale deflection of 100 μA and a resistance of 1000 Ω. The meter remains undamaged for voltages across it of up to 0.6 V. To prot
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(b) (3 marks): The table below shows typical values of light intensity in different situations. The SI unit of intensity is the lux. night sky with Situation home lighting off
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q4(d) (4 marks): Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are energy efficient but they contain toxic mercury. White light LEDs are now rapidly replacing CFLs in many applications. The

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