Simple circuits: OCR GCSE Combined Science A questions

Every OCR GCSE Combined Science A exam question on P3.2 Simple circuits, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 117 questions on Simple circuits, as a list

June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): What is an ammeter used to measure? A Charge B Current C Potential difference D Resistance Your answer [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q6 (1 mark): A 40 V power supply transfers 10 C of charge. What is the energy transferred? Use the equation: energy transferred = charge × potential difference A 0.25 J B 4.
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(a) (1 mark): Which symbol is a thermistor? Tick (✓) one box. [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(b) (3 marks): A student determines the resistance of a thermistor using an ammeter and a voltmeter. Complete the diagram to show a circuit they can use. Diagram Ammeter A Bat
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(c)(i) (2 marks): Describe the trend between temperature and resistance. Include data from the graph to support your answer. [2]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(c)(ii) (2 marks): A thermistor is to be used in the range 20 °C to 40 °C. Its resistance must change by at least 10 kΩ over this range. Explain why this thermistor is not suitabl
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(d) (1 mark): What component changes resistance when there is a change in light level? [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(a) (1 mark): One component is missing from the circuit. State the name of this component. [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(b) (1 mark): Which position should this component be added? Tick (✓) one box. X Y Z [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(c) (1 mark): A variable resistor is placed next to the battery. Why is it used in this investigation? [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(d)(i) (1 mark): Which potential difference shows an anomalous result? Tick (✓) one box. 0.0 V 2.0 V 3.5 V [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(d)(ii) (1 mark): Use the graph to find the current when the potential difference is 2.75 V. Current = mA [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(d)(iii) (1 mark): State the maximum potential difference before the diode conducts. Use the graph. Maximum potential difference = V [1]
June 2025, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(e) (1 mark): Student B improves the investigation and obtains the results shown in this graph. 40 35 30 25 Current 20 (mA) 15 10 5 0 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 Potential differen
June 2025, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): A 2 V power supply is connected to a motor. 250 C passes in 50 s. How much energy is transferred? Use the equation: energy transferred = charge × potential diff
June 2025, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q17(a) (2 marks): Draw a circuit diagram to show how they should connect these components. Diagram [2]
June 2025, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q17(b) (2 marks): The scientists build more circuits, each time adding one more lamp to their circuit. The table shows their results. Number of lamps Potential difference Total r
June 2025, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q17(c) (2 marks): Explain how the scientists connected the additional five lamps. Use their results from the table. You can use a diagram. Optional diagram [2]
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): The resistors shown in A, B, C and D are identical. Which arrangement has the smallest resistance? A B C D Your answer [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q12(a)(i) (1 mark): Fig. 12.1 shows the first circuit. Fig. 12.1 The lamp does not light because [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q12(a)(ii) (1 mark): Fig. 12.2 shows the second circuit. Fig. 12.2 The lamp does not light because [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q12(a)(iii) (1 mark): Fig. 12.3 shows the third circuit. Fig. 12.3 The lamp does not light because [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q12(b)(i) (2 marks): Draw lines to connect each meter name with: • the way the meter is connected and • the quantity it measures. Meter The way the meter The quantity it name is con
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q12(b)(ii) (1 mark): The student uses the circuit to take several readings of current and potential difference. The graph shows the student’s results. 0.4 0.3 Current (A) 0.2 0.1 0
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q12(b)(iii) (1 mark): The ratio of potential difference : current at 3 V is 15 : 1. Calculate the ratio of potential difference : current at 6 V. Use the graph. Ratio = [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q12(b)(iv) (1 mark): Complete the sentence about the graph. Use a word from the list. elastic linear non-linear plastic The graph of current against potential difference for the res
June 2024, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q12(c) (2 marks): This diagram shows a cell connected in series with a resistor. 0.6 A A 15 Ω Calculate the potential difference of the cell in the diagram. Use the equation: pot
June 2024, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(a) (1 mark): Explain the purpose of the variable resistor in the diagram. [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(b) (1 mark): Explain why meter M1 in the diagram must be an ammeter. [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(c) (1 mark): When meter M1 in the diagram is replaced by a voltmeter, no current flows. Suggest why. [1]
June 2024, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(d)(i) (4 marks): Calculate the resistance of the resistor. Use the graph. Resistance = Ω [4]
June 2024, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(d)(ii) (1 mark): Complete the sentence about the graph to explain the relationship between potential difference and resistance. Use words from the list. decreases increases stay
June 2023, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): Which voltmeter shows a reading of 0.5 V? A 2 3 1 4 5 0 V B 1.5 1.0 0.5 2.0 2.5 0 V C 2 3 4 1 5 0 V D 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.8 1.0 0 V Your answer [1]
June 2023, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(a) (2 marks): Draw lines to connect each circuit component with its correct symbol. Circuit component Symbol Diode LDR Thermistor [2]
June 2023, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(b) (2 marks): Complete the sentences to describe electrical circuits. Use words from the list. increases decreases stays the same A circuit contains one resistor. An identica
June 2023, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(c) (2 marks): Fig. 11.1 shows circuit symbols for an ammeter, voltmeter and resistor. Fig. 11.1 A V Ammeter Voltmeter Resistor A student measures the current in a resistor an
June 2023, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(d) (3 marks): The potential difference across a 3 Ω resistor is 4.5 V. Calculate the current in the resistor. Use the Equation Sheet. Current = A [3]
June 2023, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(e)(i) (2 marks): A teacher connects the circuit in Fig. 11.2. Fig. 11.2 A B Both lamps are lit. The teacher then removes lamp A from its holder but leaves the rest of the circui
June 2023, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(e)(ii) (2 marks): The teacher connects the circuit in Fig. 11.3. Fig. 11.3 A B Both lamps are lit. The teacher then removes lamp A. Describe what happens. Give a reason for your
June 2023, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(f) (2 marks): The graph shows how the current in a resistor changes when the potential difference across the resistor changes. 1.6 1.2 Current (A) 0.8 0.4 0.0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
June 2023, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): The graph shows how potential difference varies with current for a fixed resistor. Potential difference Current Which circuit could be used to produce the graph
June 2023, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(a) (3 marks): Calculate the potential difference between Y and Z. Use the Equation Sheet. Potential difference between Y and Z = V [3]
June 2023, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(b) (2 marks): The resistance of the circuit between Y and Z must be less than 10 Ω. Explain why. [2]
June 2023, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(c) (1 mark): Calculate the current at W. Current at W = A [1]
June 2023, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(d) (1 mark): Which statement describes the values of the current at W and X? Tick (3) one box. The current at W is equal to the current at X. The current at W is more than t
June 2023, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q13(e) (3 marks): Calculate the power dissipated by one of the 10 Ω resistors. Use the Equation Sheet. Power dissipated = W [3]
June 2023, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): A 6 V battery provides a current of 0.4 A in a circuit for 20 seconds. How much energy is transferred by the battery? Use the equations: charge flow = current ×
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): The graph shows how the resistance of a circuit component changes with the brightness of light. Resistance Brightness of light What is the name of the circuit c
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q5 (1 mark): A cell transfers energy. • The potential difference is 6 V. • The charge flowing is 40 C. What is the amount of energy transferred by the cell? Use the equation
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q13(b) (2 marks): A teacher repeats the experiment. • The current in the wire is 5.0 A. • The current is in the wire for 30 seconds. Calculate the charge flowing through the wire
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(a)(i) (1 mark): Explain why a variable resistor is used in the circuit. [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(a)(ii) (1 mark): The current in Component 1 is 0.1 A. What is the current in the variable resistor? Current = A [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(b) (2 marks): Fig. 15.2 shows the results for Component 1. Fig. 15.2 100 80 Component 1 Component 1 60 Current (mA) 40 20 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Potential difference (V) • The s
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(c)(i) (1 mark): What is the potential difference when the resistance of Component 1 and Component 2 are the same? Use Fig. 15.2. Potential difference = V [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(c)(ii) (1 mark): Explain why you chose your answer to (c)(i). [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(d) (2 marks): Draw lines to connect each component to its correct name. Component Name Resistor Component 1 Filament lamp Component 2 Diode [2]
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q17(a) (1 mark): Give the total resistance of the circuit. Total resistance = Ω [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q17(b) (3 marks): The voltmeter reads 4 V. Calculate the ammeter reading. Use the Data Sheet. Ammeter reading = A [3]
June 2022, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q17(c) (1 mark): Calculate the potential difference across the cell. Potential difference = V [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): A 1.5 V cell transfers 18 mC of charge in a circuit. What is the amount of energy transferred by the cell? Use the Data Sheet. A 0.027 mJ B 0.27 J C 27 mJ D 27
June 2022, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q12(a) (1 mark): Give the total resistance of the circuit. Total resistance = Ω [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q12(b) (3 marks): The voltmeter reads 4 V. Calculate the ammeter reading. Use the Data Sheet. Ammeter reading = A [3]
June 2022, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q12(c) (1 mark): Calculate the potential difference across the cell. Potential difference = V [1]
June 2022, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q14 (6 marks): 14* A student investigates if a length of resistance wire has linear or non-linear behaviour. They use the circuit shown in Fig. 14.1. Fig. 14.1 A Variable resi
June 2022, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): A filament lamp has a resistance of 1000 Ω and a current of 0.25 A. What is the power of the filament lamp? Use the equation: power = (current)2 × resistance A
November 2021, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q5 (1 mark): Both lamps in this circuit are identical. Power supply X Y The current at point X is 0.2 A. What is the current at point Y? A 0.1 A B 0.2 A C 0.4 A D 0.6 A Your
November 2021, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q7 (1 mark): A battery in a circuit has a potential difference of 6 V. How much energy is transferred when 4 C of charge flows? A 0.4 J B 0.67 J C 1.5 J D 24 J Your answer [
November 2021, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(a) (6 marks): A student investigates if resistance changes as current changes. The student can use this equipment: 10 cm of resistance wire 3 4 2 2 1 5 3 0 1 4 V A 0 5 Voltme
November 2021, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest a possible hazard for this investigation. [1]
November 2021, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(b)(ii) (1 mark): How can the student reduce the risk from the hazard? [1]
November 2021, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): Circuits X and Y contain identical lamps. Power supply Power supply Circuit X Circuit Y Which statement explains why circuit X has a higher resistance than circ
November 2021, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): Electrical circuits can be used to transfer energy. Which row of the table correctly shows the information needed to calculate the amount of energy transferred?
November 2021, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q15(a) (1 mark): Meter V measures potential difference. Complete the table to describe meter V. Name of meter V Smallest change in potential difference that can be measured on m
November 2021, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q15(b) (3 marks): Draw a circuit diagram for the experiment. Use the symbol for a fixed resistor to represent the coil of wire that the student is testing. [3]
November 2021, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q15(c)(i) (2 marks): Write down the values of potential difference and current shown by the meters in Fig. 15.1. Potential difference = V Current = mA [2]
November 2021, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q15(c)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the resistance of the coil of wire. Resistance = Ω [3]
November 2021, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q15(d)(i) (2 marks): To improve the experiment, the student places the coil of wire in a beaker of water, as shown in Fig. 15.2. Water Crocodile clip Wire Fig. 15.2 Suggest two reas
November 2021, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q15(d)(ii) (2 marks): The student adds a variable resistor in series with the wire. Suggest two reasons why this improves the method. 1 2 [2]
November 2021, Physics Paper 12 Higher, Q8 (1 mark): A 6 V battery transfers 1860 J of energy. Calculate the charge transferred by the battery. Use the equation: energy transferred = charge × potential difference
November 2020, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): Look at the circuit diagram. 2 0.4A What is the potential difference across the 50 g resistor? Use the equation: potential difference = current x resistance A 0
November 2020, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q3 (1 mark): Which is the correct graph for a filament lamp? 3 Current A p.d. Current .... Current X... •$... Your answer 11]
November 2020, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q15(a) (2 marks): Ammeter Az reads 500 mA. What is the reading on ammeter A, and ammeter A, in amps (A)? Ammeter A, = ..A Ammeter Az = .A 12]
November 2020, Physics Paper 6 Foundation, Q11(a) (2 marks): Complete the table to describe how he sets up the equipment in Fig. 11.1. What is being Name of meter Connected in measured? Potential difference Meter 2 = …………
November 2020, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): Which is the correct graph for a diode? Current A -p.d. Current V... Current Current .... Your answer [1]
November 2020, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): Look at circuits X and Y. The resistors are all identical. 4 Power supply Power supply o o o o Circuit Y Circuit X Which statement about circuit X or circuit Y
November 2020, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q6 (1 mark): Look at the graph of potential difference (p.d.) against current for a component. 6 4.0 3.0 p.d.(V) 2.0 1.0 0.0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 Current (A) Calculate the resi
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): How many amperes are there in 1 microampere (1 µA)? 1 × 10–6 A B 0.001 C 1000 1 × 106 D Your answer [1]
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q4 (1 mark): Which row of the table is correct? Use the equation: charge flow = current × time Current (A) Time (s) Charge flow (C) A 1.0 2.0 0.5 B 1.0 2.0 2.0 C 3.0 1.5 2.0
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q5 (1 mark): Which circuit gives a flow of charge? A B C D Your answer [1]
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q14 (6 marks): 14* A student has a fixed voltage power supply and two identical resistors. He sets up two different circuits A and B and measures the currents in each circuit.
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q16(a) (3 marks): Describe how the student could use the component tester to find the positive (+) terminal of a cell. [3]
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (2 marks): The diode is not a fixed resistor. Describe two ways the graph shows this. 1 2 [2]
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (4 marks): Calculate the resistance of the diode at + 0.8 V. Use the graph and the equation: potential difference = current × resistance Resistance = Ω [4]
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q16(c) (2 marks): The manufacturer of the diode gives the following warning: The supply voltage must not exceed 1 V. Use the graph in 16(b) to explain why. [2]
June 2019, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q16(d) (1 mark): Sketch a graph of current against potential difference for a filament lamp. Use the axes below. Current Potential 0 difference 0 [1]
June 2019, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q4 (1 mark): A student connects this electrical circuit. The resistors are identical. A1 A2 S Ammeter A1 reads 1.6 A when the switch S is open. What does ammeter A2 read whe
June 2019, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q8 (1 mark): An electron is accelerated through a potential difference of 12 000 V. The charge on an electron is 1.60 × 10–19 C. Calculate the energy transferred to the elec
June 2019, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q11(a) (3 marks): Describe how the student could use the component tester to find the positive (+) terminal of a cell. [3]
June 2019, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q11(b)(i) (2 marks): The diode is not a fixed resistor. Describe two ways the graph shows this. 1 2 [2]
June 2019, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q11(b)(ii) (4 marks): Calculate the resistance of the diode at + 0.8 V. Use the graph and the equation: potential difference = current × resistance Resistance = Ω [4]
June 2019, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q11(c) (2 marks): The manufacturer of the diode gives the following warning: The supply voltage must not exceed 1 V. Use the graph in 11(b) to explain why. [2]
June 2019, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q11(d) (1 mark): Sketch a graph of current against potential difference for a filament lamp. Use the axes below. Current Potential 0 difference 0 [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q2 (1 mark): What is the current at point Q in the circuit? 6.0 V Q 2 A 2 A A 0 A B 2 A C 4 A D 6 A Your answer [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(a) (3 marks): Draw a complete circuit diagram to show how she can achieve this. [3]
June 2018, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(b)(i) (3 marks): Plot a graph of the data and draw a line of best fit. One of the points has already been completed for you. 2.5 2.0 1.5 Current (A) 1.0 0.5 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.
June 2018, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(b)(ii) (1 mark): Describe what these results show. [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q11(b)(iii) (2 marks): Calculate the resistance of the unknown component. Use the equation: Resistance = Potential difference ÷ Current Answer = ohms [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q16(b)(i) (1 mark): Write down the total potential difference of the cells. Answer = V [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 5 Foundation, Q16(b)(ii) (3 marks): The motor has a resistance of 6.0 Ω. Calculate the current in the circuit when the motor is in use. Use the equation: Potential difference = Current × Resistanc
June 2018, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q3 (1 mark): A student wishes to draw a diagram of a circuit she has created. A B C D Which diagram A, B, C or D shows the circuit symbol for a variable resistor? Your answe
June 2018, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q5 (1 mark): In which circuit would a current flow? A B C D Your answer [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q11(b)(i) (1 mark): Write down the total potential difference of the cells. Answer = V [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q11(b)(ii) (3 marks): The motor has a resistance of 6.0 Ω. Calculate the current in the circuit when the motor is in use. Use the equation: Potential difference = Current × Resistanc
June 2018, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q16(a)(i) (2 marks): Describe the pattern shown by these results. [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q16(a)(ii) (2 marks): The students have made mistakes when recording their results. Identify two mistakes and explain what they should have done. [2]
June 2018, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q16(b) (1 mark): Suggest one way the experiment could be improved. [1]
June 2018, Physics Paper 11 Higher, Q16(c) (3 marks): At 10 °C the thermistor had a resistance of 1900 Ω. The thermistor has a power rating of 75 × 10–3 W. Calculate the maximum current in this thermistor at 10 °C.

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