CAMBRIDGE AS LEVEL PHYSICS - PAPER 2 HOMEWORK

19. CURRENT OF ELECTRICITY

20. D.C. CIRCUITS

Name:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date of birth:. . . . . . . . . .

...............................

Class:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due

date:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grade table

Question 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 13
: 0 1 2
Points: 10 8 4 10 4 8 6 10 13 10 11 12 11
Score:
Question 14 1 1 17 1 1 2 21 22 2 2 2 Tota
: 5 6 8 9 0 3 4 5 l
Points: 11 6 9 13 5 6 1 10 9 13 14 10 234
1
Score:
 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

2. 8
p
(a) An analogue voltmeter is used to take measurements of a constant potential
difference across a resistor. For these measurements, describe one example of

i. a systematic error, [1
]
............................................................
.............................

ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
[1
a random error. ]

............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................

(b) The potential difference across a resistor is measured as 5.0 V ± 0.1 V. The
resistor is labelled as having a resistance of 125 Ω ± 3%.

i. . . . . .
Calculate the power dissipated by the resistor. . . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . .
.............................
......
ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....
.............................
.....
power =.................................................................W
.....
Calculate the percentage uncertainty in the calculated power.
.....
............................................................ .....
.............................
iii. .....
............................................................
............................. .....
.....
............................................................
............................. .....

percentage uncertainty =.............................................% . . . . .

.....
Determine the value of the power, with its absolute uncertainty, to an
appropriate number of significant figures. .....
............................................................ .....
............................. ...
............................................................ powe

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

2. 8
r =. . . . . p
[2]
........
........
. . . . ±.....................

[2]

[2]

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

3. 4p

(a The current I in a metal wire is given by the expression:

[2]
)
I=
Anve. State what is meant by the symbols A and n.
A: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
[2]
(b n: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
) .............................
The diameter of a wire XY varies linearly with distance along the wire as shown
in Fig. 3.1.

X
Y
current I
d current I
d
drift speed vx 2

Fig.
3.1

There is a current I in the wire. At end X of the wire, the diameter is d and the
average drift speed of the free electrons is vx. At end T of the wire, the
diameter is d/2.
On Fig. 3.2, sketch a graph to show the variation of the average drift speed
with position along the wire between X and Y.

5vx

4vx

3vx
average
drift
speed
2vx

vx

0
X Y
position along wire
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
Fig. 3.2

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

4. A filament lamp is rated as 30 W, 120 V. A potential difference of 120 V is applied across

1
the lamp.
(a) For the filament wire of the lamp, calculate

i.
the current, [2
]
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................

ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
[2
current =...............................................................A ]
the number of electrons passing a point in 3.0 hours.
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
number = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................

(b Show that the resistance of the filament wire is 480 Ω. . ....

) . ....
............................................................... . ....
.............................. . ....
. ....
............................................................... . ....
.............................. . ....
(c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
) .............................. . ....
. ....
The filament wire has an uncoiled length of 580 mm and is made of metal. . ....
The metal has resistivity 6.1 × 10−7 Ω m at the operating temperature of the . ....
lamp. . ....
Calculate the diameter of the wire. . ....
. ....
............................................................... . ....
.............................. . ....
............................................................... . ....
.............................. . ..
di
(d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
m
) ..............................
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
The ...........................................
potent [2]
ial
differe
nce
across
the
lamp
is now [3]
reduc
ed.
State
and
explai
n the
effect,
if any,
on the
resist
ance
of the
filame [1]
nt
wire.
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ..
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

5. 4p
(a Define the coulomb. [1]
)
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
[1]
(b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
)
An electric current is a flow of charge carriers.
In the following list, underline the possible charges for a charge carrier.
[2]
8.0 × 10−19 C 1.0 × 10−19 C 1.6 × 10−19 C 1.6 × 10−20 C
(c
The diameter of a wire ST varies linearly with distance along the wire as shown
)
in Fig. 5.1.
S T
current I current I
d 2d
drift speed vs

Fig.
5.1

There is a current I in the wire. At end S of the wire, the diameter is d and the
average drift speed of the free electrons is vs. At end T of the wire, the
diameter is 2d.
On Fig. 5.2, sketch a graph to show the variation of the average drift speed
with position along the wire between S and T.
1.00vs

0.75vs

average
drift
0.50vs
speed

0.25vs

0
S T
position along wire

Fig. 5.2

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

6. A wire X has a constant resistance per unit length of 3.0 Ω m−1 and a diameter of 0.488 p
mm.

(a Calculate the resistivity of the metal of wire X. [3

) ]
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................
resistivity =...............................................................Ω
m

(b) The wire X is connected into 5.0 V 2.0 

the circuit shown in Fig. 6.1.
The battery has an
electromotive force (e.m.f.) of 1.6 A
5.0 V and an internal wire X
resistance of 2.0 Ω. The wire
X and a resistor R of
resistance 4.5 
4.5 Ω are connected in
parallel. The current in the R
battery is 1.6 A.

i. Calculate the potential difference across

Fig.
resistor R. [1]
6.1
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
potential difference =..................................................V

ii. Determine, for wire X,

1. its resistance, re
Ω
.........................................................
............................ 2.
.........................................................
............................
......................................................... . .
............................ . .
. .
......................................................... . .
............................ . .
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
..................................................
[3]
.........................................................
............................
length =
...............................................................................
m

[1]

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

7. 6p
(a State Kirchhoff’s first law.
[1]
)
................................................................
.............................
................................................................
[2]
(b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
)
A potentiometer is connected to a battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 9.6 V
and negligible internal resistance, as shown in Fig. 7.1.

9.6 V

800

X Y
slider

400

R
Fig. 7.1

The maximum resistance of the potentiometer is 800 Ω. A resistor R of resistance

400 Ω is connected between the slider and end X of the potentiometer.

i. State the potential difference across resistor R when the slider is positioned
1. at end X of the potentiometer,
potential difference =...............................................V
2. at end Y of the potentiometer.
potential difference =...............................................V
ii. . . . . .
Calculate the potential difference across resistor R when the slider is . . . . .
positioned half-way between X and Y.
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . .
............................................................
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . [3]
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . .

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

8.
1
(a State Kirchhoff’s second law. [2]
)
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................

(b) Two batteries, each of

electromotive force (e.m.f.) 6.0 R
V and negligible internal 4.0  X 6.0 V
resistance, are connected in
series with three resistors, as V
shown in Fig. 8.1.
6.0 V Y 1.5 
Resistor X has resistance 4.0
Ω and resistor Y has resistance I
1.5 Ω.
Fig.
8.1
i. The resistance R of the variable resistor is changed until the voltmeter in
the circuit reads zero. Calculate
1. the current I in the circuit,
[1]
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
I =..................................................................A [2]
2. the resistance R.
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
R=
...........................................................................
Ω

ii.
Resistors X and Y are wires made from the same material. The diameter of e
the wire of X is twice the diameter of the wire of Y.
average drift speed of free .....
Determine the ratio:electrons in X average drift speed .....

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
........
........ [2]
........
........
........
........
........
........
........
.......
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
.
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
. . . .. . . .
.
ratio
.
.

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

iii. The resistance R of the variable resistor is now increased. State and [3]
explain the effect of the increase in R on the power transformed by each of
the batteries.
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................

9.
1
(a State Kirchhoff’s second law. [2]
)
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................

(b) A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 5.6 V and internal resistance r is

connected to two external resistors, as shown in Fig. 9.1.

5.6 V r

90

18

Fig. 9.1
The reading on the voltmeter is
4.8 V.

i. Calculate:
1. the combined resistance of the two resistors connected in parallel ..
..
......................................................... ..
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
.......
[2]
.........................................................
............................
combined resistance =..............................................Ω

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

2. the current in the battery. [2]

.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
current =
................................................................................
A

ii.
Show that the internal resistance r is 2.5 Ω. [2]
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
iii.
............................................................ [3]
.............................
power dissipated by internal
Determine the ratio:resistance r total power produced
by battery
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
ratio =. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..............

(c The battery in (b) is now connected to a battery of e.m.f. 7.2 V and internal [2]
) resistance 3.5 Ω. The new circuit is shown in Fig. 9.2.

5.6 V 2.5

7.2 V 3.5

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
Fig. 9.2

Determine the current in the circuit.

.....................................................................
........................
.....................................................................
........................
.....................................................................
........................

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10.
1
(a Define the volt. [1]
)
..............................................................
..............................

(b) A battery of electromotive

force (e.m.f.) 4.5 V and 0.20
negligible internal resistance P
is connected to two filament I/A
lamps P and Q and a resistor
R, as shown in Fig. 10.1. 0.15

4.5 V
Q
0.10

R P

0.05
Q

Fig. 10.1
0
The current in lamp P is 0.15 0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
A. The I − V characteristics V/
of the filament lamps are V
shown in Fig. 10.2. Fig.
10.2

i. Use Fig. 10.2 to determine the current in the battery. Explain your . . . . .
. . . . .
working.
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . .
............................................................
............................. re
ii. Ω
............................................................
............................. The
filam
current =...............................................................A ent
wires
Calculate the resistance of resistor R. of the
........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . two
lamps
iii. . . . . . . . . . . . .................. are
........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . made
from
........... ..................
mater
........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ial
with
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
the same
resistivity [2]
at their
operating
temperat
ure in the
circuit.
The
diameter
of the [2]
wire of
lamp P is
twice the
diameter
of the
wire of
lamp Q.

[3]

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

length of filament wire of

lamp P length of filament
Determine the ratio:wire of lamp Q
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
iv. [2]
............................................................
.............................
ratio = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The filament wire of lamp Q breaks and stops conducting. State and explain,
qualitatively, the effect on the resistance of lamp P.
.............................................................
............................
.............................................................
............................
.............................................................
............................

11.
1
(a) State Kirchhoff’s first law. [1]
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................

(b) The variations with potential difference V of the current I for a resistor X and for a
semiconductor diode are shown in Fig. 11.1.
2.5
i Deter
. mine
the
15.0 resista
I/ nce of
mA 12.5 the
diode
10.0 for a
potent
7.5
ial
differe
5.0 nce V

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
of . .............................
0.60 . .............. [3]
V.
. .............................
. . ..............
.
. .............................
. ..............
0 resistor X
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
........
diode
Fig. 11.1 V/ resistance =......................................Ω
V

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

ii. [1]
Describe, qualitatively, the variation of the resistance of the diode as V
increases from
0.60 V to 0.75 V.
............................................................
.............................
E

(c) The diode and the resistor X in (b) are connected 9.3 mA
into the circuit shown in Fig. 11.2. X

The cell has electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and 7.5 mA

negligible internal resistance. Resistor Y is Y
connected in parallel with resistor X and the
diode. The current in the cell is 9.3 mA and the
current in the diode is 7.5 mA. Fig. 11.2
i. Use Fig. 11.1 to determine E. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................
. . . . .
.............................
ii. . . . . .
E =.....................................................................V . . . . .
. . . . .
Determine the resistance of resistor Y. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................
. . . . .
.............................
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . .
resistance =............................................................Ω . . . . .
Calculate the power dissipated in the diode. . . . . .
. . . . .
iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................
. . . . .
.............................
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
power =.................................................................W . . . . .
. . . . .
The cell is now replaced by a new cell of e.m.f. 0.50 V and negligible
internal resistance. Use Fig. 11.1 to determine the new current in the . . . . .
diode. . . . . .

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
........ [1]
......
current
mA

[2]

[2]

[1]

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

12.
1

(a) State Kirchhoff’s first law. [1]

i. ............................................................
.............................
............................................................
............................. [1]
ii.
Kirchhoff’s first law is linked to the conservation of a certain quantity. State
this quantity.
............................................................
.............................

8.0 V 2.0 
(b) A battery of electromotive
force (e.m.f.) 8.0 V and
internal resistance
2.0 Ω is connected to a resistor 15  2.5 A
X and a wire Y, as shown in
Fig. 12.1. X

The resistance of X is 15 Ω. RY
The resistance of Y is RY. The
current in the battery is 2.5 wire Y
A. Fig.
12.1
i. Calculate
1. the thermal energy dissipated in the battery in a time of 5.0 minutes, [2]
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . energy =...........J
[1]
2. the terminal potential difference of the battery.
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
terminal potential difference =.....................................V

ii. . . . . .
Determine the resistance RY. . . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . .
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . [3]
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
.
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
.
R
Ω

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

iii. A new wire Z has the same length but less resistance than wire Y.
1. State two possible differences between wire Z and wire Y that would
separately cause wire Z to have less resistance than wire Y. [2]

first difference: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.........................
.........................................................
............................
second difference: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.........................
[2]
.........................................................
............................

2. Wire Y is replaced in the circuit by wire Z. By considering the current

in the battery, state and explain the effect of changing the wires on the
total power produced by the battery.
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................

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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

1
4. 1
(a State Kirchhoff’s second law. [2]
)
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................

(b) An electric heater containing two 9.0 V

heating wires X and Y is
connected to a power supply of
electromotive force (e.m.f.) 2.4 
9.0 V and negligible internal wire X
resistance, as shown in Fig. 14.1.
Wire X has a resistance of 2.4 Ω V
and wire Y has a resistance of 1.2
Ω. A voltmeter is connected in 1.2 
parallel with the wires. A variable
wire Y
resistor is used to adjust the
power dissipated in wires X and Y. Fig.
14.1
The variable resistor is adjusted
so that the voltmeter reads 6.0 V.

i. . . . . .
Calculate the resistance of the variable resistor. . . . . .
. . . . .
....................... .....................................
. . . . .
....................... ......
. . . . .
....................... ..................................... . . . .
....................... ......
po
............................................................ W
.............................
ii.
............................................................
.............................
resistance =
.....................................................................................
Ω

Calculate the power dissipated in wire X.

............................................................
.............................
............................................................
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
[3]
[2
]

iii. The cross-sectional area of wire X is three times the cross-sectional area of
wire Y. Assume that the resistivity and the number density of free electrons
for the metal of both wires are the same. Determine the ratio
length of
1 wire X length , [2]
of wire Y

Page 29 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
[2]
ratio = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............
average drift velocity of free electrons in wire
2 X average drift velocity of free electrons in.
wire Y
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
ratio = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............

15. 6p

(a) Define resistance. [1]

i. ............................................................
.............................
............................................................
............................. [2]
ii.
A potential difference of 0.60 V is applied across a resistor of resistance 4.0
GΩ. Calculate the current, in pA, in the resistor.
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
current =...............................................................pA

(b The energy E transferred when charge Q moves through an electrical Use

) component is given by the equation E = QV , where V is the potential the
difference across the component. equat
Page 30 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
ion to ............................................................... [3]
deter .........................
mine
the SI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
base ..............................
units SI base units =. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
of .................
potent
ial
differe
nce.
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ..
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ....
. ..
.....
Page 31 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

1 9p
6.
(a Define the volt. [1]
)
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................

(b) A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 7.0 V and negligible internal resistance
is connected in series with three components, as shown in Fig. 16.1.
7.0 V

Z 1.4 V
X Y

5.2 
6.0 
Fig. 16.1

Resistor X has a resistance of 5.2 Ω. The resistance of the filament wire of

lamp Y is 6.0 Ω. The potential difference across resistor Z is 1.4 V.

i. Calculate the current in the circuit. . . . . .

. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
ii.
current =...............................................................A . . . . .
. . . . .
Determine the resistance of resistor Z. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................
. . . . .
.............................
. . . . .
iii. . . . . .
............................................................
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
resistance = . . . . .
..................................................................................... . . . .
Ω
. . . . .
Calculate the percentage efficiency with which the battery supplies power
. . . . .
to the lamp. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................
. . . . .
.............................
. . . . .
Page 32 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
. . . . . . . . [2]
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . [1]

. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
[3]
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
.
efficiency
%

Page 33 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

iv.
The filament wire of the lamp is made of metal of resistivity 3.7 × 10−7 Ω m
at its operating temperature in the circuit. Determine, for the filament
wire, the value of α where
a = crossectional area / length

Page 34 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

1 5p
8.
(a The ampere, metre and second are SI base units. State two other SI base [2]
) units.
1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [3]
(b .............................
)
The average drift speed v of electrons moving through a metal conductor is
µF
given by the equation v = , where e is the charge on an electron, F is a
e
force acting on the electron, and µ is a consta nt. Determine the SI base units
of µ
................................................................
.............................
................................................................
.............................
................................................................
.............................
................................................................
.............................
................................................................
.............................
SI base units =. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................

1 6p
9.
(a Distinguish between vector and scalar quantities. [2]
)
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................

(b) The electric field strength E at a distance x from an isolated point charge Q is
given by the equation E = Q/(x2b), where b is a constant.

i. ii.
Use
the
defini
tion
Page 35 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
of electric determine the SI base units of b.
field [2]
strength ............................................................
to show .............................
that E has . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SI base .............................
units of
kg m A−1 SI base units of b = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [2]
s−3. ..............

. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
.
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
.
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
.

Use the
units for
E given in
(b)-i. to
Page 36 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

2
0. 1
(a Define electric potential difference (p.d.). [1]
)
...............................................................
..............................
...............................................................
..............................
30
(b The variation with potential difference V of the [2]
25 ) current I in a semiconductor diode is shown in Fig.
I / mA 20.1.
20
Use Fig. 20.1 to describe qualitatively the
variation of the resistance of the diode as V
15 increases from 0 to 1.0 V.

10 ..........................................
...................
5
..........................................
0 V/ ...................
0 0.5 V 1.0 ..........................................
Fig. ...................
20.1 ..........................................
...................
..........................................
...................
2.0 V
(c) The diode in (b) is part of the circuit
shown in
15 mA
Fig. 20.2.
60 Ω
The cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 2.0
V and negligible internal resistance is X Y
connected in series with the diode and
resistors X and Y. The resistance of Y is 60 Fig. 20.2
Ω. The current in the cell is 15 mA.
i. Use Fig. 20.1 to determine the resistance of the diode. [3
............................................................ ]
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
resistance =
.....................................................................................
Ω

Page 37 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
ii. 1
. Calculate the resistance of X. [3]
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
resistance =........................................................Ω

Page 38 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

power dissipated in
resistor
2 Calculate the ratio Y total power [2]
produced by the cell
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
ratio = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............

2
1. 1
(a Define the ohm. [1]
)
...............................................................
..............................

(b) A battery is connected to a network of resistors, as shown in Fig. 21.1.

The battery has an electromotive force 1.5

(e.m.f.) of E and an internal resistance of E
1.5 Ω.
Resistor X has a resistance of I
2.0 RZ
8.0 Ω. Resistor Y has a 1.8 A
resistance of 2.0 Ω. Resistor Y Z
Z has a resistance of RZ. 8.0

The current in X is 0.60 A and the 0.60 A

X
current in Y is 1.8 A.
Fig. 21.1
i. Calculate:
1. the current I in the battery 3.
.........................................................
............................
. .
I =..................................................................A . .
2. resistance RZ . .
. .
......................................................... . .
............................ . .
......................................................... . .
............................ . .
. .
RZ =.................................................................Ω . .

Page 39 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
...............
[1]
.........................................................
............................

[2]

[2]

Page 40 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

E =..................................................................V

ii. Resistors X and Y are each made of wire. The two wires have the same
length and are made of the same metal. Determine the ratio:
cross-sectional area of
1 wire X cross-sectional , [2]
area of wire Y
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
[2]
ratio = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............
average drift speed of free electrons in X
2 average drift speed of free electrons in Y
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
ratio = . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............

23
. 1
(a Using energy transformations, describe the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a [2]
) battery and the
potential difference (p.d.) across a resistor.
e.m.f.: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
................................................................
.............................
p.d.: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
................................................................
.............................

(b) A battery of e.m.f. 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to a

network of resistors and a voltmeter, as shown in Fig. 23.1.

Z 32 Ω V

6.0 V
Page 41 of [Turn
X Y 24 Ω
46 over
 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

Fig. 23.1

Resistor Y has a resistance of 24 Ω and resistor Z has a resistance of 32 Ω.

i. The resistance RX of the variable resistor X is adjusted until the

voltmeter reads 4.8 V. Calculate:
1. the current in resistor Z [1]
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
current =...........................................................A [2]

2. the total power provided by the battery

.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
.........................................................
............................
power =.............................................................W

Page 42 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

3. the number of conduction electrons that move through the battery in a

time interval of 25 s [2]

......................................................................
...............
......................................................................
...............
......................................................................
...............
[2]
number =. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4. the total resistance of X and Y connected in parallel

......................................................................
...............
......................................................................
............... [2]

......................................................................
...............
total resistance =...................................................Ω

5. the resistance RX.

......................................................................
...............
......................................................................
...............
......................................................................
...............
RX =
............................................................................
Ω

ii.
The resistance RX is now decreased. [2
State and explain the change, if any, to the reading on the voltmeter. ]

............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................

Page 43 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

25. A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and internal resistance r is connected

to a variable resistor of resistance R, as shown in Fig. 25.1.
1

E r

I
R

Fig. 25.1

The current in the circuit is I and the potential difference across the variable resistor is V .

(a)
Explain, in terms of energy, why V is less than E. [1
]
...............................................................
..............................

(b) ...............................................................
..............................
[1
State an equation relating E, I, r and V . ]

...............................................................
..............................

(c) The resistance R of the variable resistor is varied. The variation with I of V is
shown in
Fig. 25.2.
3.0

V/V
2.0

1.0

0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
I /A

Fig. 25.2

Use Fig. 25.2 to:

Page 44 of [Turn
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 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework

i. explain how it may be deduced that the e.m.f. of the battery is 2.8 V [1]
............................................................
.............................

ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [2]
.............................

calculate the internal resistance r.

............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
............................................................
.............................
r=
...............................................................................
Ω

(d) The battery stores 9.2 kJ of energy. The variable resistor is adjusted so that V = 2.1
V. Use
Fig. 25.2 to:

i. . . . . .
calculate the resistance R . . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
R =......................................................................Ω
. . . . .
calculate the number of conduction electrons moving through the battery in . . . . .
1.0 s . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................
. . . . .
.............................
. . . . .
number =. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...............
. . . . .
determine the time taken for the energy in the battery to become equal to . . . . .
1.6 kJ. (Assume that the e.m.f. of the battery and the current in the battery . . . . .
remain constant.) . . . . .
. . . . .
............................................................ . . . . .
............................. . . . . .

Page 33 of End of
33 homework
 Cambridge A Level Physics - Paper 2 Homework
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . [1]
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . .
[1]
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . [3]
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .
.
time
s

Page 33 of End of
33 homework