9702/11/M/J/16/Q34

1 In the circuit shown, X is a variable resistor whose resistance can be changed from 5.0 Ω to
500 Ω. The e.m.f. of the battery is 12.0 V. It has negligible internal resistance.

40 Ω

12.0 V

X output

What is the maximum range of values of potential difference across the output?

A 1.3 V to 11.1 V
B 1.3 V to 12.0 V
C 1.5 V to 11.1 V
D 1.5 V to 12.0 V

9702/11/M/J/16/Q35

2 There is a current from P to R in the resistor network shown.

3V 6V
Q

P R

S
5V
The potential difference (p.d.) between P and Q is 3 V.

The p.d. between Q and R is 6 V.

The p.d. between P and S is 5 V.

Which row in the table is correct?

p.d. between p.d. between

Q and S S and R

A 2V 4V
B 2V 10 V
C 3V 4V
D 3V 10 V
9702/11/M/J/16/Q36

3 Two resistors of resistances R1 and R2 are connected in parallel.

R1
X Y

R2

What is the combined resistance between X and Y?

R1 R 2 R1 + R 2 R1
A R1 + R2 B C D
R1 + R 2 R1 R 2 R2

9702/11/M/J/16/Q37

4 A voltmeter is used to monitor the operation of an electric motor. The motor speed is controlled
by a variable resistor. A fixed resistor is used to limit the speed.

The current in the motor is gradually changed.

In which circuit is the voltmeter reading proportional to the current in the motor?

M
+
A supply
–

M
+
B supply
–

M
+
C supply
–

M
+
D V supply
–
9702/12/M/J/16/Q33

5 Two lamps are connected in series to a 250 V power supply. One lamp is rated 240 V, 60 W and
the other is rated 10 V, 2.5 W.

Which statement most accurately describes what happens?

A Both lamps light at less than their normal brightness.

B Both lamps light at their normal brightness.
C Only the 240 V lamp lights.
D The 10 V lamp blows.
9702/12/M/J/16/Q36

6 A potential divider circuit is formed by connecting a battery of negligible internal resistance in

series with two variable resistors, as shown.

RX RY

VX

The variable resistors have resistances RX and RY.

VX is the potential difference across resistance RX.

RX and RY are both changed at the same time.

Which combination of changes must cause VX to increase?

RX RY

A larger larger
B larger smaller
C smaller larger
D smaller smaller

9702/12/M/J/16/Q37

7 In the circuit shown, contact may be made at any point along the 3 Ω resistor (potentiometer).

9V

2Ω 3Ω 4Ω

output
voltage

The battery has e.m.f. 9 V and negligible internal resistance.

What is the maximum range of the output voltage?

A 0–2 V B 0–5 V C 2–3 V D 2–5 V

9702/13/M/J/16/Q35

8 A circuit contains a cell, two resistors of resistances R1 and R2 and a variable resistor X. The cell
has negligible internal resistance.

V1

R1

I2 R2

V1 is the potential difference across the resistor of resistance R1.

I2 is the current through the resistor of resistance R2.

The resistance of X is reduced.

What is the effect on V1 and I2?

V1 I2

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases
9702/13/M/J/16/Q36

9 A 100 cm potentiometer wire QT is connected in series with a 2.00 V cell. Another circuit,
consisting of a 2.00 V cell in series with resistors of resistance 4.00 Ω and 6.00 Ω, is set up
alongside the potentiometer. Connections PQ and RS are then made so that the potential
difference (p.d.) across the 4.00 Ω resistor is balanced against the p.d. across a length L of
potentiometer wire. Both cells have negligible internal resistance.

2.00 V

L
S
Q T

P
4.00 Ω R 6.00 Ω

2.00 V

What is the balance length L?

A 0 cm B 40 cm C 60 cm D 100 cm

9702/13/M/J/16/Q37

10 Two identical batteries each have e.m.f. 6.0 V and internal resistance r. The batteries are
connected to an external resistor of resistance 11 Ω, as shown.

6.0 V
r

6.0 V
r

11 Ω

0.50 A

The current in the external resistor is 0.50 A.

What is the internal resistance r of each battery?

A 1.0 Ω B 2.0 Ω C 4.0 Ω D 6.5 Ω

9702/11/M/J/17/Q35

11 The circuit shown includes a cell of constant internal resistance and an external resistor R.

cell

R
A

A student records the ammeter and voltmeter readings. She then connects a second identical
external resistor in parallel with the first external resistor.

What happens to the ammeter reading and to the voltmeter reading?

ammeter reading voltmeter reading

A decreases decreases
B decreases stays the same
C increases decreases
D increases stays the same
9702/11/M/J/17/Q36

12 A computer is used to detect the change of position of a switch.

To detect the change of position, the computer requires a potential difference (p.d.) of 0 V to its
input at one switch position and a p.d. of between 5 V and 7 V at the other switch position.

For each of the circuits, assume the battery has negligible internal resistance.

Which circuit provides an input voltage to the computer that enables it to detect the change of
position of the switch?

A B

1 kΩ 1 kΩ

9V 9V
computer computer
1 kΩ input 2 kΩ input
voltage voltage

C D

2 kΩ 500 Ω

9V 500 Ω 9V 2 kΩ
computer computer
input input
voltage voltage
9702/11/M/J/17/Q37

13 In the circuit shown, the battery and ammeter have negligible resistance.

12 V

A
X Y

The following combinations of resistors are each separately placed between the terminals X and
Y of the circuit.

Which combination would give an ammeter reading of 8 A?

A B
2Ω 1Ω

1Ω 2Ω

3Ω 3Ω

C D
2Ω
1Ω 2Ω

1Ω

3Ω
3Ω
9702/12/M/J/17/Q35

14 A cell has a constant electromotive force.

A variable resistor is connected between the terminals of the cell.

The resistance of the variable resistor is decreased.

Which statement about the change of the cell’s terminal potential difference (p.d.) is correct?

A The terminal p.d. is decreased because more work is done moving unit charge through the
internal resistance of the cell.
B The terminal p.d. is decreased because the current in the variable resistor is decreased.
C The terminal p.d. is increased because more work is done moving unit charge through the
variable resistor.
D The terminal p.d. is increased because the current in the variable resistor is increased.
9702/12/M/J/17/Q36

15 Four resistors are connected in a square as shown.

2Ω 4Ω

P R

8Ω 6Ω

The resistance may be measured between any two junctions.

Between which two junctions is the measured resistance greatest?

A P and Q B Q and S C R and S D S and P

9702/12/M/J/17/Q37

16 A circuit is set up as shown.

P Q
V V

The variable resistor is adjusted so that the ammeter reading decreases.

How do the readings of the voltmeters change?

reading on reading on
voltmeter P voltmeter Q

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases
9702/13/M/J/17/Q32

17 The diagram shows a portable generator connected by cables to floodlights. The generator
produces a current of 10 A at a constant potential difference (p.d.) of 240 V.

The total resistance of the cables is 2 Ω.

generator

1Ω
240 V
cables floodlights
10 A
1Ω

What is the p.d. V across, and the power P delivered to, the floodlights?

V/V P/W

A 220 2000
B 220 2200
C 230 2000
D 230 2300
9702/13/M/J/17/Q34

18 A graph of potential difference (p.d.) V across a cell against current I in the cell is shown.

0
0 I

As the cell reaches the end of its useful life, its internal resistance increases and its electromotive
force (e.m.f.) decreases.

Which diagram shows a graph of V against I for the cell nearing the end of its useful life?

A B C D
V V V V
line of
original
graph

0 0 0 0
0 I 0 I 0 I 0 I
9702/13/M/J/17/Q35

19 A 20 V d.c. supply is connected to a circuit consisting of five resistors L, M, N, P and Q.

L M

7 V drop
4V
N drop

P Q

+ –

20 V rise

There is a potential drop of 7 V across L and a further 4 V potential drop across N.

What are the potential drops across M, P and Q?

potential drop potential drop potential drop

across M / V across P / V across Q / V

A 9 7 13
B 13 7 13
C 13 11 9
D 17 3 17

9702/13/M/J/17/Q36

20 A potential divider circuit consists of a cell of negligible internal resistance in series with two
variable resistors of resistances R1 and R2. The potential difference (p.d.) across the cell is V0.
The p.d. at the output is V.

R1

V0

R2 V

Which statement is correct?

A When R1 increases, it takes a greater proportion of V0, so V decreases.

B When R1 increases, the current through R1 and R2 decreases, so V increases.
C When R2 decreases, it takes a smaller proportion of V0, so V increases.
D When R2 increases, the current through R1 and R2 decreases, so V decreases.
9702/11/M/J/18/Q33

21 The sum of the electrical currents into a point in a circuit is equal to the sum of the currents out of
the point.

Which statement is correct?

A This is Kirchhoff’s first law, which results from the conservation of charge.
B This is Kirchhoff’s first law, which results from the conservation of energy.
C This is Kirchhoff’s second law, which results from the conservation of charge.
D This is Kirchhoff’s second law, which results from the conservation of energy.
9702/11/M/J/18/Q34

22 In the circuit shown, the batteries have negligible internal resistance.

15 V 9V

I1 I2 I3

2.0 Ω 2.0 Ω 2.0 Ω

What are the values of the currents I1, I2 and I3?

I1 / A I2 / A I3 / A

A –5.5 1.0 6.5

B 0.5 4.0 3.5
C 3.5 4.0 0.5
D 6.5 1.0 –5.5

9702/11/M/J/18/Q35

23 A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to
three resistors as shown.

4.0 kΩ

6.0 V

4.0 kΩ X 4.0 kΩ

Each resistor has a resistance of 4.0 kΩ.

What is the current in resistor X?

A 0.25 mA B 0.50 mA C 0.75 mA D 1.0 mA

9702/11/M/J/18/Q36

24 A uniform resistance wire XY of length 100 cm is connected in series with a cell L. Another cell M
is connected in series with resistors of resistances 5.00 Ω, 10.0 Ω and 15.0 Ω.

100 cm
X Y
12.5 cm

A resistance wire

5.00 Ω 10.0 Ω 15.0 Ω

P
Q R S

The potential difference (p.d.) between P and Q is balanced against 12.5 cm of the resistance
wire, so that the ammeter reads zero.

The p.d. across the other resistors is then balanced against other lengths of the resistance wire.

Which balanced lengths of resistance wire correspond to the connection points given in the
table?

connection balanced length / cm

points A B C D

Q and R 12.5 25.0 25.0 25.0

Q and S 62.5 62.5 75.0 62.5
P and R 37.5 37.5 37.5 12.5
9702/11/M/J/18/Q37

25 A motor is required to operate at a distance of 800 m from its power supply. The motor requires a
potential difference (p.d.) of 16.0 V and a current of 0.60 A to operate.

Two wires are used to supply power to the motor as shown.

wires
power
motor
supply

800 m

The resistance of each of these wires is 0.0050 Ω per metre.

What is the minimum output p.d. of the power supply?

A 11.2 V B 16.0 V C 18.4 V D 20.8 V

9702/12/M/J/18/Q32

26 The power output of an electrical supply is 2.4 kW at a potential difference (p.d.) of 240 V. The
two wires between the supply and a kettle each have a resistance of 0.50 Ω, as shown.

supply kettle
0.50 Ω
240 V
2.4 kW
0.50 Ω

What is the power supplied to the kettle and what is the p.d. across the kettle?

power / kW p.d. / V

A 2.3 230
B 2.3 235
C 2.4 230
D 2.4 235
9702/12/M/J/18/Q34

27 Four different resistors are arranged as shown.

A current of 1.5 A enters the network at junction X and leaves through junction Y.

1.5 A

70 Ω 60 Ω

1.5 A X

50 Ω 30 Ω

What is the current in the resistor of resistance 30 Ω?

A 0.21 A B 0.50 A C 0.75 A D 1.0 A

9702/12/M/J/18/Q35

28 A cell of constant electromotive force drives a current I through an external resistor of

resistance R. The terminal potential difference (p.d.) across the cell is V.

V
r

cell
I
R

When the internal resistance r of the cell increases, what is the effect on V and on I?

V I

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases
9702/12/M/J/18/Q36

29 In the circuits shown, the batteries are identical and all have negligible internal resistance. All of
the resistors have the same resistance. The diodes have zero resistance when conducting and
infinite resistance when not conducting.

In which circuit is the current in the battery greatest?

A B

C D

9702/12/M/J/18/Q37

30 A thermistor is an electrical component with a resistance that varies with temperature. A

thermistor T is used in a fire alarm system. The alarm is triggered when the potential difference
between X and Y is 4.5 V.

12 V

T 150 Ω

X Y

What is the resistance of T when the alarm is triggered?

A 90 Ω B 150 Ω C 250 Ω D 400 Ω

9702/13/M/J/18/Q31

31 A cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and internal resistance r is connected to an external

resistor of resistance R, as shown.

E
r

What is the power dissipated in the external resistor?

E 2(R + r ) E 2R E 2(R + r ) E 2r
A B C D
R2 (R + r )2 r2 (R + r )2
9702/13/M/J/18/Q34

32 A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to
three resistors each of resistance 6.0 Ω.

Which circuit will produce a current through the battery of 0.67 A?

A B

6.0 V 6.0 V

6.0 Ω
6.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 6.0 Ω
6.0 Ω

C D

6.0 V 6.0 V

6.0 Ω
6.0 Ω 6.0 Ω
6.0 Ω
6.0 Ω
6.0 Ω
9702/13/M/J/18/Q35

33 The diagram shows a network of three resistors. Two of these, marked R, are identical. The other
resistor has a resistance of 5.0 Ω.
Y

X 5.0 Ω

The resistance between Y and Z is found to be 2.5 Ω.

What is the resistance between X and Y?

A 0.30 Ω B 0.53 Ω C 1.9 Ω D 3.3 Ω

9702/13/M/J/18/Q36

34 The diagram shows a battery, a fixed resistor, an ammeter and a variable resistor connected in
series.

A voltmeter is connected across the fixed resistor.

The resistance of the variable resistor is reduced.

Which row describes the changes in the readings of the ammeter and of the voltmeter?

ammeter voltmeter

A decrease decrease
B decrease increase
C increase decrease
D increase increase
9702/13/M/J/18/Q37

35 The circuit diagram shows a battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 9.0 V and negligible internal
resistance. It is connected to two resistors of resistances 160 Ω and R. The output potential
difference Vout is 4.0 V.

160 Ω

9.0 V

R Vout = 4.0 V

What is the resistance R ?

A 32 Ω B 49 Ω C 71 Ω D 128 Ω

9702/13/M/J/18/Q38

36 In the circuit shown, XY is a length L of uniform resistance wire. A potential difference is applied
across XY. R1 and R2 are unknown resistors. J is a sliding contact that joins the junction of R1 and
R2 to points on XY through a lamp S.

– X x Y +
J

R1 R2

J is moved along XY to a point at which the lamp is off. This point is at a distance x from X.

The potential difference across R1 is V1 and the potential difference across R2 is V2.

V1
What is the value of the ratio ?
V2
L x L−x x
A B C D
x L x L−x
9702/11/M/J/19/Q35

37 When a battery is connected to a resistor, the battery gradually becomes warm. This causes the
internal resistance of the battery to increase whilst its electromotive force (e.m.f.) stays
unchanged.

As the internal resistance of the battery increases, how do the terminal potential difference and
the output power change, if at all?

terminal potential
output power
difference

A decreases decreases
B decreases unchanged
C unchanged decreases
D unchanged unchanged

9702/11/M/J/19/Q36

38 A cell is connected to a resistor of resistance 3.00 Ω. The current in the resistor is 1.00 A.

A second identical resistor is added in parallel. The current becomes 1.93 A.

What are the e.m.f. E and internal resistance r of the cell?

E/V r/Ω

A 0.113 3.11
B 3.04 0.0358
C 3.11 0.113
D 9.34 6.34
9702/11/M/J/19/Q37

39 A battery with negligible internal resistance is connected to three resistors, as shown.

0.30 A X

All three resistors have the same resistance.

The current in the battery is 0.30 A.

What is the current in resistor X?

A 0.10 A B 0.15 A C 0.20 A D 0.30 A

9702/11/M/J/19/Q38

40 The diagram shows a potentiometer and a fixed resistor connected across a 12 V battery of
negligible internal resistance.

fixed resistor
20 Ω

12 V

20 Ω
output

The fixed resistor and the potentiometer each have resistance 20 Ω. The circuit is designed to
provide a variable output voltage.

What is the range of output voltages?

A 0–6V B 0 – 12 V C 6 – 12 V D 12 – 20 V
9702/12/M/J/19/Q35

41 A cell with internal resistance is connected to a variable resistor R as shown.

cell

The resistance of R is gradually decreased.

How do the current I and the terminal potential difference across the cell change?

terminal potential
current I
difference across cell

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases

9702/12/M/J/19/Q36

42 Kirchhoff’s first law states that the sum of the currents entering a junction in a circuit is equal to
the sum of the currents leaving it.

The law is based on the conservation of a physical quantity.

What is this physical quantity?

A charge
B energy
C mass
D momentum
9702/12/M/J/19/Q37

43 A circuit contains two batteries, each of negligible internal resistance, and two resistors as shown.

9.0 Ω
galvanometer
24 V

3.0 Ω X

The galvanometer has a current reading of zero.

What is the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of battery X?

A 6.0 V B 8.0 V C 16.0 V D 18.0 V

9702/13/M/J/19/Q36

44 A student has a set of identical cells and identical lamps. The cells have negligible internal
resistance.

A lamp connected to a cell lights with normal brightness.

What happens when the student connects the lamps and the cells as shown?

1 3

A All three lamps light with normal brightness.

B Only lamp 2 lights with normal brightness.
C Only lamps 1 and 3 light with normal brightness.
D None of the lamps light with normal brightness.

9702/13/M/J/19/Q37

45 A potential divider circuit is shown.

150 Ω

12.0 V

R 5.00 V

What is the resistance of resistor R in the potential divider circuit?

A 62.5 Ω B 107 Ω C 210 Ω D 360 Ω

9702/13/M/J/19/Q38

46 Two cells of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 3.0 V and 1.2 V and negligible internal resistance are
connected to resistors of resistance 9.0 Ω and 18 Ω as shown.

3.0 V 1.2 V

I 9.0 Ω

18 Ω

What is the current I in the 9.0 Ω resistor?

A 0.10 A B 0.20 A C 0.30 A D 0.47 A

9702/11/M/J/20/Q36

47 A cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and internal resistance r is connected to a resistor of

resistance R.

A maximum power P can be dissipated by the resistor without overheating.

E
r

What is the maximum value of E if the resistor does not overheat?

P P P P
A R B R C (R − r ) D (R + r )
(R − r ) (R + r ) R R

9702/11/M/J/20/Q37

48 Three identical resistors can be connected together in four different ways.

The resistances of two of these combinations are 4.0 Ω and 9.0 Ω.

What is the resistance of each individual resistor?

A 3.0 Ω B 6.0 Ω C 12 Ω D 18 Ω
9702/11/M/J/20/Q38

49 In the circuit shown, a battery of negligible internal resistance is connected in series with a pair of
fixed resistors R1 and R2.

R1 60 Ω

6.0 V
X
R2 20 Ω
Y

The circuit is to be used to test whether the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a particular cell is 1.5 V.
The cell is connected between terminals X and Y in parallel with R2 and in series with a
galvanometer.

Which statement about the test is correct?

A Any non-zero reading on the galvanometer means the cell has an e.m.f. of 1.5 V.
B The battery does not need to have an e.m.f. of 6.0 V.
C The cell may be connected either way round between X and Y.
D The galvanometer does not need a scale calibrated in amperes.
9702/12/M/J/20/Q36

50 A cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and internal resistance 0.50 Ω is connected to a resistor of
resistance 4.7 Ω.

E
0.50 Ω

4.7 Ω

The maximum power that can be dissipated by the resistor without overheating is 0.50 W.

What is the maximum value of E for the resistor not to overheat?

A 1.4 V B 1.5 V C 1.7 V D 2.9 V

9702/12/M/J/20/Q37

51 Kirchhoff’s first and second laws link to the conservation of physical quantities.

Which quantities do they link to?

first law second law

A charge energy
B charge momentum
C energy charge
D energy momentum
9702/12/M/J/20/Q38

52 In the circuit shown, X is a variable resistor whose resistance can be changed from 5.0 Ω to
500 Ω. The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery is 12.0 V. It has negligible internal
resistance.

40 Ω

12.0 V

X output

What is the maximum range of values of potential difference across the output?

A 1.3 V to 11.1 V
B 1.3 V to 12.0 V
C 1.5 V to 11.1 V
D 1.5 V to 12.0 V
9702/13/M/J/20/Q35

53 A power supply of electromotive force (e.m.f.) V and negligible internal resistance is connected in
the circuit shown. There is a current of 3.0 A in the 4.0 Ω resistor.

V
+ –

3.0 Ω 4.0 Ω
3.0 A

2.0 Ω

What is the value of V ?

A 15 V B 29 V C 39 V D 51 V
9702/13/M/J/20/Q37

54 A fixed resistor and a variable resistor are connected in series with a cell that has an internal
resistance, as shown.

The graph shows the variation of a quantity X with the resistance R of the variable resistor as R is
increased from zero to its maximum value.

0
0 R

What could X represent?

A the current in the circuit

B the electromotive force of the cell
C the potential difference across the internal resistance
D the terminal potential difference across the cell
9702/13/M/J/20/Q38

55 A cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 4.0 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to a
fixed resistor of resistance 1.0 Ω and a potentiometer of maximum resistance 3.0 Ω, as shown.

4.0 V 3.0 Ω Y

1.0 Ω
X

Which range of potential differences can be obtained between the terminals X and Y?

A 0 V to 3.0 V
B 0 V to 4.0 V
C 1.0 V to 3.0 V
D 1.0 V to 4.0 V
9702/11/M/J/21/Q36

56 The diagram shows a network of resistors. Each resistor has resistance R.

R
X R R Y
R

What is the total resistance of the network between points X and Y?

A R B 6R C 11R D 6R
6 11 6
9702/11/M/J/21/Q37

57 Three resistors are connected in series with a battery, as shown. The battery has negligible
internal resistance.

120 Ω

6.0 V 180 Ω

150 Ω

What is the potential difference across the 180  resistor?

A 1.6 V B 2.4 V C 3.6 V D 4.0 V

9702/11/M/J/21/Q38

58 A potentiometer circuit is used to determine the unknown electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a cell X.

In the circuit shown, E is a cell with an e.m.f. that is known accurately. QR is the potentiometer
wire, which has a movable contact S. Contact S is connected to a galvanometer and to cell X.

S
Q R

What is not a necessary requirement to determine the e.m.f. of X from the circuit?

A The e.m.f. of cell X must be lower than the e.m.f. of cell E.

B The internal resistance of cell X must be known.
C The lengths QS and QR must be determined accurately.
D The resistance of the wire QR must be proportional to its length.
9702/12/M/J/21/Q33

59 The power output of an electrical supply is 2.4 kW at a potential difference (p.d.) of 240 V. The
two wires between the supply and a kettle each have a resistance of 0.50 , as shown.

supply kettle
0.50 Ω
240 V
2.4 kW
0.50 Ω

What is the power supplied to the kettle and what is the p.d. across the kettle?

power / kW p.d. / V

A 2.3 230
B 2.3 235
C 2.4 230
D 2.4 235
9702/12/M/J/21/Q36

60 A cell of constant electromotive force (e.m.f.) but with internal resistance is connected to a fixed
resistor R using a potentiometer. A voltmeter measures the potential difference (p.d.) between
the terminals of the cell.

Z
V
X
R

Which statement explains the change to the reading of the voltmeter as contact Z is moved
towards end X of the potentiometer?

A The voltmeter reading decreases because the current through the cell decreases.
B The voltmeter reading decreases because the current through the cell increases.
C The voltmeter reading increases because the current through the cell decreases.
D The voltmeter reading increases because the current through the cell increases.
9702/12/M/J/21/Q37

61 A cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and negligible internal resistance is connected to a circuit.

The circuit has currents I1, I2 and I3, and potential differences V1, V2 and V3, as shown.

V2
I1 I2
V1

V3

I3

Which equation represents a statement of Kirchhoff’s first law?

A I 1 = I2 + I3 B I 1 = I2 = I3 C E = V 1 + V2 D V 1 = V2 = V3

9702/12/M/J/21/Q38

62 Two resistors are connected in series with a 6.0 V power supply, as shown.

+6.0 V

12 k

0V

What is the resistance of the variable resistor R to give a potential difference of 1.0 V across the
12 k resistor?

A 2.0 k B 10 k C 60 k D 72 k
 9702/13/M/J/21/Q35

63 The diagram shows a circuit containing two batteries connected together.

12.0 V
1.0 Ω

I
8.0 V
0.5 Ω

What is the current I ?

A 2.7 A B 4.0 A C 8.0 A D 13 A

9702/13/M/J/21/Q36

64 The circuit shown includes a cell of constant internal resistance and an external resistor R.

cell

R
A

A student records the ammeter and voltmeter readings. She then connects a second identical
external resistor in parallel with the first external resistor.

What happens to the ammeter reading and to the voltmeter reading?

ammeter reading voltmeter reading

A decreases decreases
B decreases stays the same
C increases decreases
D increases stays the same
9702/13/M/J/21/Q37

65 A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and negligible internal resistance is connected to four
resistors of resistances R1, R2, R3 and R4.

I1 I2

R1 R3

R2 R4

The currents I1 and I2 in the resistors are as shown.

Which equation is correct?

A 0 = I1(R1 + R2) + I2(R3 + R4)

B 0 = I1(R1 + R2) – I2(R3 + R4)

C E = I1(R1 + R2) + I2(R3 + R4)

D E = I1(R1 + R2) – I2(R3 + R4)

9702/13/M/J/21/Q38

66 In the circuit shown, a potentiometer of total resistance 120  is connected in parallel with a
resistor of resistance 150  and a resistor of resistance R.

The battery has electromotive force (e.m.f.) 12 V and negligible internal resistance.

150 Ω

12 V 120 Ω V

The voltmeter reads 0 V when the slider of the potentiometer is 1 of the way from its lower end,
4
as shown.

What is resistance R ?

A 30  B 38  C 50  D 450 
9702/11/M/J/22/Q35

67 A cell has internal resistance r and electromotive force (e.m.f.) E. The cell is connected in series
with an ammeter and a variable resistor of resistance R.

E
r

When R is 10  the ammeter reads 0.3 A.

When R is 5  the ammeter reads 0.4 A.

What is the value of E ?

A 0.5 V B 2V C 3V D 6V
9702/11/M/J/22/Q36

68 The sum of the currents entering a junction in an electrical circuit is always equal to the sum of
the currents leaving the junction.

Why is this?

A It is a consequence of the conservation of charge.

B It is a consequence of the conservation of electromotive force.
C It is a consequence of the conservation of energy.
D It is a consequence of the conservation of potential difference.

9702/11/M/J/22/Q37

69 In the circuits shown, the temperature remains constant.

In which circuit does the potential difference (p.d.) V increase with increasing light intensity?

A B

V V

C D

V V
9702/12/M/J/22/Q35

70 A cell with constant electromotive force (e.m.f.) is connected across a fixed resistor. Over time,
the internal resistance of the cell increases.

Which change occurs as the internal resistance of the cell increases?

A a decrease in the charge of each charge carrier

B a decrease in the potential difference measured across the cell
C an increase in the energy dissipated per unit time in the fixed resistor
D an increase in the number of charge carriers leaving the cell per unit time

9702/12/M/J/22/Q36

71 Kirchhoff’s first and second laws are consequences of the conservation of different quantities.

What are those quantities?

Kirchhoff’s Kirchhoff’s
first law second law

A charge energy
B energy current
C current charge
D energy charge
9702/12/M/J/22/Q37

72 A potentiometer circuit is used to determine the electromotive force (e.m.f.) EX of a cell. The
circuit includes a second cell of known e.m.f. E0 and negligible internal resistance, and a uniform
resistance wire PQ of known length.

EX is less than E0.

The movable connection J can be positioned anywhere along the length of the resistance wire.

Which circuit is suitable for determining EX?

A B
E0 EX

P Q P Q
J J

EX E0

C D
E0 EX

J
P Q P Q
J

EX E0
9702/13/M/J/22/Q36

73 The diagram shows the symbol for a component that may be used in an electrical circuit.

Which component is represented by this circuit symbol?

A buzzer
B electric bell
C loudspeaker
D microphone
9702/13/M/J/22/Q37

74 Which row correctly describes Kirchhoff’s laws?

physics principle physics principle

Kirchhoff’s first law applied for Kirchhoff’s second law applied for
first law second law

A The sum of the conservation The sum of the e.m.f.s conservation

currents entering a of charge around any closed loop of energy
junction equals the in a circuit equals the
sum of the currents sum of the p.d.s around
leaving the junction. the same loop.

B The sum of the conservation The sum of the e.m.f.s conservation

currents entering a of energy around any closed loop of charge
junction equals the in a circuit equals the
sum of the currents sum of the p.d.s around
leaving the junction. the same loop.

C The sum of the e.m.f.s conservation The sum of the currents conservation
around any closed of energy entering a junction of charge
loop in a circuit equals equals the sum of the
the sum of the p.d.s currents leaving the
around the same loop. junction.

D The sum of the e.m.f.s conservation The sum of the currents conservation
around any closed of charge entering a junction of energy
loop in a circuit equals equals the sum of the
the sum of the p.d.s currents leaving the
around the same loop. junction.
9702/13/M/J/22/Q38

75 A potential divider circuit is formed by connecting a battery of negligible internal resistance in

series with two variable resistors, as shown.

RX RY

VX

The variable resistors have resistances RX and RY.

VX is the potential difference (p.d.) across the variable resistor with resistance RX.

RX and RY are both changed at the same time.

Which combination of changes must cause VX to increase?

RX RY

A larger larger
B larger smaller
C smaller larger
D smaller smaller
9702/11/M/J/23/Q35

76 A battery with internal resistance is connected to a fixed resistor, an ammeter and a voltmeter, as
shown.

The battery is replaced by a different battery that has the same electromotive force (e.m.f.) but a
greater internal resistance.

What happens to the readings on the ammeter and voltmeter?

ammeter reading voltmeter reading

A decreases decreases
B decreases stays the same
C stays the same decreases
D stays the same stays the same
9702/11/M/J/23/Q36

77 Four potential divider circuits each consist of a battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 9 V and
negligible internal resistance connected to a combination of resistors. Each of the resistors in the
circuits has a resistance of X or 2X.

Which circuit has the largest output voltage V ?

A B

X X

9V 9V

X V 2X V

C D

X X 2X

9V 9V

X 2X V X V
9702/11/M/J/23/Q37

78 A voltmeter is connected into a circuit with the polarity shown.

+ –
3V V

3V
P

The sliding contact is moved to end P of the potentiometer and then to end Q.

What are the two readings of the voltmeter?

sliding contact sliding contact

at end P at end Q

A 0V 3V
B 0V 6V
C 3V 3V
D 3V 6V
9702/12/M/J/23/Q35

79 Kirchhoff’s first law is a consequence of the conservation of which quantity?

A charge
B energy
C momentum
D potential difference

9702/12/M/J/23/Q36

80 Three identical cells each have electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and negligible internal resistance.
The cells are connected to three identical resistors, each of resistance R, as shown.

E
R

E
R
R
E

What is the potential difference across one of the resistors?

E 2E
A 0 B C D E
3 3
9702/12/M/J/23/Q37

81 In the potentiometer circuit shown, the reading on the ammeter is zero.

power
supply

sliding contact

uniform metal wire

The light-dependent resistor (LDR) is then covered and the ammeter gives a non-zero reading.

Which change could return the ammeter reading to zero?

A decreasing the supply voltage

B increasing the supply voltage
C moving the sliding contact to the left
D moving the sliding contact to the right
9702/13/M/J/23/Q31

82 Two resistors of resistances R and 2R are connected in parallel with a battery of electromotive
force (e.m.f.) 12 V and negligible internal resistance.

12 V

2R

The total power dissipated by the two resistors is 36 W.

What is the value of R?

A 0.50  B 2.7  C 4.0  D 6.0 

9702/13/M/J/23/Q34

83 A battery with internal resistance is connected to a parallel arrangement of two resistors and a
switch S, as shown.

A V

switch
S

Initially, switch S is open.

What happens to the voltmeter and ammeter readings when switch S is closed?

voltmeter ammeter
reading reading

A decreases increases
B decreases decreases
C increases increases
D increases decreases

9702/13/M/J/23/Q35

84 Kirchhoff’s first law states that the sum of the currents entering a junction in a circuit is equal to
the sum of the currents leaving it.

The law is based on the conservation of a physical quantity.

What is this physical quantity?

A charge
B energy
C mass
D momentum
9702/13/M/J/23/Q36

85 Two resistors have a combined resistance of 34  when connected in series. The same resistors
have a combined resistance of 7.4  when connected in parallel.

What is the resistance of one of the resistors?

A 15  B 17  C 23  D 27 

9702/13/M/J/23/Q37

86 A potentiometer circuit is used to investigate the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a cell X.

driver cell
2.0 V

Q P R

sliding contact
X resistance wire

The e.m.f. of cell X is known to be approximately 0.50 V.

The driver cell has negligible internal resistance and an e.m.f. of 2.0 V. The sliding contact is
moved along the uniform resistance wire between ends Q and R to a point P where the reading
on the galvanometer is zero.

What is an expression for the approximate length QP?

QR QR 2QR 3QR
A B C D
4 3 3 4
9702/11/O/N/16/Q36

87 In the circuit shown, the reading on the ammeter is zero.

R1 R3

R2 R4

The four resistors have different resistances R1, R2, R3 and R4.

Which equation is correct?

A R1 – R3 = R2 – R4

B R1 × R3 = R2 × R4
C R1 – R4 = R2 – R3

D R1 × R4 = R2 × R3

9702/11/O/N/16/Q37

88 The diagram shows currents I1, I2, I3, I4 and I5 in different branches of a circuit.

I1 I2

I3

I4 I5

Which equation is correct?

A I1 = I2 + I3

B I2 = I1 + I3

C I3 = I4 + I5

D I4 = I5 + I3
9702/12/O/N/16/Q32

89 The diagram shows a junction in a circuit where three wires P, Q and R meet. The currents in P
and Q are 1 A and 3 A respectively, in the directions shown.

Q
3A
1A
P

R
How much charge passes a given point in wire R in a time of 5 s?

A 0.4 C B 2C C 10 C D 20 C
9702/12/O/N/16/Q34

90 The diagram shows an electric circuit in which the resistance of the external resistor is 2R and
the internal resistance of the source is R.

2R

power in internal resistance

What is the ratio ?
power in external resistor

A 1 B 1 C 2 D 4
4 2
9702/12/O/N/16/Q37

91 In the circuit shown, there is a current of 3.0 A in the 2.0 Ω resistor.

+ –
V

1.5 Ω
3.0 A 2.0 Ω

I
6.0 Ω

What are the values of the current I delivered by the power supply and the voltage V across it?

I/A V/V

A 3.0 10.5
B 4.0 9.0
C 4.0 12
D 12 18
9702/12/O/N/16/Q38

92 In the circuit below, P is a potentiometer of total resistance 10 Ω and Q is a fixed resistor of

resistance 10 Ω. The battery has an e.m.f. of 4.0 V and negligible internal resistance. The
voltmeter has a very high resistance.

Y
4.0 V
V
Q

The slider on the potentiometer is moved from X to Y and a graph of voltmeter reading V is
plotted against slider position.

Which graph is obtained?

A B
V V
4 4

2 2

0 0
X Y X Y
slider position slider position

C D
V V
4 4

2 2

0 0
X Y X Y
slider position slider position
9702/11/O/N/17/Q36

93 In the circuit shown, the ammeter reading is I and the voltmeter reading is V.

When the switch is closed, which row describes what happens to I and to V ?

I V

A decreases decreases
B increases increases
C increases stays the same
D stays the same increases

9702/11/O/N/17/Q37

94 A cell of electromotive force E and negligible internal resistance is connected to a network of

resistors of resistances R1, R2, R3 and R4 as shown.

E
I1

R1
I2 R2

I3
R3 R4

The branches of the circuit have currents I1, I2 and I3.

Which equation is correct?

A I1R1 + I2R2 = I3R3 + I3R4

B I2R2 – I3R4 – I3R3 = 0

C E = I1R1 + I2R2 + I3R3 + I3R4

D E = I1R1 + I2R2 – I3R3 – I3R4

9702/11/O/N/17/Q38

95 The circuit diagram shows four resistors of different resistances P, Q, R and S connected to a
battery.

P Q

V
R S

The voltmeter reading is zero.

Which equation is correct?

A P–Q=R–S
B P–S=Q–R
C PQ = RS
D PS = QR
9702/12/O/N/17/Q34

96 A cell of negligible internal resistance is connected to resistors R1, R2 and R3, as shown. The cell
provides power to the circuit and power is dissipated in the resistors.

R1

R2 R3

Which word equation must be correct?

A power loss in R1 = power loss in R2 + power loss in R3

B power loss in R2 = power loss in R3
C power output of cell = power loss in R1 + power loss in R2 + power loss in R3
D power output of cell = power loss in R1
9702/12/O/N/17/Q37

97 The circuit shown contains a resistor S that is neither in series nor in parallel with the other
resistors.

12.0 V
0.50 Ω

3.0 A
4.0 A
0.5 A

R R

Kirchhoff’s laws can be used with the data in the diagram to deduce the resistance of each of the
two identical resistors labelled R.

What is the resistance of each resistor R?

A 3.0 Ω B 4.0 Ω C 4.8 Ω D 5.0 Ω

9702/12/O/N/17/Q38

98 The diagram shows a potential divider connected to a 12 V supply of negligible internal

resistance.

300 Ω

12 V X

0 –100 Ω

Which range of voltages can be obtained between X and Y?

A 0 to 3 V B 0 to 4 V C 0 to 8 V D 0 to 9 V
9702/13/O/N/17/Q35

99 An ideal diode has zero resistance when forward biased and infinite resistance when reverse
biased. The diode is connected in series with a 2 Ω resistor across the terminals of a source
having electromotive force (e.m.f.) 3 V and internal resistance 1 Ω, as shown.

3V 2Ω

V
1Ω
diode

A high-resistance voltmeter is connected across the diode and resistor.

Which row gives the readings of the voltmeter for the two ways of connecting the diode?

forward reverse
biased biased

A 1V 3V
B 2V 0V
C 2V 3V
D 3V 0V
9702/13/O/N/17/Q36

100 Two cells, each with electromotive force (e.m.f.) E, but different internal resistances r1 and r2, are
connected in series to a resistor R. The reading on the voltmeter is 0 V.

E E
r1 r2

What is the resistance of R?

r1r2
A 0 B r1 – r 2 C r1 + r2 D
r1 + r2

9702/13/O/N/17/Q37

101 Three identical cells each have electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and negligible internal resistance.
The cells are connected to three identical resistors, each of resistance R, as shown.

E
R
P Q

E
R
R
E

What is the potential difference between P and Q?

E 2E
A 0 B C D E
3 3
9702/13/O/N/17/Q38

102 In each arrangement of resistors, the ammeter has a resistance of 2 Ω.

Which arrangement gives the largest reading on the ammeter when the same potential difference
is applied between points P and Q?

A B

1Ω
1Ω 2Ω
A A
P Q P Q
2Ω

C D

1Ω
1Ω
A
P Q A
P Q
2Ω
2Ω
9702/11/O/N/18/Q36

103 A battery, with internal resistance, is connected to a parallel arrangement of two resistors and a
switch S, as shown.

A V

switch
S

Initially switch S is open.

What happens to the voltmeter and ammeter readings when switch S is closed?

voltmeter reading ammeter reading

A decreases increases
B decreases decreases
C increases increases
D increases decreases

9702/11/O/N/18/Q37

104 A battery is connected to a network of six resistors, as shown.

1.2 V 2.2 V

4.1 V 1.2 V

3.7 V R

The potential differences across five of the resistors are labelled on the diagram.

What is the potential difference across resistor R?

A 4.4 V B 4.6 V C 6.6 V D 11.2 V

9702/11/O/N/18/Q38

105 The diagram shows a battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 6 V, connected in series with a
resistor and a uniform resistance wire RQ of length 60 cm.

The resistance of RQ is equal to the resistance of the resistor.

6V

R L Q

X Y

Terminal X is connected to fixed point R. Terminal Y is connected to point P, a connection that

may be made at any position along the wire. L is the distance between R and P.

Which graph shows the variation with L of the potential difference (p.d.) V across XY?

A B
6 6
V/V V/V

0 0
0 60 0 60
L / cm L / cm

C D
6 6
V/V V/V

0 0
0 60 0 60
L / cm L / cm
9702/12/O/N/18/Q34

106 An electrical device of fixed resistance 20 Ω is connected in series with a variable resistor and a
battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 16 V and negligible internal resistance.

16 V

20 Ω
device

What is the resistance of the variable resistor when the power dissipated in the electrical device
is 4.0 W?

A 16 Ω B 36 Ω C 44 Ω D 60 Ω
9702/12/O/N/18/Q36

107 A battery of negligible internal resistance may be connected between any two points P, Q, R and
S of the network of resistors shown.

P 3.0 Ω Q

6.0 Ω 5.0 Ω

S 4.0 Ω R

Which connections will give the largest current and the smallest current in the battery?

largest current smallest current

A PQ PR
B PQ QS
C RS PR
D RS QS

9702/12/O/N/18/Q37

108 Kirchhoff’s second law is a consequence of a basic principle.

What is this principle?

A The charge flowing in an electric circuit is conserved.

B The energy in an electric circuit is conserved.
C The sum of the electric currents entering a point in an electrical circuit is equal to the sum of
the electric currents leaving that point.
D The sum of the potential differences in a circuit is equal to the sum of the products of the
current and resistance.
9702/12/O/N/18/Q38

109 Two cells are investigated using a potentiometer. At the balance point, cell X gives a reading of
44 cm and cell Y gives a reading of 70 cm.

6V 6V
R R

44 cm 70 cm

cell X cell Y

galvanometer galvanometer

Which statement is not correct?

A A potentiometer balance point results in zero current through the galvanometer.

B At the balance point, the current through resistor R in both circuits is the same.
C The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of cell X is larger than that of cell Y.
D The value of the e.m.f. of each of the cells X and Y is less than 6 V.
9702/13/O/N/18/Q33

110 Three resistors are to be connected into a circuit with the arrangement shown.

X 100 Ω 100 Ω Y

100 Ω

The power in any resistor must not be greater than 4.0 W.

What is the maximum voltage across XY?

A 24 V B 30 V C 40 V D 60 V

9702/13/O/N/18/Q35

111 A resistor X of resistance 40 Ω and a variable resistor are connected to a battery of electromotive
force (e.m.f.) 12 V and internal resistance 2.0 Ω, as shown.

12 V
2.0 Ω

0 – 40 Ω
40 Ω

The resistance of the variable resistor is changed from 0 to 40 Ω.

What is the change in power dissipated in resistor X?

A 2.4 W B 2.7 W C 3.6 W D 5.6 W

9702/13/O/N/18/Q36

112 All the resistors shown in the resistor networks W, X, Y and Z have the same resistance.

W X

Y Z

Which list gives the networks in order of increasing total resistance?

A W→Z→Y→X

B X→W→Y→Z

C X→Y→W→Z

D X→Y→Z→W
9702/13/O/N/18/Q37

113 In the circuit shown, the ammeter reading is zero.

50 Ω R

12 V 24 V

100 Ω 200 Ω

What is the resistance of resistor R?

A 100 Ω B 200 Ω C 400 Ω D 600 Ω

9702/11/O/N/19/Q34

114 Kirchhoff’s two laws for electric circuits can be derived by using conservation laws.

On which conservation laws do Kirchhoff’s laws depend?

Kirchhoff’s Kirchhoff’s
first law second law

A charge current
B charge energy
C current mass
D energy current
9702/11/O/N/19/Q35

115 The diagram shows a circuit.

Which statement about the circuit is not correct?

A Electromotive force is the energy transferred per unit charge.

B Energy is transferred from chemical potential energy in the cell to other forms when the
switch is closed.
C The electromotive force of the cell is greater than the terminal potential difference when the
switch is closed.
D When the switch is open, the voltmeter measures the electromotive force of the cell.

9702/11/O/N/19/Q36

116 The diagram shows a circuit containing four voltmeters. The readings on the voltmeters are V1,
V2, V3 and V4. All the readings are positive.

V V3

V1 V V V2

V V4

Which equation relating the voltmeter readings is correct?

A V1 = V2 + V4
B V1 = V2 + V3 + V4
C V2 + V3 = V4
D V3 + V4 – V2 = 0
9702/11/O/N/19/Q37

117 A network consists of a 3.0 Ω resistor and two 6.0 Ω resistors, as shown.

4.0 V
+ –

6.0 Ω 3.0 Ω

6.0 Ω

The potential difference (p.d.) across the network is 4.0 V.

What is the current through the 3.0 Ω resistor?

A 0.17 A B 0.25 A C 0.33 A D 1.3 A

9702/11/O/N/19/Q38

118 In the circuit shown, all the resistors are identical and all the ammeters have negligible
resistance.

A1 A A2 A A3 A A4 A

The reading A1 is 0.6 A.

What are the readings on the other ammeters?

A2 / A A3 / A A4 / A

A 1.0 0.3 0.1

B 1.4 0.6 0.2
C 1.8 0.9 0.3
D 2.2 1.2 0.4
9702/12/O/N/19/Q34

119 Two cells with electromotive forces E1 and E2 and internal resistances r1 and r2 are connected to
a resistor R as shown.

cell 1 cell 2
E1 E2
r1 r2

current

The terminal potential difference across cell 1 is zero.

Which expression gives the resistance of resistor R?

E 2r 1 − E 1r 2 E 2r 1 − E 1r 2 E 1r 2 − E 2r 1 E 1r 2 − E 2r 1
A B C D
E1 E2 E1 E2

9702/12/O/N/19/Q35

120 A battery has an electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and internal resistance r. The battery delivers a
current I to a variable resistor and the potential difference (p.d.) across its terminals is V.

E
r

I
V

The variable resistor is adjusted so that I increases.

Why does V decrease?

A The e.m.f. E decreases.

B The internal resistance r increases.
C The p.d. across r increases.
D The resistance of the variable resistor increases.
9702/12/O/N/19/Q36

121 Three identical resistors are connected between terminals P and Q in different networks X, Y and
Z as shown.

X Y Z

P Q P Q P Q

What is the order of increasing combined resistance between P and Q (lowest first)?

A X→Y→Z

B X→Z→Y

C Y→X→Z

D Y→Z→X

9702/12/O/N/19/Q37

122 The diagram shows a variable resistor R and two fixed resistors connected in series in a circuit to
act as a potential divider.

6.0 V

R 2.0 Ω 10 Ω

2.0 V

The cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 6.0 V has negligible internal resistance. A cell of e.m.f.
2.0 V and a galvanometer are connected into the potential divider. The resistance of R is varied
until the galvanometer reads zero.

What is the resistance of resistor R?

A 3.0 Ω B 5.0 Ω C 8.0 Ω D 18 Ω

9702/13/O/N/19/Q34

123 A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 12 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to
three resistors, each of resistance 6.0 Ω, as shown.

6.0 Ω
6.0 Ω
6.0 Ω R

12 V

What is the power dissipated in resistor R?

A 2.7 W B 6.0 W C 11 W D 24 W

9702/13/O/N/19/Q36

124 A cell of internal resistance 0.5 Ω is connected to a fixed resistor of resistance 10 Ω.

The resistance of the resistor is changed to 20 Ω.

Which statement is not correct?

A The current in the circuit will halve.

B The e.m.f. of the cell will remain constant.
C The power dissipated by the fixed resistor will decrease.
D The terminal p.d. of the cell will increase.
9702/13/O/N/19/Q37

125 Which row correctly describes Kirchhoff’s laws?

physics principle physics principle

Kirchhoff’s first law applied for first Kirchhoff’s second law applied for
law second law

A The sum of the conservation The sum of the e.m.f.s conservation

currents entering a of charge around any closed loop of energy
junction equals the in a circuit equals the
sum of the currents sum of the p.d.s around
leaving the junction. the same loop.

B The sum of the conservation The sum of the e.m.f.s conservation

currents entering a of energy around any closed loop of charge
junction equals the in a circuit equals the
sum of the currents sum of the p.d.s around
leaving the junction. the same loop.

C The sum of the e.m.f.s conservation The sum of the currents conservation
around any closed of energy entering a junction of charge
loop in a circuit equals equals the sum of the
the sum of the p.d.s currents leaving the
around the same loop. junction.

D The sum of the e.m.f.s conservation The sum of the currents conservation
around any closed of charge entering a junction of energy
loop in a circuit equals equals the sum of the
the sum of the p.d.s currents leaving the
around the same loop. junction.
9702/13/O/N/19/Q38

126 In the circuit shown, all the resistors are identical.

V4
V
V
V1

V2
V
V
V3

The reading V1 is 8.0 V and the reading V2 is 1.0 V.

What are the readings on the other voltmeters?

V3 / V V4 / V

A 1.5 1.0
B 3.0 2.0
C 4.5 3.0
D 6.0 4.0
9702/11/O/N/20/Q35

127 In the circuits shown, the power supply has an electromotive force (e.m.f.) greater than the
normal operating voltage of the lamp. The internal resistance of the power supply is negligible.

The resistance of the variable resistor is adjusted from zero to its maximum value.

In which circuit could the voltage across the lamp change from zero to its normal operating
voltage and not exceed its normal operating voltage?

A B

C D
9702/11/O/N/20/Q36

128 Three identical lamps L1, L2 and L3 are connected to a battery with negligible internal resistance,
as shown.

L1 S

L2 L3

What happens to the brightness of lamps L1 and L2 when the switch S is closed?

lamp L1 lamp L2

A brighter brighter
B brighter dimmer
C dimmer brighter
D dimmer dimmer

9702/11/O/N/20/Q37

129 In the circuit shown, the 6.0 V battery has negligible internal resistance. Resistors R1 and R2 and
the voltmeter each have a resistance of 100 k.

6.0 V

R1 R2

100 kΩ 100 kΩ

V
100 kΩ

What is the current in the resistor R2?

A 20 A B 30 A C 40 A D 60 A
9702/12/O/N/20/Q34

130 In the circuit shown, a fixed resistor X is connected in series with a battery and a variable resistor.

The power dissipated in resistor X is 7.2 W when a current of 3.0 A passes through it.

The variable resistor is adjusted so that the power dissipated in X increases by 50%.

What is the new current in the circuit?

A 2.4 A B 3.7 A C 4.5 A D 14 A

9702/12/O/N/20/Q35

131 A resistor and a filament lamp are connected in series with a power supply. The I–V
characteristics of the resistor and of the lamp are shown below.

resistor filament lamp

0.4 0.4
I/A I/A
0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2

0.1 0.1

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5
V/V V/V

The potential difference (p.d.) across the resistor is 3.3 V.

What is the resistance of the lamp?

A 0.071  B 4.2  C 11  D 14 

9702/12/O/N/20/Q36

132 A car battery has an electromotive force (e.m.f.) of 12 V and an internal resistance of 0.05 . The
battery is connected to the starter motor of a car. The current in the motor is 160 A.

12 V
0.05 Ω

160 A

What is the terminal p.d. across the battery?

A 0V B 4V C 8V D 12 V
9702/12/O/N/20/Q37

133 A cell of negligible internal resistance is connected to a network of resistors and a voltmeter, as
shown.

R
3.00 Ω

14.4 Ω
V

2.00 Ω 4.80 Ω

The reading on the voltmeter is zero.

What is the resistance of resistor R?

A 1.20  B 1.80  C 7.20  D 14.4 

9702/12/O/N/20/Q38

134 A voltmeter is connected into a circuit with the polarity shown in the diagram.

+ –
3V V

3V
P

The sliding contact is moved to end P of the potentiometer and then to end Q.

What are the two readings of the voltmeter?

sliding contact sliding contact

at end P at end Q

A 0V 3V
B 0V 6V
C 3V 3V
D 3V 6V
9702/13/O/N/20/Q36

135 A cell is connected to a fixed resistor. Over a long period of time, the internal resistance of the
cell increases.

What is the effect of the increase in internal resistance on the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the
cell and on the power dissipated by the fixed resistor?

e.m.f. power dissipated

A decreases decreases
B decreases no change
C no change decreases
D no change no change

9702/13/O/N/20/Q37

136 Four identical resistors are connected in a circuit, as shown.

30 V

X Y

The battery has negligible internal resistance and an e.m.f. of 30 V.

What is the potential difference between the two points X and Y?

A 6.0 V B 15 V C 20 V D 24 V
9702/13/O/N/20/Q38

137 A power supply and a solar cell are compared using the potentiometer circuit shown.

power supply
2.000 V
+ – R

S
P Q
40.0 cm

galvanometer

solar cell

The potentiometer wire PQ is 100.0 cm long and has a resistance of 5.00 . The power supply
has an e.m.f. of 2.000 V and the solar cell has an e.m.f. of 5.00 mV.

Which resistance R must be used so that the galvanometer reads zero when PS = 40.0 cm?

A 395  B 405  C 795  D 805 

9702/11/O/N/21/Q36

138 What is the circuit symbol for an oscilloscope?

A B C D

9702/11/O/N/21/Q37

139 Three identical cells, each of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and internal resistance r, are
connected as shown.

E
X r

E
r
r
E

current Y

What is the potential difference between points X and Y?

A 0 B E C 2E D 3E
9702/11/O/N/21/Q38

140 Potential differences across two resistors of resistances R1 and R2 are compared using a
potentiometer wire (uniform resistance wire) in the electrical circuit shown.

80 cm

60 cm

potentiometer
wire
R1 X R2 Y

One terminal of a galvanometer is connected to point X. The galvanometer reads zero when its
other terminal is connected to a point that is a distance of 60 cm from one end of the
potentiometer wire.

One terminal of a second galvanometer is connected to point Y. This galvanometer reads zero
when its other terminal is connected to a point that is a distance of 80 cm from the same end of
the potentiometer wire.

R2
What is the ratio ?
R1

A 1 B 3 C 3 D 4
3 4 1 3
9702/12/O/N/21/Q34

141 A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 10 V and internal resistance 5.0  is connected to a 5.0 
load resistor.

10 V
5.0 Ω

5.0 Ω

Which change occurs when the 5.0  load resistor is replaced with a 50  load resistor?

A The current in the circuit increases.

B The potential difference across the load resistor increases.
C The power dissipated in the internal resistance of the battery increases.
D The total power dissipated in the circuit increases.
9702/12/O/N/21/Q37

142 A battery of negligible internal resistance is connected to three resistors, as shown.

2V
0.4 A
2V
0.3 A
2V

The potential difference across each resistor is 2 V.

The current from the battery is 0.4 A and the current through one of the resistors connected in
parallel is 0.3 A.

What is the current through the other resistor connected in parallel and what is the electromotive
force (e.m.f.) of the battery?

current / A e.m.f. / V

A 0.1 4
B 0.3 4
C 0.1 6
D 0.3 6
9702/12/O/N/21/Q38

143 A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 9.0 V and internal resistance 1.0  is connected to a fixed
resistor of resistance 5.0  and a potentiometer of maximum resistance 3.0 , as shown.

9.0 V
1.0 Ω

5.0 Ω 3.0 Ω

The sliding contact of the potentiometer is moved over its full range of movement.

What is the maximum value of the potential difference that is measured by the voltmeter?

A 3.0 V B 3.4 V C 4.5 V D 5.4 V

9702/13/O/N/21/Q34

144 A cell has an electromotive force (e.m.f.) of 6 V and internal resistance R. An external resistor,
also of resistance R, is connected across this cell, as shown.

cell
6V
R

Power P is dissipated by the external resistor.

The cell is replaced by a different cell that has an e.m.f. of 6 V and negligible internal resistance.

What is the new power that is dissipated in the external resistor?

A 0.5P B P C 2P D 4P

9702/13/O/N/21/Q36

145 The diagram shows two resistor networks.

network 1 network 2

2R R

R 2R

2R R

What is the ratio total resistance of network 1 ?

total resistance of network 2

A 4 B 5 C 1 D 2
5 4 2 1
9702/13/O/N/21/Q37

146 The circuit shown contains three cells of electromotive forces 3.0 V, 2.0 V and 4.0 V, in series with
a resistor of resistance 5.0 . The cells have negligible internal resistance.

3.0 V
5.0 Ω

I 4.0 V

2.0 V

What is the current I in the circuit?

A 0.20 A B 0.60 A C 1.0 A D 1.8 A

9702/11/O/N/22/Q34

147 Three identical filament lamps, P, Q and R, are connected to a battery of negligible internal
resistance, as shown.

The filament wire in lamp Q breaks so that it no longer conducts.

What are the changes in the brightness of lamps P and R?

lamp P lamp R

A brighter brighter
B brighter dimmer
C dimmer brighter
D dimmer dimmer

9702/11/O/N/22/Q35

148 Which ratio has the same units as electromotive force (e.m.f.)?

A charge per unit energy transferred

B charge per unit time
C energy transferred per unit charge
D energy transferred per unit time
9702/11/O/N/22/Q36

149 A circuit consists of a battery, a voltmeter and five fixed resistors, as shown.

2.0 : 8.0 :

5.0 : 10.0 :

The voltmeter reading is zero.

What is the resistance of resistor R?

A 1.1  B 2.1  C 4.0  D 8.0 

9702/11/O/N/22/Q37

150 A battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to a
voltmeter and four other components, as shown.

The voltmeter is connected between points X and Y. The positive terminal of the voltmeter is
connected to X and the negative terminal of the voltmeter is connected to Y.

+ –
6.0 V X V Y

Initially, the resistance of each of the four components is 1.0 k.

Which change, on its own, will cause the voltmeter to show a positive reading?

A Decrease the temperature of the thermistor.

B Increase the resistance of the variable resistor.
C Reduce the intensity of light incident on the light-dependent resistor (LDR).

D Replace the fixed resistor with a 500  resistor.

9702/12/O/N/22/Q32

151 The diagrams show two different circuits.

R R R

The cells in each circuit have the same electromotive force (e.m.f.) and negligible internal
resistance. The three resistors each have the same resistance R.

In the circuit on the left, the power dissipated in the resistor is P.

What is the total power dissipated in the circuit on the right?

P P
A B C P D 2P
4 2
9702/12/O/N/22/Q35

152 The diagram shows a cell of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 3.0 V and internal resistance 4.7 
connected across a lamp. The lamp has a resistance of 9.3 .

3.0 V
4.7 :

9.3 :

What is the power dissipated by the internal resistance of the cell?

A 0.22 W B 0.43 W C 0.64 W D 1.0 W

9702/12/O/N/22/Q36

153 A circuit consists of a battery, a high-resistance voltmeter and four fixed resistors, as shown. The
battery has an electromotive force (e.m.f.) of 15.0 V and negligible internal resistance.

15.0 V

24.0 : 6.0 :

V
6.0 : 9.0 :

What is the reading on the voltmeter?

A 3.0 V B 6.0 V C 9.0 V D 12.0 V

9702/12/O/N/22/Q37

154 A potential divider circuit is designed to detect the difference in temperature between two different
places.

20 mV

Y V

The cell has electromotive force (e.m.f.) 20 mV and negligible internal resistance.

Initially, thermistors X and Y are at the same temperature and have the same resistance. The
voltmeter reads 10 mV. X is then placed in a cold environment and its resistance doubles. Y is
placed in a warm environment and its resistance halves.

What is the new reading on the voltmeter?

A 4 mV B 5 mV C 15 mV D 16 mV
9702/13/O/N/22/Q31

155 A battery with a constant internal resistance is connected to a resistor of resistance 250 , as
shown.

250 :

The current in the resistor is 40 mA for a time of 60 s. During this time 6.0 J of energy is dissipated
by the internal resistance.

What is the energy supplied to the external resistor during the 60 s and the electromotive force
(e.m.f.) of the battery?

energy / J e.m.f. / V

A 30 2.5
B 30 7.5
C 24 10.0
D 24 12.5
9702/13/O/N/22/Q34

156 A voltmeter reads 9.000 V when it is connected across the terminals of a battery.

9.000 V
V

When a resistor of resistance 11.0  is connected in parallel with the battery, the voltmeter
reading changes to 8.800 V.

8.800 V
V

11.0 :

What is the internal resistance of the battery?

A 0.244  B 0.250  C 10.8  D 11.3 

9702/13/O/N/22/Q35

157 Each of Kirchhoff’s laws is linked to the conservation of a physical quantity.

Which conserved physical quantities are used in the derivation of Kirchhoff’s first law and of
Kirchhoff’s second law?

Kirchhoff’s Kirchhoff’s
first law second law

A energy charge
B energy momentum
C charge energy
D momentum energy
9702/13/O/N/22/Q36

158 Three batteries and three identical resistors

9.6 V are connected in a circuit PQR, as shown.
P Q

8.4 V 6.3 V

The batteries have negligible internal resistance.

What is the potential difference between points P and Q?

A 1.5 V B 2.1 V C 7.1 V D 12.1 V

9702/13/O/N/22/Q37

159 A cell E, of electromotive force (e.m.f.) 2 V and negligible internal resistance, is connected to a
uniform resistance wire of resistance 10  and length 1.0 m.

resistance wire

P Q

Z is a connection that may be made at any position along the resistance wire. A galvanometer is
connected between Z and a point Q.

A new source of e.m.f. of approximately 8 mV is connected between points P and Q. The e.m.f. of
the new source is determined by changing the position of Z until the reading on the galvanometer
is zero.

Which change to the circuit allows a much more precise value for the e.m.f. of the new source to
be obtained?

A Add a resistor of resistance 0.1  in series with cell E.

B Add a resistor of resistance 1000  in series with cell E.

C Add a resistor of resistance 10  in series with the new source.

D Add a resistor of resistance 800  in series with the new source.