CAIE A-Level Physics AS 10.1 Practical Circuits Questions

Practise reading circuit symbols and diagrams, distinguishing e.m.f. from terminal p.d. and analysing internal resistance, lost volts and load changes.

Exam points

identify and draw practical circuit symbols and interpret complete circuit diagrams
define e.m.f. and distinguish it from p.d. through energy transfer per unit charge
analyse internal resistance, lost volts and terminal p.d. as load current or resistance changes

Covered syllabus points

10.1.1—The circuit symbols shown in section 6 of this syllabus 10.1.2—Draw and interpret circuit diagrams containing the circuit symbols shown in 10.1.3—The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a source as energy transferred per unit 10.1.4—E.m.f. and potential difference (p.d.) in terms of energy considerations 10.1.5—The effects of the internal resistance of a source of e.m.f. on the terminal

[Maximum number: 1]

Which circuit symbol represents a microphone?

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS — Option A

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS — Option B

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS — Option C

Figure for Question 1 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS — Option D

[Maximum number: 1]

Diagram 1 shows a lamp connected to a supply through two switches.
During repairs, an electrician mistakenly reverses the connections $X_{1}$ and $Z_{1}$ , so that $Z_{1}$ is connected to the supply and $X_{1}$ to the other switch at $Z_{2}$ , as shown in diagram 2 .

Figure for Question 2 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS

diagram 2

Which switch positions will now light the lamp?

$\mathrm{X}_{2}$ to $\mathrm{Y}_{2}$

$\mathrm{X}_{2}$ to $\mathrm{Z}_{2}$

$\mathrm{X}_{2}$ to $\mathrm{Y}_{2}$

$\mathrm{X}_{2}$ to $\mathrm{Z}_{2}$

[Maximum number: 1]

Which statement about the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a cell is always correct?

The e.m.f. is the energy converted from electrical to other forms in the cell.

The e.m.f. is the energy provided by the cell per unit charge passing through it.

The e.m.f. is the potential difference across the internal resistance of the cell.

The e.m.f. is the potential difference across the terminals of the cell.

[Maximum number: 1]

What are the definitions of potential difference (p.d.) and electromotive force (e.m.f.), in terms of energy transfer W and charge q ?

p.d.

e.m.f.

$\frac{W}{q}$

W q

$\frac{W}{q}$

W q

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows a circuit that includes a cell with internal resistance.

Figure for Question 5 — CAIE A-Level Physics AS

The switch is initially open.
Which row describes the effects on currents $I_{1}$ and $I_{2}$ of closing the switch?

$I_{1}$

$I_{2}$

decreases

stays the same

increases

decreases

increases

stays the same

All question bank results loaded

Covered syllabus points

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5