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IB Physics HL B 5 9 Direct Current and Charge Flow Questions

Practise IB Physics HL B.5.9 by analysing charge continuity, carrier drift and current in wires, liquids, satellites and illuminated devices.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Calculate average current from charge transferred over time, including discharge, electron emission and charge accumulation in a component.
  • Apply I=nqAv and charge-continuity reasoning to determine drift speed, carrier number, cross-sectional-area effects and current in connected wires.
  • Explain how charge carriers, electrostatic build-up and a complete circuit determine whether current can continue, including currents in metals, liquids and illuminated devices.

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Study B.5.9—Direct current and charge flow conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Physics HL B 5 9 Direct Current and Charge Flow Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

A cable consisting of many copper wires is used to transfer electrical energy from an alternating current (ac) generator to an electrical load. The copper wires are protected by an insulator.

Figure for Question IB Physics HL B 5 9 Direct Current and Charge Flow Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

The copper wires and insulator are both exposed to an electric field. Discuss, with reference to charge carriers, why there is a significant electric current only in the copper wires.

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