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IGCSEScienceEdexcelScience (Double Award)PhysicsExam Questions2. ElectricityComponents in Series & Parallel Circuits

Components in Series & Parallel Circuits (Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award): Physics): Exam Questions

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1a1 mark

The diagram shows an I−V graph for an electrical component. 

2-2-q1a-e-iv-graph-filament-lamp-mcq-igcse

The component which produces this variation of current with potential difference is

  • a fixed resistor

  • a filament lamp

  • a diode

  • a fuse

Choose your answer

1b1 mark

The diagram shows an I−V graph for an electrical component.

2-2-q1b-e-iv-graph-fixed-resistor

The component which produces this variation of current with potential difference is

  • a fixed resistor

  • a filament lamp

  • a diode

  • a fuse

Choose your answer

1c1 mark

The diagram shows an I−V graph for an electrical component. 

2-2-q1c-e-iv-graph-diode-mcq-igcse

The component which produces this variation of current with potential difference is

  • a fixed resistor

  • a filament lamp

  • a diode

  • a fuse

Choose your answer

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2a1 mark

The diagram shows a lighting circuit in a house. 

13-1-2a

Component X is

  • a double insulated wire

  • an earth connection

  • a fuse

  • a switch

Choose your answer

2b1 mark

Most lamps at home have their own switch. 

This is because the lamps are connected

  • in parallel

  • in series

  • to a fuse

  • to an earth wire

Choose your answer

2c2 marks

Place ticks next to the two advantages of series circuits.

They are more difficult to install, repair and maintain

 

They are the easiest type of circuit to install, repair and maintain

 

They do not overheat easily because they share the same current

 

Adding too many lamps may cause overheating

 

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2d2 marks

Place ticks next to the two advantages of parallel circuits.

If one lamp fails, other lamps will still function

 

If one lamp fails, other lamps will not function

 

Different lamps can have different brightnesses and not affect the others

 

Not all lamps have the same brightness

 

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3a1 mark

The diagram shows a series circuit.

current-in-circuit

Which of the following shows the correct relationship between the readings on ammeters A1, A2 and A3?

  • A subscript 1 space equals space A subscript 2 space plus space A subscript 3

  • A subscript 1 space equals space A subscript 2 space equals space A subscript 3

  • A subscript 1 space equals space A subscript 2 space minus space A subscript 3

  • A subscript 1 space equals space A subscript 3 space minus space A subscript 2

Choose your answer

3b3 marks

Complete the sentences to explain how a fuse protects a circuit. 

larger than      smaller than      melts    falls off    starts   stops    overheating    overexciting

When the current becomes ........................... the value of the fuse, the fuse wire ........................... . This ........................... the flow of current in the circuit.

This is an important safety feature in a circuit to prevent the wires in the circuit from ........................... .

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4a1 mark

A student investigates how the resistance of a thermistor varies with temperature.

Draw the circuit symbol for a thermistor.

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4b3 marks

A light-dependent resistor (LDR) can be used as a sensor to detect light intensity. 

Sketch a graph on the axes below to show how the resistance of an LDR varies as the light intensity changes.

2-2-q4b-e-resistance-light-intensity-blank-axes-sq-igcse

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5a1 mark

A student has some LEDs connected in a circuit. They emit light of different colours.

When an LED is on it shows that

  • there must be alternating current in the circuit

  • there must be a current in the circuit

  • there is a fault in the LED

  • a fuse has blown

Choose your answer

5b1 mark

The diagram shows a circuit containing five LEDs connected in parallel.

2-2-q5b-e-led-parallel-circuit-mcq-igcse

What is the current at X?

  • 0.17 A

  • 0.26 A

  • 0.43 A

  • 1.38 A

Choose your answer

5c3 marks

(i) State the equation linking power, current and voltage.

[1]

(ii) Calculate the power of the LEDs. The voltage of the battery is 12 V.

  Power = .................... W[2]

How did you do?

5d4 marks

(i) State the equation linking power, energy transferred and time.

[1]

(ii) Calculate the amount of energy transferred by the LEDs in 300 seconds.

  Energy transferred = .......................... J[3]

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1a1 mark

A student is given an unknown electrical component, X. He uses a circuit to investigate how the current in X varies with the voltage across it.

Which of these circuits is correct for his investigation?

screenshot-2022-10-10-123631

    Choose your answer

    1b3 marks

    This diagram shows another circuit the student is investigating.

    13-1-5a

    (i) Complete the table by putting a tick (✓) in the box if the lamp is lit and a cross (х) in the box if the lamp is not lit.

    S1 position

    S2 position

    Lamp lit (✓ or х)

    W

    X

     

    W

    Y

     

    Z

    X

     

    Z

    Y

     

    [2]

    (ii) Suggest where this circuit would be useful in a house.

    [1]

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    2a4 marks

    A student uses voltmeter and ammeter readings to find the resistance at different temperatures. One set of readings is show below.

    temperature

    in °C

    voltmeter

    reading in V

    ammeter

    reading in mA

    80

    13.2

    2.60

    (i) State the equation linking voltage, current and resistance.

    [1]

    (ii) Show that the resistance of the thermistor at 80 °C is about 5000 Ω.

    [3]

    How did you do?

    2b5 marks

    A student uses voltmeter and ammeter readings to find the resistance at different temperatures for two different components, A and B.

    The graphs show the results.

    2-2-q2c

    Compare the results for component A and component B.

    How did you do?

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    3a2 marks

    An LED needs a minimum voltage to make it emit light.

    The student investigates this minimum voltage using the circuit shown.

    2-2-q5a

    The student uses a voltmeter to measure the voltage across the LED.

    Add this voltmeter to the circuit diagram.

    How did you do?

    3b4 marks

    The student gradually increases the voltage across the LED and records the minimum voltage at which the LED emits light. The results for some different LEDs are shown in the table.

    Colour of light from LED

    Minimum voltage in V

    Red

    1.7

    Blue

    3.6

    Yellow

    2.1

    Orange

    2.0

    Green

    3.0

    Display the results of the student's investigation on the grid.

    2-2-q5bq2

    How did you do?

    3c2 marks

    The student concludes:

    Young person in a polo shirt with a speech bubble saying, "The minimum voltage depends on the wavelength of the light emitted."

    Evaluate the student's conclusion.

    How did you do?

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    4a4 marks

    The diagram shows part of an electric circuit.

    2-2-8a-q

    Complete the circuit diagram by adding:

    • a resistor in series with the lamp and battery

      • a second lamp in parallel with the first lamp

      • a voltmeter that measures the voltage across the resistor

      • an ammeter that measures the current in the resistor

    How did you do?

    4b6 marks

    The current in a resistor is measured for different voltages.

    The table shows the results.

    Voltage in V

    Current in A

    1.0

    0.10

    2.5

    0.25

    3.0

    0.30

    4.5

    0.40

    5.0

    0.50

    6.0

    0.60

    (i) Plot a graph of this data on the grid.

    [4]

    (ii) Circle the anomalous point on the graph.

    [1]

    (iii) Draw a line of best fit.

    2-2-q8b2

    [1]

    How did you do?

    4c3 marks

    (i) State the equation linking voltage current and resistance.

    [1]

    (ii) Use your graph to find a value for the resistance of the resistor.

    resistance = ............................................... Ω[2]

    How did you do?

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    5a4 marks

    The graph shows how current and voltage vary for a filament lamp.

    2-2-q9

    Draw a circuit diagram to show how you should connect the equipment needed to make the measurements needed to plot the graph.

    How did you do?

    5b4 marks

    The resistance of the filament lamp changes as the voltage is increased.

    (i) How can you tell this from the graph?

    [1]

    (ii) Explain these changes in resistance.

    [3]

    How did you do?

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    6a6 marks

    A student investigates how the resistance of a piece of wire changes with voltage across the wire.

    The student connects an ammeter, a voltmeter, a battery, a variable resistor and the wire in an electrical circuit.

    (i) Complete the diagram to show how the student should connect the circuit.

    2-2-q10a

    [3]

    (ii) Describe what she should do to obtain a set of results for her investigation.

    [3]

    How did you do?

    6b1 mark

    The student keeps the temperature of the wire constant during the investigation.

    Suggest why she does this.

    How did you do?

    6c2 marks

    When the student looks at her results, she notices that the voltage across the wire is directly proportional to the current in it.

    (i) State the relationship linking voltage, current and resistance.

    [1]

    (ii) The student calculates the resistance and then plots a graph of resistance against voltage.

    On the axes, sketch the shape of her graph. 

    2-2-q10c

    [1]

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    7a3 marks

    A student plans to measure the resistance of a piece of wire.

    He sets up this circuit and finds that it does not work.

    2-2-q11a

    Identify the three errors in the student’s circuit.

    How did you do?

    7b5 marks

    The student uses a correct circuit to obtain these results.

    Current in amps

    Voltage in volts

    0.00

    0.0

    0.24

    1.5

    0.71

    4.5

    0.89

    6.0

    1.00

    7.5

    1.10

    9.0

    Plot a graph to show the relationship between current and voltage for the wire.

    2-2-q11bi

    How did you do?

    7c2 marks

    (i) Find the current when the voltage is 2.5 V.

    [1]

    (ii) Suggest why the line on the graph curves.

    [1]

    How did you do?

    7d4 marks

    Describe what else the student should do to find an accurate value for the resistance of the piece of wire at a constant temperature.

    How did you do?

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    8a4 marks

    A student is given an unknown electrical component, X. He uses a circuit to investigate how the current in X varies with the voltage across it.

    The table shows the student’s results. 

    Voltage across X (V)

    Current in X (A)

    0

    0

    3.0

    0.5

    14.5

    2.3

    19.5

    2.9

    25.0

    3.2

    29.5

    3.3

    Plot a graph of these results and draw a curve of best fit.

    15-2-2a

    How did you do?

    8b5 marks

    (i) State the equation linking voltage, current and resistance.

    [1]

    (ii) Calculate the resistance of component X when the voltage across it is 10.0 V.

    Give the unit.

    Resistance = ................................ unit ......................[4]

    How did you do?

    8c5 marks

    (i) Describe the pattern shown by the graph from part (a).

    [3]

    (ii) Suggest a conclusion for the investigation

    [2]

    How did you do?

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    11 mark

    A student uses a circuit that contains an ammeter, a battery, a light emitting diode (LED) and a voltmeter.

    He notices there is no current in the diode when the battery is reversed. 

    He replaces the battery with an a.c. supply.

    Which graph shows how the current in the diode varies with time?

    2-2-mcq1

      Choose your answer

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      21 mark

      The student shines light on the LDR through a circular hole in a piece of black card, as shown in the diagram.

      The student repeats the experiment using cards with holes of different diameter. The distance from the card to the LDR is always 5 cm.

      The student varies the current in the circuit by adjusting the variable resistor.

      2-2-mcq6

      The independent variable in this experiment is:

      • the brightness of the light source

      • the diameter of the hole

      • the distance from the card to the LDR

      • the resistance of the LDR

      Choose your answer

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      3a8 marks

      A student uses this apparatus to investigate how the resistance of a thermistor changes with temperature.

      2-2-q1a

      (i) Draw a circuit diagram for this investigation.

      [2]

      (ii) The student wants to measure the voltage across the thermistor.

      On your diagram, add a symbol to show how she should connect the voltmeter to the circuit.

      [1]

      (iii) Explain how the student can use the apparatus to investigate how the resistance of the thermistor varies with temperature between 0 °C and 100 °C.

      [5]

      How did you do?

      3b2 marks

      The graph shows the student’s results.

      2-2-q1b

      Two students discuss the line of best fit for this graph. One student thinks it is the curved line A. The other student thinks that it is the straight line B.

      (i) Suggest which line is better, giving a reason for your choice. 

      [1]

      (ii) Suggest why measuring the resistance of the thermistor at 10 °C could help to decide which line is better.

      [1]

      How did you do?

      3c3 marks

      These graphs show the voltage (V) changes with the current (I) for three components.

      2-2-q1c

      The components are a metal wire at a constant temperature, a diode and a filament lamp.

      Which letter represents the correct graph for each component?

      (i) Metal wire at constant temperature

      [1]

      (ii) Diode

      [1]

      (iii) Filament lamp

      [1]

      How did you do?

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      4a2 marks

      A student uses the following apparatus to investigate how the resistance of a thermistor changes with temperature.

      2-2-q4a

      Explain why the student places the thermistor in a beaker of water.

      How did you do?

      4b6 marks

      The table shows the student's results.

      Temperature

      in °C

      Resistance

      in Ω

      0

      10 000

      10

      7 060

      20

      5 000

      40

      2 670

      60

      2 350

      80

      1 080

      100

      609

      (i) Plot a graph of these results on the grid.

      [4]

      (ii) Circle the anomalous point on the graph.

      [1]

      (iii) Draw a curve of best fit.

      graph-paper

      [1]

      How did you do?

      4c2 marks

      (i) Why is the maximum temperature in the student’s investigation limited to 100°C?

      [1]

      (ii) Suggest how the student obtains readings below room temperature.

      [1]

      How did you do?

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      5a4 marks

      The resistance of a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) is affected by the amount of light that shines on it. 

      A student investigates this relationship using the circuit shown.

      2-2-q6a

      (i) The student uses a voltmeter to measure the voltage across the LDR.

      Add this voltmeter to the circuit diagram.

      [2]

      (ii) Explain how the student can work out the resistance of the LDR using this circuit.

      [2]

      How did you do?

      5b1 mark

      The student shines light on the LDR through a circular hole in a piece of black card, as shown in the diagram. The student repeats the experiment using cards with holes of different diameter. The distance from the card to the LDR is always 5 cm. The student varies the current in the circuit by adjusting the variable resistor.

      2-2-mcq6

      The photograph shows how the student places a metal ruler to measure the diameter of one of the holes.

      2-2-q6b

      Suggest how the student can improve this technique while still using the same ruler.

      How did you do?

      5c7 marks

      The table shows the student’s results.

      Diameter of hole in mm

      Resistance of LDR in Ω

      8

      1050

      10

      890

      15

      640

      20

      490

      23

      430

      30

      340

      (i) Plot the student’s results on the grid.

      2-2-q6c-2

      [4]

      (ii) Draw a curve of best fit on the graph.

      [1]

      (iii) Describe the relationship between the resistance of the LDR and the diameter of the hole.

      [2]

      How did you do?

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      6a4 marks

      A student investigates the current in a thermistor at different temperatures using the circuit shown in the diagram.

      2-2-q7a

      The student uses a voltmeter to check that the voltage across the thermistor stays constant throughout the investigation.

      (i) Add this voltmeter to the circuit diagram.

      [2]

      (ii) Give a reason for keeping the voltage across the thermistor constant.

      [1]

      (iii) Give a reason for including the variable resistor in the circuit.

      [1]

      How did you do?

      6b3 marks

      The student increases the temperature of the thermistor and records the current and temperature readings. The graph shows the student's results.

      2-2-q7b

      The student plans the use his circuit to make an electronic thermometer, He notices that both the scales on the graph go up to 100.

      He thinks that the current reading, measured in mA, gives a direct indication of the temperature measured in °C. He labels the ammeter's scale 'temperature in °C'.

      Give three reasons why the student's electronic thermometer is unlikely to show the correct temperature.

      You may use information from the circuit and the graph to support your answer.

      How did you do?

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