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Current & Circuits (DP IB Physics: SL): Exam Questions

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11 mark

What is the unit for the quantity defined as 'the charge carried by an electric current of one ampere in one second'?

  • Current

  • Potential difference

  • Coulomb

  • Ampere

Choose your answer

21 mark

Which quantity and unit is defined as 'the rate of flow of electric charge past a cross-section of material'?

 

Quantity

Unit

A.

charge

coulomb

B.

charge

ampere

C.

current

coulomb

D.

current

ampere

    Choose your answer

    31 mark

    Three circuit symbols are shown.

    5-2-q1-sl-easy-mcq-phy-

    What are the correct names for the circuit symbols?

     

    I.

    II.

    III.

    A.

    heating element

    potentiometer

    variable resistor

    B.

    heating element

    fuse

    thermistor

    C.

    resistor

    ammeter

    variable resistor

    D.

    voltmeter

    fuse

    thermistor

      Choose your answer

      41 mark

      A circuit is shown.

      5-2-q2-sl-easy-mcq-phy-

      What is correct about the features of the circuit?

      A.

      a bulb is in series with a fixed resistor

      current can be measured through the cell

      B.

      a bulb is protected by a fuse

      current can be measured through the bulb

      C.

      a bulb is protected by a fuse

      voltage can be measured across the cell

      D.

      a capacitor is in series with a fuse

      voltage can be measured across the bulb

        Choose your answer

        51 mark

        Electrons moving through a metal wire transfer some of their electric potential energy to the positive ions of the metal.

        Which two changes occur as a result of this energy transfer?

         

        Kinetic energy of the lattice

        Resistance of the metal wire

        A.

        decreases

        decreases

        B.

        decreases

        increases

        C.

        increases

        decreases

        D.

        increases

        increases

          Choose your answer

          6
          Sme Calculator          1 mark

          Two identical 10 Ω resistors are connected first in series, and then in parallel, as shown.

          5-2-q4-sl-easy-mcq-phy

          What is the combined resistance of the series and parallel arrangements?

           

          Series

          Parallel

          A.

          5 Ω

          20 Ω

          B.

          10 Ω

          20 Ω

          C.

          20 Ω

          10 Ω

          D.

          20 Ω

          5 Ω

            Choose your answer

            71 mark

            Which graph represents the variation with potential difference V of the current I of an ohmic resistor?

            • 5-2-q5-opt-a-sl-easy-mcq-phy
            • 5-2-q5-opt-b-sl-easy-mcq-phy
            • 5-2-q5-opt-c-sl-easy-mcq-phy
            • 5-2-q5-opt-d-sl-easy-mcq-phy

            Choose your answer

            8
            Sme Calculator            1 mark

            A wire with resistivity ρ, length L and cross-sectional area A has resistance R.

            5-2-q6-1-sl-easy-mcq-phy

            Three wires made from the same material are shown below.

            5-2-q6-2-sl-easy-mcq-phy

            Which wire will also have resistance R?

            • I only

            • I and II

            • II and III

            • III only

            Choose your answer

            91 mark

            Three statements are made about parallel circuits.

            I. A single power source supplies all lights and appliances with the same potential difference 

            II. The current is the same in all branches so only one type of fuse is needed

            III. If one bulb breaks, the appliances in other branches continue to work

            Which of these statements describes the benefits of using parallel circuits when connecting components in homes and vehicles?

            • I and II

            • I and III

            • II and III

            • I, II and III

            Choose your answer

            101 mark

            A student is provided with three identical cells, each having a potential difference of V.

            5-2-q8-sl-easy-mcq-phy

            For the two arrangements shown, what is the total potential difference across the array?

             

            Series

            Parallel

            A.

            V

            3 V

            B.

            1 third V

            3 V

            C.

            3 V

            1 third V

            D.

            3 V

            V

              Choose your answer

              111 mark

              A particular quantity X is an important factor when calculating electrical circuits. X can be found using several different equations, as shown.

              X space equals space W over t

               

              X space equals space I V

              X space equals space I squared R

              X space equals space V squared over R

              What is X?

              • Current, I

              • Power, P

              • Resistance, R

              • Resistivity, ρ

              Choose your answer

              121 mark

              Which is the correct unit for electromotive force?

              • Newton, N

              • Ampere, A

              • Volt, V

              • Coulomb, C

              Choose your answer

              13
              Sme Calculator              1 mark

              A cell with an e.m.f. of 5.0 V and internal resistance of 5.0 Ω is connected to a lamp of resistance 200 Ω.

              What is the current in the cell?

              • 0.10 A

              • 0.050 A

              • 0.025 A

              • 0.024 A

              Choose your answer

              141 mark

              Which statement correctly describes internal resistance?

              • The internal resistance of a cell is measured in amperes.

              • When the internal resistance is zero, the terminal pd of a cell is equal to its emf.

              • Internal resistance of a cell is due to resistance in the circuit wires.

              • Internal resistance within a cell increases its emf.

              Choose your answer

              151 mark

              A graph showing the variation of terminal potential difference V of a cell with the current I flowing through it is shown:

              q5_electromotive-force--internal-resistance_aqa-as-physics-mcq

              Which quantity is represented by the magnitude of the slope of the graph?

              • The internal resistance of the cell.

              • The terminal potential difference provided by the cell.

              • The current through the cell.

              • The external resistance in the circuit.

              Choose your answer

              161 mark

              Which of the following statements about the emfspace ϵ spaceof a cell is correct?

              • The emf is measured in newtons

              • ϵ space equals space I R space plus space I r squared, where R is the load resistance and r is the internal resistance

              • ϵ is the amount of chemical energy transferred to electric energy, per unit of charge through a cell

              • The emf of a cell is always less than its terminal – or output – potential difference

              Choose your answer

              171 mark

              Solar heating panels and photovoltaic cells can be used in locations where the Sun shines for long periods of the day. 

              What are solar heating panels and photovoltaic cells commonly used for? 

               

              Solar heating panels

              Photovoltaic cells

              A.

               heat tap water

              generate electricity

              B.

              cool drinking water

              heat drinking water

              C.

              store water

              store electricity 

              D.

              generate electricity

              heat tap water

                Choose your answer

                11 mark

                What is the definition of electric current?

                • The ratio of potential difference across a component to the resistance of the component 

                • The rate of flow of electric charge 

                • The energy transferred per unit of charge flowing through a component 

                • The chemical energy transferred to electrical energy per unit of charge flowing in a cell 

                Choose your answer

                2
                Sme Calculator                1 mark

                A power cable X has resistance R and carries current I. A second cable Y has resistance 2 R and carries current I over 2.

                What is the ratio fraction numerator power blank dissipated blank in blank straight Y over denominator power blank dissipated blank in blank straight X end fraction?

                • 1 fourth

                • 1 half

                • 2

                • 4

                Choose your answer

                3
                Sme Calculator                1 mark

                Two resistors are connected to a cell. 

                q14_heating-effect-of-electric-currents_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                Assuming both resistors are made from wires of the same length, which graph shows how the potential V varies along the line XY?

                ma14_heating-effect-of-electric-currents_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                  Choose your answer

                  4
                  Sme Calculator                  1 mark

                  Four resistors are connected to a battery of e.m.f. 6 V as shown.

                  q17_heating-effect-of-electric-currents_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                  If the battery has negligible internal resistance, what is the current in the battery?

                  • 2 A

                  • 3 A

                  • 4 A

                  • 5 A

                  Choose your answer

                  51 mark

                  Which of the following is not a valid unit for resistivity?

                  • V m A–1

                  • J m s–1 A–1

                  • J m s–1 A–2

                  • Ω m

                  Choose your answer

                  6
                  Sme Calculator                  1 mark

                  Three resistors are connected to a cell of e.m.f. 10 V and negligible internal resistance as shown.

                  q19_heating-effect-of-electric-currents_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                  What is the power dissipated in one of the 2 Ω resistors and in the whole circuit?

                   

                  power dissipated in the 2 Ω resistor / W

                  power dissipated in the whole circuit / W

                  A

                  1

                  18

                  B

                  1

                  20

                  C

                  2

                  18

                  D

                  2

                  20

                    Choose your answer

                    71 mark

                    Three identical lamps, W, X and Y are connected to a cell of negligible internal resistance as shown. 

                    q20_heating-effect-of-electric-currents_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                    When the switch is closed, each lamp is lit. Which of the following correctly describes the brightness of lamps W, X and Y when the switch is opened?

                     

                    lamp W

                    lamp X

                    lamp Y

                    A

                    increases

                    increases

                    decreases

                    B

                    decreases

                    off

                    decreases

                    C

                    decreases

                    off

                    increases

                    D

                    increases

                    decreases

                    decreases

                      Choose your answer

                      8
                      Sme Calculator                      1 mark

                      A science student who lives in the UK, where the mains voltage is 240 V, buys a light bulb marked 60 W which she uses in her bedroom. The student takes the lightbulb with her on a trip to Canada where the mains voltage is 100 V and also uses it there.

                      What is the approximate power dissipated in the bulb in the UK and Canada?

                       

                      UK / W

                      Canada / W

                      A.

                      30

                      10

                      B.

                      60

                      30

                      C.

                      60

                      10

                      D.

                      120

                      60

                        Choose your answer

                        9
                        Sme Calculator                        1 mark

                        A resistor of resistance R is connected to the terminals of a battery of e.m.f. 9.0 V and internal resistance r.

                        q11_electric-cells_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                        A charge of 240 C through the resistor in two minutes. The energy dissipated in the resistor as a result is 1440 J.

                        What is the internal resistance r of the battery?  

                        • 3.0 Ω

                        • 2.0 Ω 

                        • 1.5 Ω 

                        • 4.5 Ω 

                        Choose your answer

                        101 mark

                        A battery of electromotive force epsilon delivers charge Q to the load resistance.

                        The quantity epsilon Q is

                        • the chemical work done around the circuit is ϵQ 

                        • the electrical work done between the terminals of the battery is ϵQ

                        • the load resistance is ϵQ

                        • the electrical work done in the battery and the across the load resistance is ϵQ  

                        Choose your answer

                        11
                        Sme Calculator                        1 mark

                        The potential difference across the terminals of a battery is 5.0 V when the current is 1.0 A and 4.0 V when the current is 1.5 A.

                        What is the emf of the battery and its internal resistance?

                         

                        emf (V)

                        internal resistance (Ω)

                        A.

                        7.0

                        2.0

                        B.

                        7.0

                        0.5

                        C.

                        3.0

                        2.0

                        D.

                        3.0

                        0.5

                          Choose your answer

                          121 mark

                          An electrical circuit is designed to measure the current I through a variable resistor of resistance R. The cell used in the circuit has an emf epsilon and an internal resistance r.

                          A graph shows the variation with resistance R of 1 over I.

                          q15_electric-cells_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                          What is the magnitude of the gradient?

                          • 1 over ϵ

                          • 1 over R

                          • 1 over r

                          • r

                          Choose your answer

                          131 mark

                          Which statement about terminal potential difference V and e.m.f. ϵ is incorrect?

                          • For non-ideal batteries, terminal potential difference is always measured to be less than the e.m.f. 

                          • V = ϵ only when current in the cell is zero 

                          • For ideal batteries, the terminal potential difference is always measured to be less than the e.m.f. 

                          • The terminal potential difference of non-ideal batteries decreases over time

                          Choose your answer

                          141 mark

                          Which of the following is not a valid unit for internal resistance?

                          • V A–1

                          • J s–1 A–2

                          • kg m2 A­–2 s–2

                          • kg m2 A­–2 s–3

                          Choose your answer

                          15
                          Sme Calculator                          1 mark

                          In the two circuits shown, only the internal resistances differ.

                          q19_electric-cells_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                          Which row in the table below correctly describes the potential difference across and power dissipated by the 3 Ω resistor? 

                           

                          potential difference across the 3 Ω resistor (V)

                          power dissipated in the 3 Ω resistor (W)

                          A.

                          Greater in X than in Y

                          Lesser in X than in Y

                          B.

                          Greater in X than in Y

                          Greater in X than in Y

                          C.

                          Lesser in X than in Y

                          Lesser in X than in Y

                          D.

                          Lesser in X than in Y

                          Greater in X than in Y

                            Choose your answer

                            161 mark

                            A cell of internal resistance r is connected to a variable resistor R.

                            q20_electric-cells_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                            Which of the following statements about the circuit is/are correct?

                            I. If the resistance of R decreases, the terminal potential difference of the cell also decreases, but the power dissipated in the cell is large

                            II. If the resistance of R is made very large, the current in the circuit is very small but most of the power supplied by the cell is dissipated by R

                            III. If the resistance of R is made very small, then the lifetime of the cell reduces

                            • I only

                            • II only

                            • I and III only

                            • I, II and III

                            Choose your answer

                            1
                            Sme Calculator                            1 mark

                            What is the current reading on the ideal ammeter shown?

                            5-2-sl-mcq-hard-q1-phy

                            • 1.0 A

                            • 2.0 A

                            • 3.3 A

                            • 6.6 A

                            Choose your answer

                            2
                            Sme Calculator                            1 mark

                            What is the current reading on the ideal ammeter shown?

                            5-2-sl-mcq-hard-q2-phy

                            • 0 A

                            • 0.12 mA

                            • 12.0 A

                            • 26.7 A

                            Choose your answer

                            3
                            Sme Calculator                            1 mark

                            A student is investigating how many lemons would be needed to power a bulb using lemon cells.

                            Each lemon produces one lemon cell, which has an emf of 1.0 V and an internal resistance of 5000 Ω.

                            What is the least number of lemons needed to light a bulb with a rating of 5.0 W and 8.0 V?

                            • 9

                            • 3000

                            • 15 000

                            • 30 000

                            Choose your answer

                            4
                            Sme Calculator                            1 mark

                            The diagram shows a cubical wire framework made from rigid, uniform copper wire. The wires all have the same length.

                            Points A and H are connected to the terminals of a 6.0 V power supply. Side AB has a resistance of 2.0 Ω.

                            5-2-sl-mcq-hard-q4-question-phy

                            Which line correctly identifies the total resistance of the network, the potential at F and the current in BC?

                             

                            total resistance / Ω

                            current in side BC / A

                            potential at F / V

                            A.

                            1 third

                            3.6

                            6.0

                            B.

                            5 over 3

                            0.6

                            2.4

                            C.

                            1 third

                            1.2

                            3.6

                            D.

                            5 over 3

                            0.6

                            6.0

                              Choose your answer

                              5
                              Sme Calculator                              1 mark

                              The circuit shown includes three identical cylindrical resistors, with dimensions such that the cross-sectional area is 5 mm2, the length is 20 cm and the resistance is R Ω.

                              When the switch is closed, the total resistance of the circuit is 5 kΩ.

                              5-2-sl-mcq-hard-q5-phy

                              What is the resistivity of the material that the resistors are made from?

                              • 0.08 Ω m

                              • 0.25 Ω m

                              • 8.0 Ω m

                              • 25 Ω m

                              Choose your answer

                              6
                              Sme Calculator                              1 mark

                              The readings on both ammeters are zero. What are the values of X and Y?

                              5-2-sl-mcq-hard-q6-phy

                               

                              X / Ω

                              Y / Ω

                              A.

                              2

                              12

                              B.

                              2

                              6

                              C.

                              4

                              12

                              D.

                              4

                              6

                                Choose your answer

                                7
                                Sme Calculator                                1 mark

                                A strain gauge is a device which measure force. An applied tension on a thin wire of known resistance changes the length and cross-sectional area so that the value of the resistance is changed in a predictable way (assuming that volume remains constant).

                                When the length of the wire is increased by 5 % what will be the effect on the resistance?

                                • − 5 %

                                • + 5 %

                                • − 10 %

                                • + 10 %

                                Choose your answer

                                8
                                Sme Calculator                                1 mark

                                Two rods have the same length and resistance. One rod is made from copper and the other from aluminium.

                                Copper is three times as dense as aluminium but has half the value of resistivity.

                                Which of the following gives the correct value of fraction numerator mass space of space the space aluminium space rod over denominator mass space of space the space copper space rod end fraction?

                                • 6

                                • 3 over 2

                                • 2 over 3

                                • 1 over 6

                                Choose your answer

                                9
                                Sme Calculator                                1 mark

                                The identical resistors marked (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) are connected as shown. The battery which has negligible internal resistance supplies a total power of 20 W. 

                                5-2-sl-mcq-hard-q9-phy

                                What is the power dissipated in resistor (iv)?

                                • 2.0 W

                                • 3.0 W

                                • 4.0 W

                                • 6.0 W

                                Choose your answer

                                10
                                Sme Calculator                                1 mark

                                A circuit contains five identical resistors and four identical voltmeters. The reading on voltmeter V1 is 8.0 V and the reading on voltmeter V2 is 1.0 V.

                                q11_heating-effect-of-electric-currents_ib-sl-physics-mcq

                                What are the readings on V3 and V4?

                                 

                                reading on voltmeter V3 / V

                                reading on voltmeter V4 / V

                                A.

                                1.5

                                1.0

                                B.

                                3.0

                                2.0

                                C.

                                4.5

                                3.0

                                D.

                                6.0

                                4.0

                                  Choose your answer

                                  11
                                  Sme Calculator                                  1 mark

                                  Five resistors of equal resistance are connected to a cell as shown. 

                                  5-3-sl-mcq-hard-q1-phy

                                  Which of the following is correct about the power dissipated PX, PY and PZ in resistors X, Y and Z respectively? 

                                   

                                  PX

                                  PY

                                  PZ

                                  A.

                                  I squared R

                                  1 third I squared R

                                  2 over 3 I squared R

                                  B.

                                  1 fourth I squared R

                                  1 third I squared R

                                  4 over 9 I squared R

                                  C.

                                  I squared R

                                  1 over 9 I squared R

                                  2 over 3 I squared R

                                  D.

                                  1 fourth I squared R

                                  1 over 9 I squared R

                                  4 over 9 I squared R

                                    Choose your answer

                                    121 mark

                                    A circuit contains two batteries, an external resistor and a motor, which is attached to a pulley that lifts a load. The direction of current in the circuit is indicated. 

                                    5-3-sl-mcq-hard-q4-phy

                                    Which of the following energy transformations most accurately describes the behaviour of the circuit? 

                                    • chemical → electrical + thermal + mechanical

                                    • chemical + electrical → mechanical + thermal 

                                    • chemical → electrical + thermal + mechanical + gravitational 

                                    • chemical + electrical → thermal + mechanical + gravitational 

                                    Choose your answer

                                    131 mark

                                    A pump is designed to move water through a certain height h such that the water flows back down, turning a paddle wheel. Such a system is often used to explain the operation of a battery in an electric circuit.

                                    5-3-sl-mcq-hard-q5-phy

                                    Which row in the table below best contrasts the work done by the pump and a battery? 

                                     

                                    Pump

                                    Battery

                                    A.

                                    Does work on the water flowing in the pump

                                    Does work on the current flowing in the wires

                                    B.

                                    Does work on the water flowing in pipes

                                    Does work on the current flowing in the wires

                                    C.

                                    Does work on the water flowing in the pump

                                    Does work on the ions in the battery

                                    D.

                                    Does work on the water flowing in the pipes

                                    Does work on the ions in the battery

                                      Choose your answer

                                      14
                                      Sme Calculator                                      1 mark

                                      A 24 V solar panel charges a 12 V battery with an internal resistance of 0.10 Ω. 

                                      5-3-sl-mcq-hard-q6-phy

                                      What are the readings on V1 and V2?

                                       

                                      V1

                                      V2

                                      A.

                                      18

                                      12.6

                                      B.

                                      30

                                      –12.6

                                      C.

                                      18

                                      –12.6

                                      D.

                                      30

                                      12.6

                                        Choose your answer

                                        151 mark

                                        Which of the following correctly describes the electromotive force of a cell? 

                                        • The difference in energy between that needed to drive unit charge through the load resistance and through the cell

                                        • The energy used to drive unit charge through the load resistance

                                        • The energy used to drive unit charge through the cell's internal resistance

                                        • The total energy used to drive unit charge round the complete circuit

                                        Choose your answer

                                        161 mark

                                        The figure shows how the e.m.f. of a simple generator varies with time. 

                                        5-3-sl-mcq-hard-q9-phy

                                        Which of the following statements is incorrect? 

                                        • The alternating e.m.f. does not affect the internal resistance of the generator

                                        • The frequency of the e.m.f. is 200 Hz

                                        • The internal resistance of the generator alternates with a frequency of 200 Hz 

                                        • The internal resistance of a power supply depends on its capacity

                                        Choose your answer

                                        17
                                        Sme Calculator                                        1 mark

                                        Two almost identical lead-acid accumulator batteries, X and Y, are connected in a circuit as shown. 

                                        5-3-sl-mcq-hard-q10-phy

                                        The following information is provided: 

                                        • When S1 is closed and S2 remains open, the millivoltmeter reads 60 mV

                                        • When both S1 and S2 are closed, the reading on the millivoltmeter changes by 20 mV and the ammeter reads 5.0 A

                                        What is the resistance of R? 

                                        • 4.0 mΩ

                                        • 4.0 Ω

                                        • 4.0 kΩ

                                        • 40 kΩ

                                        Choose your answer