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4.2.4a Resistance

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Question 12

Some students are investigating how the resistance of a filament lamp LLL changes when it is connected in two different circuits.

a.

State how a voltmeter must be connected in a circuit to measure the potential difference across the lamp LLL.

[1]
b.

In Circuit 1, the student reads the analog voltmeter and ammeter.

  • The analog voltmeter has a range of 000 to 10 V10\text{ V}10 V with minor divisions every 0.2 V0.2\text{ V}0.2 V. The pointer points to three small divisions past the 4 V4\text{ V}4 V mark.
  • The analog ammeter has a range of 000 to 2.0 A2.0\text{ A}2.0 A with minor divisions every 0.05 A0.05\text{ A}0.05 A. The pointer points to one small division before the 0.5 A0.5\text{ A}0.5 A mark.

State the values of: (i) the potential difference V1V_1V1​ across the lamp, including its correct unit. (ii) the current I1I_1I1​ through the lamp, including its correct unit.

[2]
c.

In Circuit 2, the circuit is rearranged so that the same lamp LLL is dimmer. The electrical readings are:

  • Potential difference V2=1.8 VV_2 = 1.8\text{ V}V2​=1.8 V
  • Current I2=0.24 AI_2 = 0.24\text{ A}I2​=0.24 A

(i) Calculate the resistance of lamp LLL in Circuit 1 (R1R_1R1​) and in Circuit 2 (R2R_2R2​) using the equation R=VIR = \frac{V}{I}R=IV​. Give your answers to 2 or 3 significant figures. (ii) State the standard SI symbols used for potential difference, current, and resistance in column headings (e.g., of the form Quantity/Unit\text{Quantity/Unit}Quantity/Unit).

[3]
d.

A classmate suggests that since the same physical lamp LLL is used in both circuits, its electrical resistance should be identical in both experiments. State whether your calculated values of R1R_1R1​ and R2R_2R2​ support this idea, and justify your answer by referring to the results.

[1]
e.

A physics theory suggests that the resistance of a metal filament in a lamp increases as its operating temperature increases. Describe whether the observations (Circuit 1 lamp is bright, Circuit 2 lamp is dim) support this theory.

[1]
f.

Describe how a variable resistor should be connected in a circuit containing a power supply and a lamp to vary the current continuously, and describe its standard schematic symbol.

[2]
Markscheme

4.2.4a Resistance Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /4.2.4a Resistance

132 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 4.2.4a Resistance. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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