Short Ans CH 5- Electricity and Magnetism SL

level [181 marks]

Electrical resistors can be made by forming a thin film of carbon on a layer of an insulating material.

A carbon film resistor is made from a film of width 8.0 mm and of thickness 2.0 µm. The diagram shows the direction of charge flow
through the resistor.

–5
1a. The resistance of the carbon film is 82 Ω. The resistivity of carbon is 4.1 x 10 Ω m. Calculate the length l of the film. [1 mark]

1b. The film must dissipate a power less than 1500 W from each square metre of its surface to avoid damage. Calculate the maximum [2 marks]
allowable current for the resistor.
 [1 mark]
1c. State why knowledge of quantities such as resistivity is useful to scientists.

[2 marks]
1d. The current direction is now changed so that charge flows vertically through the film.

Deduce, without calculation, the change in the resistance.

1e. Draw a circuit diagram to show how you could measure the resistance of the carbon-film resistor using a potential divider [2 marks]
arrangement to limit the potential difference across the resistor.

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

1
A graph shows the variation of with R.
I

1 [2 marks]
2a. Show that the gradient of the graph is equal to e .
2b. State the value of the intercept on the R axis. [1 mark]

A heater in an electric shower has a power of 8.5 kW when connected to a 240 V electrical supply. It is connected to the electrical
supply by a copper cable.

The following data are available:

Length of cable = 10 m
Cross-sectional area of cable = 6.0 mm2
Resistivity of copper = 1.7 × 10 –8 Ω m

3a. Calculate the current in the copper cable. [1 mark]

Calculate the resistance of the cable. [2 marks]

3b.

Explain, in terms of electrons, what happens to the resistance of the cable as the temperature of the cable increases. [3 marks]
3c.

–1 –1
 The heater changes the temperature of the water by 35 K. The specific heat capacity of water is 4200 J kg –1 K–1. [4 marks]
3d.
Determine the rate at which water flows through the shower. State an appropriate unit for your answer.

A cable consisting of many copper wires is used to transfer electrical energy from a generator to an electrical load. The copper wires are
protected by an insulator.

The copper wires and insulator are both exposed to an electric field. Discuss, with reference to charge carriers, why there is a [3 marks]
4a.
significant electric current only in the copper wires.

–8
 The cable consists of 32 copper wires each of length 35 km. Each wire has a resistance of 64 Ω. The resistivity of copper is 1.7 x 10 –8 Ω
m.

Calculate the radius of each wire. [2 marks]

4b.

There is a current of 730 A in the cable. Show that the power loss in 1 m of the cable is about 30 W. [2 marks]
4c.
 The circuit shown may be used to measure the internal resistance of a cell.

5a. An ammeter and a voltmeter are connected in the circuit. Label the ammeter with the letter A and the voltmeter with the letter V. [1 mark]
5b. In one experiment a student obtains the following graph showing the variation with current I of the potential difference V across the [3 marks]
cell.

Using the graph, determine the best estimate of the internal resistance of the cell.

The ammeter used in the experiment in (b) is an analogue meter. The student takes measurements without checking for a “zero error”
on the ammeter.

5c. State what is meant by a zero error. [1 mark]

 After taking measurements the student observes that the ammeter has a positive zero error. Explain what effect, if any, this zero [2 marks]
5d.
error will have on the calculated value of the internal resistance in (b).

The graph shows how current I varies with potential difference V for a resistor R and a non-ohmic component T.

6a. (i) State how the resistance of T varies with the current going through T. [3 marks]

(ii) Deduce, without a numerical calculation, whether R or T has the greater resistance at I=0.40 A.
 Components R and T are placed in a circuit. Both meters are ideal. [3 marks]
6b.

Slider Z of the potentiometer is moved from Y to X.

(i) State what happens to the magnitude of the current in the ammeter.

(ii) Estimate, with an explanation, the voltmeter reading when the ammeter reads 0.20 A.
 A company designs a spring system for loading ice blocks onto a truck. The ice block is placed in a holder H in front of the spring and
an electric motor compresses the spring by pushing H to the left. When the spring is released the ice block is accelerated towards a
ramp ABC. When the spring is fully decompressed, the ice block loses contact with the spring at A. The mass of the ice block is 55 kg.

Assume that the surface of the ramp is frictionless and that the masses of the spring and the holder are negligible compared to the mass
of the ice block.

(i) The block arrives at C with a speed of 0.90ms −1 . Show that the elastic energy stored in the spring is 670J. [4 marks]
7a.
(ii) Calculate the speed of the block at A.

Describe the motion of the block [3 marks]

7b.
(i) from A to B with reference to Newton's first law.

(ii) from B to C with reference to Newton's second law.

7c. On the axes, sketch a graph to show how the displacement of the block varies with time from A to C. (You do not have to put [2 marks]
numbers on the axes.)

The spring decompression takes 0.42s. Determine the average force that the spring exerts on the block. [2 marks]
7d.

The electric motor is connected to a source of potential difference 120V and draws a current of 6.8A. The motor takes 1.5s to [2 marks]
7e.
compress the spring.

Estimate the efficiency of the motor.

 In an experiment a student constructs the circuit shown in the diagram. The ammeter and the voltmeter are assumed to be ideal.

State what is meant by an ideal voltmeter. [1 mark]

8a.
 The student adjusts the variable resistor and takes readings from the ammeter and voltmeter. The graph shows the variation of the [3 marks]
8b.
voltmeter reading V with the ammeter reading I.

Use the graph to determine

(i) the electromotive force (emf) of the cell.

(ii) the internal resistance of the cell.

 A connecting wire in the circuit has a radius of 1.2mm and the current in it is 3.5A. The number of electrons per unit volume of the [1 mark]
8c.
wire is 2.4×1028m −3 . Show that the drift speed of the electrons in the wire is 2.0×10−4 ms−1 .

The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the connecting wire in (c). [2 marks]
8d.

The wire which carries a current of 3.5A into the page, is placed in a region of uniform magnetic field of flux density 0.25T. The field is
directed at right angles to the wire.

Determine the magnitude and direction of the magnetic force on one of the charge carriers in the wire.
 This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about kinematics and Newton’s laws of motion.

Part 2 is about electrical circuits.

Part 1 Kinematics and Newton’s laws of motion

Cars I and B are on a straight race track. I is moving at a constant speed of 45 m s− 1 and B is initially at rest. As I passes B, B starts to
move with an acceleration of 3.2 ms− 2.

At a later time B passes I. You may assume that both cars are point particles.

Show that the time taken for B to pass I is approximately 28 s. [4 marks]

9a.

9b. Calculate the distance travelled by B in this time. [2 marks]

 B slows down while I remains at a constant speed. The driver in each car wears a seat belt. Using Newton’s laws of motion, [3 marks]
9c.
explain the difference in the tension in the seat belts of the two cars.

A third car O with mass 930 kg joins the race. O collides with I from behind, moving along the same straight line as I. Before the collision
the speed of I is 45 m s− 1 and its mass is 850 kg. After the collision, I and O stick together and move in a straight line with an initial
combined speed of 52 m s− 1.

Calculate the speed of O immediately before the collision. [2 marks]

9d.

The duration of the collision is 0.45 s. Determine the average force acting on O. [2 marks]
9e.
 This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about kinematics and Newton’s laws of motion.

Part 2 Electrical circuits

The circuit shown is used to investigate how the power developed by a cell varies when the load resistance R changes.

The variable resistor is adjusted and a series of current and voltage readings are taken. The graph shows the variation with R of the
power dissipated in the cell and the power dissipated in the variable resistor.

An ammeter and a voltmeter are used to investigate the characteristics of a variable resistor of resistance R. State how the [2 marks]
9f.
resistance of the ammeter and of the voltmeter compare to R so that the readings of the instruments are reliable.
9g. Show that the current in the circuit is approximately 0.70 A when R = 0.80 Ω . [3 marks]

The cell has an internal resistance.

Outline what is meant by the internal resistance of a cell. [2 marks]

9h.

Determine the internal resistance of the cell. [3 marks]

9i.
 Calculate the electromotive force (emf) of the cell. [2 marks]
9j.

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about a thermistor circuit. Part 2 is about vibrations and waves.

Part 1 Thermistor circuit

The circuit shows a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor X and a 100 kΩ fixed resistor R connected across a battery.

The battery has an electromotive force (emf) of 12.0 V and negligible internal resistance.

10a. (i) Define electromotive force (emf). [2 marks]

(ii) State how the emf of the battery can be measured.

 Part 2 Vibrations and waves

The cone and dust cap D of a loudspeaker L vibrates with a frequency of 1.25 kHz with simple harmonic motion (SHM).

10b. Define simple harmonic motion (SHM). [2 marks]

D has mass 6.5 × 10 −3 kg and vibrates with amplitude 0.85 mm. [4 marks]
10c.
(i) Calculate the maximum acceleration of D.

(ii) Determine the total energy of D.

The sound waves from the loudspeaker travel in air with speed 330 ms −1 . [2 marks]
10d.
(i) Calculate the wavelength of the sound waves.

(ii) Describe the characteristics of sound waves in air.

10e. A second loudspeaker S emits the same frequency as L but vibrates out of phase with L. The graph below shows the variation with[6 marks]
time t of the displacement x of the waves emitted by S and L.

(i) Deduce the relationship between the phase of L and the phase of S.

(ii) On the graph, sketch the variation with t of x for the wave formed by the superposition of the two waves.
 This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about simple harmonic motion (SHM). Part 2 is about current electricity.

Part 1 Simple harmonic motion (SHM)

An object is placed on a frictionless surface. The object is attached by a spring fixed at one end and oscillates at the end of the spring
with simple harmonic motion (SHM).

The tension F in the spring is given by F = k x where x is the extension of the spring and k is a constant.

k
[2 marks]
11a. Show that ω =
2
m.
 One cycle of the variation of displacement with time is shown for two separate mass–spring systems, A and B. [3 marks]
11b.

(i) Calculate the frequency of the oscillation of A.

(ii) The springs used in A and B are identical. Show that the mass in A is equal to the mass in B.
 The graph shows the variation of the potential energy of A with displacement. [5 marks]
11c.

On the axes,

(i) draw a graph to show the variation of kinetic energy with displacement for the mass in A. Label this A.

(ii) sketch a graph to show the variation of kinetic energy with displacement for the mass in B. Label this B.
 Part 2 Current electricity

A 24 Ω resistor is made from a conducting wire. [4 marks]

11d.
(i) The diameter of the wire is 0.30 mm and the wire has a resistivity of 1.7×10 –8Ωm. Calculate the length of the wire.

(ii) On the axes, draw a graph to show how the resistance of the wire in (d)(i) varies with the diameter of the wire when the length is
constant. The data point for the diameter of 0.30 mm has already been plotted for you.

The 24 Ω resistor is covered in an insulating material. Explain the reasons for the differences between the electrical properties of [3 marks]
11e.
the insulating material and the electrical properties of the wire.
 An electric circuit consists of a supply connected to a 24Ω resistor in parallel with a variable resistor of resistance R. The supply [8 marks]
11f.
has an emf of 12V and an internal resistance of 11Ω.

Power supplies deliver maximum power to an external circuit when the resistance of the external circuit equals the internal resistance of the
power supply.

(i) Determine the value of R for this circuit at which maximum power is delivered to the external circuit.

(ii) Calculate the reading on the voltmeter for the value of R you determined in (f)(i).

(iii) Calculate the total power dissipated in the circuit when the maximum power is being delivered to the external circuit.

This question is about the internal resistance of a cell.

12a. Define electromotive force (emf ). [1 mark]

 A circuit is used to determine the internal resistance and emf of a cell. It consists of the cell, a variable resistor, an ideal ammeter and an
ideal voltmeter. The diagram shows part of the circuit with the ammeter and voltmeter missing.

The variable resistor is set to 1.5 Ω . When the cell converts 7.2 mJ of energy, 5.8 mC of charge moves completely around the circuit.
The potential difference across the variable resistor is 0.55 V.

Draw on the diagram the positions of the ammeter and voltmeter. [1 mark]
12b.

Show that the emf of the cell is 1.25 V. [1 mark]

12c.

12d. Determine the internal resistance of the cell. [2 marks]

Calculate the energy dissipated per second in the variable resistor. [2 marks]
12e.
 This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about energy resources. Part 2 is about electric fields.

Part 1 Energy resources

The Sun is a renewable energy source whereas a fossil fuel is a non-renewable energy source. Outline the difference between [2 marks]
13a.
renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

13b. With reference to the energy transformations and the operation of the devices, distinguish between a photovoltaic cell and a solar [2 marks]
heating panel.

A photovoltaic panel is made up of a collection (array) of photovoltaic cells. The panel has a total area of 1.3 m2 and is mounted on the
roof of a house. The maximum intensity of solar radiation at the location of the panel is 750 W m− 2. The panel produces a power output
of 210 W when the solar radiation is at its maximum intensity.

Determine the efficiency of the photovoltaic panel. [2 marks]

13c.
 State two reasons why the intensity of solar radiation at the location of the panel is not constant. [2 marks]
13d.

1.

2.

The owner of the house chooses between photovoltaic panels and solar heating panels to provide 4.2 kW of power to heat water. The
solar heating panels have an efficiency of 70%. The maximum intensity of solar radiation at the location remains at 750 W m− 2.

Calculate the minimum area of solar heating panel required to provide this power. [2 marks]
13e.

Comment on whether it is better to use a solar heating panel rather than an array of photovoltaic panels for the house. Do not [2 marks]
13f.
consider the installation cost of the panels in your answer.
 Part 2 Electric fields

An isolated metal sphere is placed in a vacuum. The sphere has a negative charge of magnitude 12 nC.

Using the diagram, draw the electric field pattern due to the charged sphere. [2 marks]
13g.

Outside the sphere, the electric field strength is equivalent to that of a point negative charge of magnitude 12 nC placed at the centre of
the sphere. The radius r of the sphere is 25 mm.

−1
Show that the magnitude of the electric field strength at the surface of the sphere is about 2 × 105 N C . [2 marks]
13h.

13i. On the axes, draw a graph to show the variation of the electric field strength E with distance d from the centre of the sphere. [2 marks]
 An electron is initially at rest on the surface of the sphere.

Calculate the initial acceleration of the electron. [2 marks]

13j.

Discuss the subsequent motion of the electron. [2 marks]

13k.
 This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about simple harmonic motion (SHM) and sound. Part 2 is about electric and magnetic fields.

Part 1 Simple harmonic motion (SHM) and sound

The diagram shows a section of continuous track of a long-playing (LP) record. The stylus (needle) is placed in the track of the record.

As the LP record rotates, the stylus moves because of changes in the width and position of the track. These movements are converted
into sound waves by an electrical system and a loudspeaker.

A recording of a single-frequency musical note is played. The graph shows the variation in horizontal acceleration of the stylus with
horizontal displacement.

Explain why the graph shows that the stylus undergoes simple harmonic motion. [4 marks]
14a.
 (i) Using the graph on page 14, show that the frequency of the note being played is about 200 Hz. [5 marks]
14b.
(ii) On the graph on page 14, identify, with the letter P, the position of the stylus at which the kinetic energy is at a maximum.

Sound is emitted from a loudspeaker which is outside a building. The loudspeaker emits a sound wave that has the same frequency as
the recorded note.

A person standing at position 1 outside the building and a person standing at position 2 inside the building both hear the sound emitted
by the loudspeaker.

A, B and C are wavefronts emitted by the loudspeaker.

(i) Draw rays to show how the person at position 1 is able to hear the sound emitted by the loudspeaker. [4 marks]
14c.
(ii) The speed of sound in the air is 330 m s− 1. Calculate the wavelength of the note.

(iii) The walls of the room are designed to absorb sound. Explain how the person at position 2 is able to hear the sound emitted by the
loudspeaker.
 The arrangement in (c) is changed and another loudspeaker is added. Both loudspeakers emit the same recorded note in phase [3 marks]
14d.
with each other.

Outline why there are positions between the loudspeakers where the sound can only be heard faintly.

Part 2 Electric and magnetic fields

Electrical leads used in physics laboratories consist of a central conductor surrounded by an insulator.

Distinguish between an insulator and a conductor. [2 marks]

14e.

The diagram shows a current I in a vertical wire that passes through a hole in a horizontal piece of cardboard. [3 marks]
14f.

On the cardboard, draw the magnetic field pattern due to the current.
 (i) The diagram shows a length of copper wire that is horizontal in the magnetic field of the Earth. [4 marks]
14g.

The wire carries an electric current and the force on the wire is as shown. Identify, with an arrow, the direction of electron flow in the wire.

(ii) The horizontal component of the magnetic field of the Earth at the position of the wire is 40 μT . The mass per unit length of the wire is
1.41 × 10− 4 kg m− 2. The net force on the wire is zero. Determine the current in the wire.

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