Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Electric current

Electric current — practice question

The current $I$ in a metal wire is expressed as $I = Anve$, where $v$ denotes the mean drift speed of the free electrons in the wire and $e$ is the elementary charge.
(a)[2]

State the meanings of the symbols $A$ and $n$. $A:$ $n:$

(b)[2]

Use the expression above to find the SI base units of $e$. Show your working.

(c)[2]

Two lamps P and Q are joined in series to a battery, as illustrated in Fig. 6.1. The radius of the filament wire in lamp P is twice the radius of the filament wire in lamp Q. The filament wires are made from metals with the same value of $n$. Calculate the ratio $\dfrac{\text{average drift speed of free electrons in filament wire of P}}{\text{average drift speed of free electrons in filament wire of Q}}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $A$: cross-sectional area of the conductor

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