Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Electric current

Electric current — practice question

(a)[1]

Define resistance in a circuit.

(b(i))[2]

A cylindrical metal wire with length $2.4\,\text{m}$, cross-sectional area $8.0 \times 10^{-6}\,\text{m}^2$, and resistance $0.33\,\Omega$ carries a current of $4.7\,\text{A}$. Determine the resistivity of the metal from which the wire is made.

(b(ii))[2]

Calculate the total charge that passes through the wire in $5.0\,\text{minutes}$.

(b(iii))[2]

The free electrons (charge carriers) in the wire have an average drift speed of $0.16\,\text{mm s}^{-1}$. Determine the number density of charge carriers in the metal.

(c(i))[1]

The wire in (b) can be treated as a fixed resistor. It is connected in series with a thermistor and a battery with negligible internal resistance. Use circuit symbols to complete Fig. 6.1 so that it shows the circuit diagram for this arrangement.

(c(ii))[2]

Explain, without calculation, how the power dissipated in the wire changes when the temperature of the thermistor is increased.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: the ratio of potential difference across a component to the current in it

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