Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Electric potential

Electric potential — practice question

Fig. 8.1 plots how the resistance of a thermistor changes as temperature changes. A student then places the thermistor together with an ideal operational amplifier (op-amp) in the circuit shown in Fig. 8.2.
(a)[2]

Calculate the potential $V^+$ at the op-amp’s non-inverting input.

(b)[2]

At $10\,^{\circ}\text{C}$, the thermistor has a resistance of $2.5\,\text{k}\Omega$. State and explain whether the light-emitting diode (LED) is emitting light.

(c)[2]

Explain why the student’s circuit cannot show any change in temperature for values above $0\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.

(d)[3]

The $5.0\,\text{k}\Omega$ resistor is replaced by a resistor of resistance $R$ so that the LED switches on or off at a temperature of $20\,^{\circ}\text{C}$. Determine $R$ in $\text{k}\Omega$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $V^+ = \frac{3.0\times3.0}{2.5+3.0}$

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