Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Electric potential

Electric potential — practice question

The way the thermistor’s resistance changes with temperature is shown in Fig. 8.1. A student puts the thermistor and an ideal operational amplifier (op-amp) into the circuit in Fig. 8.2.
(a)[2]

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

(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 will not show any change in temperature above $0\,^{\circ}\text{C}$.

(d)[3]

The resistor with resistance $5.0\,\text{k}\Omega$ 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 k$\Omega$.

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