Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Kirchhoff's laws

Kirchhoff's laws — practice question

(a)[2]

State what Kirchhoff’s second law says.

(b(i))[2]

Three identical cells, each with electromotive force (e.m.f.) $1.5\,\text{V}$ and internal resistance $590\,\text{m}\Omega$, are arranged in parallel across a conductor, as illustrated in Fig. 5.1. The conductor has two cylindrical sections A and B. The circuit’s total resistance is $2.2\,\Omega$. Show that the conductor’s resistance is $2.0\,\Omega$.

(b(ii))[2]

Calculate the current flowing in the conductor.

(c(i))[3]

The two cylindrical sections A and B of the conductor in Fig. 5.1 are made from the same material and are the same length. Section A has a diameter of $4.3\,\text{mm}$ and section B has a diameter of $7.6\,\text{mm}$. If their resistances are $R_A$ and $R_B$, calculate the ratio $\frac{R_A}{R_B}$.

(c(ii))[2]

Calculate the ratio of the average drift speed of free electrons in section A to that in section B. Explain how you arrived at your answer.

(c)

Sections A and B of the conductor in Fig. 5.1 are cylindrical, made from the same material and of equal length. Section A has diameter $4.3\,\text{mm}$ and section B has diameter $7.6\,\text{mm}$. Their resistances are $R_A$ and $R_B$.

(d)[3]

The circuit in Fig. 5.1 is modified by removing one of the cells. State and explain what effect, if any, this has on the potential difference across the conductor.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The sum of the emfs equals the sum of the potential differences (or the algebraic sum is zero)

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