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

Kirchhoff's laws — practice question

Fig. 5.1 illustrates a circuit that includes a battery, two fixed resistors X and Y, and a light-dependent resistor (LDR) Z. The battery has electromotive force (e.m.f.) $5.0\,\text{V}$ and internal resistance $4.7\,\Omega$. The current through X is $I_1$ and the current through Y is $I_2$. The resistance of X is $100\,\Omega$. The resistance of Z changes with the intensity of light falling on it, as shown in Fig. 5.2.
(a)[1]

State Kirchhoff’s first law

(b(i))[2]

The light intensity incident on Z is $130\,\text{W m}^{-2}$. The current in the battery is $38\,\text{mA}$. Show that the terminal potential difference of the battery is $4.8\,\text{V}$.

(b(ii))[3]

Calculate the current $I_2$ in Y

(b(iii))[2]

Calculate the power dissipated by Y

(b(iv))[3]

The light intensity incident on Z decreases. State and explain how this changes the terminal potential difference of the battery.

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This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: sum of current(s) entering a junction = sum of current(s) leaving junction or (algebraic) sum of current(s) at a junction is zero

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