Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Potential difference and power

Potential difference and power — practice question

(a)[1]

A cell with internal resistance provides a current. Explain why the terminal potential difference (p.d.) is smaller than the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the cell.

(b(i))[2]

A battery with e.m.f. $12\,\text{V}$ and internal resistance $0.50\,\Omega$ is connected to a variable resistor $X$ and a resistor $Y$ of fixed resistance, as shown in Fig. 7.1. The resistance $R$ of $X$ is raised from $2.0\,\Omega$ to $16\,\Omega$. Figure 7.2 shows how the current $I$ in the circuit varies with $R$. Calculate, for $I = 1.2\,\text{A}$, the p.d. across $X$.

(b(ii))[3]

Calculate, for $I = 1.2\,\text{A}$, the resistance of $Y$.

(b(iii))[2]

Calculate, for $I = 1.2\,\text{A}$, the power lost in the battery.

(c)[1]

Use Fig. 7.2 to explain how the terminal p.d. of the battery changes as the resistance $R$ of $X$ is increased.

(i)[2]

Calculate, for $I = 1.2\,\text{A}$, the p.d. across $X$.

(ii)[3]

Calculate, for $I = 1.2\,\text{A}$, the resistance of $Y$.

(iii)[2]

Calculate, for $I = 1.2\,\text{A}$, the power dissipated in the battery.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 16-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: because of lost volts in the internal resistance/cell or energy losses in the internal resistance/cell

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