Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Potential dividers

Potential dividers — practice question

A battery with electromotive force (e.m.f.) $9.0\,\text{V}$ and negligible internal resistance is linked to a light-dependent resistor (LDR) together with a fixed resistor.
(a)[2]

The LDR and fixed resistor have resistances of $1800\,\Omega$ and $1200\,\Omega$ respectively. Calculate the potential difference across the LDR.

(b)

The circuit in part (a) is then changed by inserting a uniform resistance wire $XY$ and a galvanometer. The wire $XY$ has length $1.2\,\text{m}$. The sliding contact $Z$ is placed on wire $XY$ so that the galvanometer shows zero.

(b(i))[2]

Calculate the length XZ along the resistance wire.

(b(ii))[3]

The environmental conditions change so that the resistance of the LDR decreases. The temperature of the LDR remains constant. State whether there is a decrease, increase or no change to: • the intensity of the light falling on the LDR • the total power produced by the battery • the length XZ so that the galvanometer reads zero.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 7-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $\frac{V}{9.0} = \frac{1800}{3000}$ so $V = 5.4\ \mathrm{V}$

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