Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Potential dividers

Potential dividers — practice question

A battery with electromotive force (e.m.f.) $6.0\,\text{V}$ and negligible internal resistance is joined in series with a variable resistor and a uniform resistance wire XY, as shown in Fig. 6.1. Wire XY has length $2.00\,\text{m}$ and resistance $8.0\,\Omega$. The resistance $R$ of the variable resistor is adjusted so that the potential difference across wire XY is $2.4\,\text{V}$.
(a)[2]

Determine the value of $R$.

(b)[2]

Explain why the potential difference $V$ between any two points on wire XY varies in direct proportion to the distance $L$ between those points.

(c(i))[2]

Calculate the value of $E$.

(c(ii))[2]

The value of $R$ is now decreased. State and explain the change that must be made to the position of P on wire XY so that the galvanometer reads zero again.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: correct use of circuit equation $2.4/6.0 = 8/(R+8)$ or an equivalent expression

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