Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Practical circuits

Practical circuits — practice question

The circuit diagram shows a signal that can display either a green light or a red light. It is operated by the switch $S$. The signal is positioned some distance from $S$ and is linked to it by a cable containing green, red and black wires. At the signal, the green and red wires are attached to the appropriate lamp, while the black wire is joined to terminal $x$ to act as a shared return path. The setup is drawn correctly wired and with the switch in the position that lights the red lamp. While maintenance is being carried out, the wires at the signal are disconnected and then reconnected. On reconnection, the black wire is mistakenly attached to the green lamp (terminal $g$) rather than terminal $x$. The red wire is still connected to its lamp correctly, and the connections at $S$ are unchanged from those shown in the diagram. If the system is then checked with the switch connected to the red wire, what does the signal display?

  • Athe green lamp illuminated normally
  • Bthe red lamp illuminated normally
  • Cthe red and green lamps both illuminated normally
  • Dthe red and green lamps both illuminated dimly

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 1-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme.

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI