Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Practical circuits

Practical circuits — practice question

A nichrome resistance wire is $150\,\text{cm}$ long, has a cross-sectional area of $2.45 \times 10^{-7}\,\text{m}^2$ and a resistivity of $1.12 \times 10^{-6}\,\Omega\,\text{m}$.
(a)[3]

Calculate, to three significant figures, the resistance of the wire.

(b(i))[1]

The nichrome wire is included in a potentiometer circuit with a cell of e.m.f. $1.2\,\text{V}$ and negligible internal resistance, as shown in Fig. 7.1. Explain what is meant by a null method.

(b)

The nichrome wire is included in a potentiometer circuit with a cell of e.m.f. $1.2\,\text{V}$ and negligible internal resistance, as shown in Fig. 7.1. The circuit is being used to find the e.m.f. of cell X. A galvanometer is employed in a null method to locate the null point $64\,\text{cm}$ from the left-hand end of the nichrome wire.

(b(ii))[2]

Calculate the e.m.f. of cell X from the information given.

(b(iii))[2]

The cell of e.m.f. $1.2\ \text{V}$ is replaced with a new cell that has the same e.m.f. but a non-negligible internal resistance. State and explain the effect, if any, of the internal resistance of the new cell on the position of the null point.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Application of $R = \rho L/A$

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