Physics 5054 · O Level · Resistance

Resistance — practice question

Fig. 9.1 shows the current-voltage graph for a filament lamp. Fig. 9.2 gives an unfinished circuit diagram of the circuit the student uses to collect the readings for the graph.
(a)[3]

Complete the circuit diagram with suitable circuit symbols for the lamp, a voltmeter and a variable resistor.

(b)[2]

The ammeter used by the student has ranges 0-10 A, 0-1 A, 0-100 mA and 0-10 mA. Describe how the student should use the different ranges to obtain readings that let all nine points be plotted accurately on the graph while keeping the ammeter safe.

(c)[1]

State how Fig. 9.1 shows that the lamp does not obey Ohm’s law.

(d(i))[3]

Using Fig. 9.1, determine the resistance of the lamp when the voltmeter reading is 0.40 V.

(d(ii))[3]

Using Fig. 9.1, determine the resistance of the lamp when the voltmeter reading is 6.0 V.

(e(i))[2]

Explain why the resistance of the lamp changes as the voltage changes.

(e(ii))[2]

State how a wire’s resistance depends on its length and how it depends on its cross-sectional area. length cross-sectional area

(e(iii))[2]

The student gets a long piece of wire made from the same material as the filament in the lamp. The wire he gets has the same cross-sectional area as the filament. He cuts a 1.0 m length of the wire and measures its resistance at room temperature. He obtains the value $16\,\Omega$. Using the suitable resistance value from (d), estimate the length of the filament wire in the lamp.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 18-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Accurate lamp symbol

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