Physics 5054 · O Level · Series and parallel circuits

Series and parallel circuits — practice question

Fig. 11.1 shows a negatively charged rod positioned near an uncharged metal sphere mounted on an insulating stand.
(a(i))[1]

Suggest one material that could be used for the insulating stand.

(a(ii))[2]

On Fig. 11.1, draw how the charges are arranged on the sphere.

(a(iii).1)[3]

Explain what occurs to the charge on the sphere when a metal wire connected to earth is brought into contact with the sphere.

(a(iii).2)[1]

Describe what happens in the wire as the rod is taken away.

(b(i))[3]

A circuit has a 7.5 V d.c. power supply and three resistors. Fig. 11.2 gives the circuit diagram. The diagram shows a d.c. power supply marked "+" and "-", an 18 Ω resistor in series with a parallel pair made up of a 60 Ω resistor and a 15 Ω resistor. Determine the total resistance of the circuit.

(b(ii))[2]

Calculate the current supplied by the power supply.

(b(iii))[1]

The current is not the same in the three resistors shown in Fig. 11.2. Underline the resistor in which the current is 1. the largest, 15 Ω resistor  18 Ω resistor  60 Ω resistor 2. the smallest. 15 Ω resistor  18 Ω resistor  60 Ω resistor

(b(iv))[1]

The 7.5 V d.c. power supply is formed from five 1.5 V cells. In the space below, draw a diagram to show the arrangement of the cells.

(b(v))[1]

The 18 Ω resistor is made of metal. State and explain how the current in this resistor changes as its temperature increases.

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