Potential dividers: past paper questions
Real questions on potential dividers
The newest 18 of 18 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9702/22 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(i)[2]
Show that the terminal potential difference of the battery is 4.8 V.
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · October/November 2025 · Q5b(iv)[3]
The intensity of the light incident on Z decreases. State and explain the effect on the terminal potential difference of the battery.
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(ii)[2]
Calculate I 1 . I 1 = A
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(iii)[1]
Calculate I 2 . I 2 = A
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(iv)[2]
Determine R. (iv) R = Ω
See it on the paper → - 9702/22 · May/June 2025 · Q6c[2]
The variable resistor in (b) is fitted with a scale so that its resistance can be accurately determined. The resistor of resistance 240 Ω is now replaced by a new resistor X of unknown resistance. A galvanometer is connected as shown in Fig. 6.2. 8.0 V 210 Ω 430 Ω X Fig. 6.2 With reference to ratios of resistances, exp...
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7a[1]
State the relationship between V C and V R .
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7b(i)[2]
the capacitance C, in μF C = μF
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7b(ii)[2]
the resistance R, in kΩ R = kΩ
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6a(i)[2]
Show that the energy stored in capacitor C at time t = 0 is 1.8 mJ.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6a(ii)[2]
Determine the capacitance of capacitor C. Give a unit with your answer. capacitance = unit
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6b(i)[2]
Show that, when t is equal to one time constant, the value of –ln 1 8.0 V V 2 is equal to 1.0.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6b(ii)[1]
Determine the time constant τ of the circuit in Fig. 6.1. τ = s
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6b(iii)[2]
Calculate the resistance of resistor R. resistance = Ω
See it on the paper → - 9702/23 · October/November 2021 · Q6c[2]
A galvanometer and a cell of e.m.f. E with negligible internal resistance are connected to the circuit in (b), as shown in Fig. 6.2. 1.50 V r P X Y E Fig. 6.2 The resistance wire between X and Y has a length of 2.0 m. The galvanometer has a reading of zero when the connection P is adjusted so that the length XP is 1.4...
See it on the paper → - 9702/53 · May/June 2020 · Q2d(i)[1]
Using your answers to (a), (c)(iii) and (c)(iv), determine values of C and Q 0 . Include appropriate units. Data: R = 39 kΩ C = Q =
See it on the paper → - 9702/53 · May/June 2020 · Q2d(ii)[1]
The percentage uncertainty in the value of R is 5%. Determine the absolute uncertainty in C. absolute uncertainty in C =
See it on the paper → - 9702/53 · May/June 2020 · Q2e[1]
Using your results, determine the value of V when the time t is 1.0 minute. V = V
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question was generally well answered, with most candidates realising that the energy stored in the capacitor is given by the area under the graph. Candidates needed to be careful with the unit conversions in this ‘show that’ question, with the µC to C and J to mJ conversions both needing to be clear.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9702/42 Q6(a)(i) (Cambridge)
This was a challenging question that the weaker candidates found difficult. Many candidates did get to the equation V = V0 exp (– t / τ), but then attempted to substitute numbers from the graph rather than realising that they just needed to put t = τ and then take natural logarithms.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9702/42 Q6(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Many candidates were able to correctly read off the time of 3.2 s at the point where –ln (V / 8 V) is equal to 1.0. A common incorrect answer was 6.4 s.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9702/42 Q6(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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