0653.P4.2.03 — Know how to construct and use series and parallel circuits: past paper questions
Real questions on 0653.p4.2.03 — know how to construct and use series and parallel circuits
The newest 18 of 18 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/32 · October/November 2024 · Q3c(ii)[2]
Resistor Y is now connected in parallel with resistor X, as shown in Fig. 3.4. Y A X V Fig. 3.4 Describe how the reading on the ammeter in Fig. 3.4 compares with the reading on the ammeter in (b). Give a reason for your answer. reading reason
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · May/June 2024 · Q9b(i)[2]
Calculate the current in the heater. current = A
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · May/June 2024 · Q9b(ii)[2]
Use your answer to (b)(i) to calculate the power required by the heater. power = W
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · May/June 2024 · Q9c[2]
On Fig. 9.1, draw a lamp connected in the circuit that will only be on when the heater is switched on but will not reduce the current in the heater.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2024 · Q9c(i)[1]
Describe how the circuit arrangement in Fig. 9.2 differs from that shown in Fig. 9.1.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2024 · Q9c(ii)[1]
Predict whether the reading on the ammeter in Fig. 9.2 will be greater or less than the ammeter reading in Fig. 9.1. Give a reason for your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2024 · Q3c(ii)[2]
Fig. 3.3 shows a circuit diagram for the kettle and a lamp in the same room. 240 V kettle Fig. 3.3 When connected in parallel, the lamp and the kettle can be switched on and off independently. If one component breaks, the other component will still work. When they are working correctly, the current in the lamp is 1 A a...
See it on the paper → - 0653/31 · October/November 2023 · Q6b(i)[1]
The student connects resistor S in series with resistor R. Fig. 6.2 shows the circuit. A R S Fig. 6.2 State the reading on the ammeter. reading = A
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2023 · Q9b[3]
A student has a box of 10 Ω, 15 Ω and 22 Ω resistors. There are at least three resistors of each value in the box. The student takes three resistors and connects them together as shown in Fig. 9.3. R1 R3 A B R2 Fig. 9.3 The total resistance between points A and B is 28 Ω. Find values for R1, R2 and R3 that give a total...
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · May/June 2023 · Q6a[1]
State the type of circuit connection for the heating elements.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · May/June 2023 · Q6f(i)[1]
Show that the resistance of the heating element is 1.5 Ω.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · May/June 2023 · Q6f(ii)[1]
Explain why the current in the main circuit is larger than 8.0 A when both heaters are switched on.
See it on the paper → - 0653/61 · May/June 2023 · Q4b(iii)[1]
The student opens the switch. Calculate the combined resistance R S of lamps L and M in series. Use the equation shown. R S = V S I S Include the unit in your answer. R S unit
See it on the paper → - 0653/61 · May/June 2023 · Q4e[2]
Another student predicts that the combined resistance of lamps L and M in series is twice the resistance of lamp L. State if the values from (a)(iii) and (b)(iii) support the student’s prediction. Explain your answer. statement explanation
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2023 · Q9a[1]
State the type of circuit arrangement of the two lamps in this circuit.
See it on the paper → - 0653/33 · October/November 2022 · Q6a(iv)[1]
Heating element 1 has a resistance of 30 Ω. Heating element 2 has a resistance of 15 Ω. Calculate the combined resistance of the two heating elements. resistance = Ω
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2022 · Q6c(ii)[3]
The variable resistor is adjusted so that the total resistance in the circuit is 60.0 Ω. The toaster is switched on. The current in heating element 1 is 2.3 A. Calculate the current in heating element 2. current = A
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2022 · Q9b(ii)[1]
The red lamp and the yellow lamp are switched on at the same time. The green lamp is still switched off. Calculate the current from the a.c. power supply at this time. current = A
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Candidates found this question challenging. Many responses stated that a parallel circuit allows one branch to continue operating if the other branch fails. This information was provided in the introduction to the question, so was discounted from responses. Candidates are reminded that the current in a series circuit is the same throughout the circuit. A series connection would not allow the curre...
— Examiner report, February/March 2024, 0653/32 Q3(c)(ii) (Cambridge)
Candidates found this question demanding. The circuit shown in Fig. 6.1. has now changed to include a second identical resistor in series in the circuit. The total resistance of the circuit has now increased. Using the formula RT = R1 + R2 the total resistance has now become twice as big as earlier, 30 Ω. Therefore, the new current is 3.6 ÷ 30 = 0.12 A. Many candidates stated that the current woul...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0653/31 Q6(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Some candidates answered this question correctly; many found it challenging. Some candidates stated correct values for the resistors but could not provide a complete explanation. There was evidence of some candidates realising that they needed to use the parallel resistor formula but then being unable to quote it accurately.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0653/43 Q9(b) (Cambridge)
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