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IGCSE Physics 0625 · Electricity and magnetism · 4.2.3

Electromotive force and potential difference: past paper questions

73 real questionsasked in 8 of the last 10 exam series2019–2026usually: Calculate, State, Determine, Draw, Complete

Real questions on electromotive force and potential difference

The newest 20 of 73 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

  1. 0625/31 · May/June 2026 · Q8a[2]

    On Figure 8.1, draw the electrical symbol for this meter and its connections in the circuit. (a) A teacher uses a meter to measure the potential difference (p.d.) across the lamp.

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  2. 0625/41 · May/June 2026 · Q7a[1]

    Complete the equation that defines e.m.f. E. E =

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  3. 0625/42 · February/March 2026 · Q7a[2]

    Determine the e.m.f. of one cell. Give the unit. e.m.f. = unit

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  4. 0625/32 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[1]

    Determine the potential difference across the four cells. potential difference = V

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  5. 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[1]

    The solar panels produce direct current (d.c.) and household appliances use alternating current (a.c.). State the difference between alternating current and direct current.

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  6. 0625/61 · October/November 2025 · Q2b(i)[1]

    2 4 5 0 V Fig. 2.3 Record, in the last row of Table 2.1, the voltmeter reading shown in Fig. 2.3. (i)

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  7. 0625/32 · May/June 2025 · Q9b(ii)[2]

    A student uses a voltmeter to measure the potential difference across the 20 Ω resistor. Draw on Fig. 9.2 to show how the student connects the voltmeter. Use the correct circuit symbol for the voltmeter.

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  8. 0625/33 · May/June 2025 · Q9b(ii)[2]

    A student uses a voltmeter to measure the potential difference across the 20 Ω resistor. Draw on Fig. 9.2 to show how the student connects the voltmeter. Use the correct circuit symbol for the voltmeter.

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  9. 0625/43 · May/June 2025 · Q8b[3]

    The potential difference (p.d.) of a lightning strike is 2.9 × 10 8 V. The energy transferred by the lightning strike is 4.5 × 10 5 MJ. Calculate the charge that flows. charge =

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  10. 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q25[1]

    Which graph shows the correct waveform for a d.c. supply?

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  11. 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q27[1]

    What is the value of the current when the kettle is heating water?

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  12. 0625/12 · October/November 2024 · Q29[1]

    What is the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery?

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  13. 0625/33 · October/November 2024 · Q7b(iii)[1]

    State the source of the energy that powers the solar cells.

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  14. 0625/33 · October/November 2024 · Q7b(iv)[1]

    State how energy is transferred from the solar cells for use by the satellite.

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  15. 0625/42 · May/June 2024 · Q7b(i)[3]

    The mains voltage supplied to the transformer is 240 V. The output power of the transformer is 45 W. The transformer is 100% efficient. Calculate the input current to the transformer. input current =

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  16. 0625/42 · May/June 2024 · Q7b(ii)[3]

    Draw a labelled diagram of a step‑down transformer. On the labels, state a suitable material for each of the components. , 

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  17. 0625/43 · May/June 2024 · Q2a[1]

    Name the energy store in the battery.

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  18. 0625/06 · Specimen 2023 · Q2a[2]

    Read, and record in Table 2.1, the values of V and I shown on the meters in Fig. 2.2 and Fig. 2.3.

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  19. 0625/06 · Specimen 2023 · Q2b[1]

    Complete the column headings in Table 2.1.

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  20. 0625/21 · October/November 2023 · Q26[1]

    Which statement about a voltmeter is correct?

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What examiners said

Comprehensive responses • Most candidates noticed that the voltmeter reading was across two cells and therefore the e.m.f. of one cell was half the value of the voltmeter reading. Limited responses • Some candidates stated that the e.m.f. was equal to the voltmeter reading. • Common incorrect units for e.m.f. were mA or J. • A few candidates did not show a clear understanding of what is meant by...

— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0625/42 Q7(a) (Cambridge)

A considerable number of candidates did not answer this question. The symbol for a voltmeter was usually seen when the question was answered but connecting the meter in a parallel position was more of a challenge.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/32 Q9(b)(ii) (Cambridge)

A considerable number of candidates did not answer this question. The symbol for a voltmeter was usually seen when the question was answered but connecting the meter in a parallel position was more of a challenge.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0625/33 Q9(b)(ii) (Cambridge)

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Electromotive force and potential difference — IGCSE Physics 0625 past paper questions | AssessPro