Electromotive force and potential difference: past paper questions
Real questions on electromotive force and potential difference
The newest 20 of 30 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0972/31 · May/June 2026 · Q8a[2]
Ateacher uses a meter to measure the potential difference (p.d.) across the lamp. On Figure 8.1, draw the electrical symbol for this meter and its connections in the circuit.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2026 · Q7a[1]
Complete the equation that defines e.m.f. E. E=
See it on the paper → - 0972/61 · 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)
See it on the paper → - 0972/32 · 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.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2024 · Q6a[3]
Define potential difference (p.d.).
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2024 · Q8a(ii)[2]
The battery is made from cells connected in series. Each cell in the battery has an electromotive force (e.m.f.) of 1.5 V. Calculate the number of cells in the battery in Fig. 8.1. number of cells =
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2024 · Q7a[3]
Define the term electromotive force.
See it on the paper → - 0972/42 · 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 =
See it on the paper → - 0972/42 · 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.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2023 · Q7b(i)[1]
Calculate the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery. e.m.f. =
See it on the paper → - 0972/42 · May/June 2023 · Q8c(i)[1]
Determine the e.m.f. of one cell. e.m.f. =
See it on the paper → - 0972/62 · May/June 2023 · Q4[1]
A student investigates the change in current in a conducting liquid as the distance between two electrodes is changed. The circuit is shown in Fig. 4.1. A electrodes Fig. 4.1 Plan an experiment to investigate the change in current in the liquid as the distance between the electrodes is changed. You should: • • • • expl...
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2022 · Q8a[1]
State one other similarity between e.m.f. and p.d.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2022 · Q8b[1]
State one difference between e.m.f. and p.d.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2022 · Q8c(i)[1]
Calculate the e.m.f. of the battery. e.m.f. =
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2022 · Q4a(i)[4]
On Fig. 4.1, sketch and label a diagram of a thermocouple that is used to determine the temperature of the sulfur as it cools to room temperature. sulfur Fig. 4.1
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2022 · Q4a(ii)[2]
Describe briefly how the temperature of the sulfur in the beaker is deduced.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2022 · Q4b[1]
State one advantage of using a thermocouple to measure temperature rather than using a liquid-in-glass thermometer.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · October/November 2021 · Q9a(i)[1]
State the name of the instrument used to measure potential difference (p.d.) in an electric circuit.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · October/November 2021 · Q9a(ii)[1]
State the unit for the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a battery.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
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, 0972/32 Q9(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
This question was answered well with most candidates evaluating the correct number of cells from 12 ÷ 1.5 = 8 cells. The most common error was to multiply the two values i.e. 12 × 1.5 = 18 cells.
— Examiner report, May/June 2024, 0972/31 Q8(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
The expected definition that electromotive force (e.m.f.) is the work done in moving unit charge around a complete circuit was seen in few responses. Just stating that e.m.f. is the voltage across a battery was insufficient to gain credit. Only the strongest candidates defined e.m.f. in terms of either work done, or energy transferred. A common error was to define e.m.f. as a force. Candidates sho...
— Examiner report, May/June 2024, 0972/41 Q7(a) (Cambridge)
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