Electric circuits: past paper questions
Real questions on electric circuits
The newest 20 of 226 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5054/21 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(i)[2]
The switch in the circuit in Fig. 6.1 is closed. Calculate the reading on the ammeter. ammeter reading = A
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(ii)[2]
Calculate the power transferred electrically to resistor P. power transferred = W
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2025 · Q6c(ii)[2]
The reshaped resistor is connected into the circuit instead of resistor P. Calculate the new reading on the voltmeter. Show your working. voltmeter reading = V
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q6c(i)[2]
Define the term ‘electromotive force’.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q6c(ii)[2]
Each battery consists of 92 cells in series. Calculate the e.m.f. of one battery. e.m.f. = V
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q6c(iii)[1]
The power supply is made by connecting 85 of these batteries in parallel. State the e.m.f. of the power supply. e.m.f. = V
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q7a(i)[2]
Calculate the current in the heater. current = A (i)
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q7a(ii)[2]
The manufacturer of the kettle states that the cable for the kettle is safe for currents that are smaller than 15 A. The wiring in the mains power supply in the wall is safe for currents that are smaller than 20 A. 3 A 5 A 7 A 10 A 13 A 15 A 18 A 20 A 25 A State which of these fuses is the most appropriate. Explain why...
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q7b(i)[1]
State the name of the wire that the fuse is connected into. Explain why the fuse is connected into this wire. name of wire explanation
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q7b(ii)[2]
The insulation on the live wire is damaged so that the wire is exposed. Explain what happens when the exposed live wire touches the metal outer casing.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q7c[2]
The kettle is switched on for a total time of 34 h during one year. The cost of electricity is $0.32 per kilowatt‑hour (kW h). Calculate the cost of using the kettle during the year. cost = $
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[1]
The student is provided with the circuit shown in Fig. 1.1. The coil of wire is the small electric heater. A d.c. power supply crocodile clip coil of wire (small electric heater) 100 cm 3 beaker Fig. 1.1 Draw on the circuit in Fig. 1.1 to show a voltmeter connected to measure the potential difference across the heater....
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[1]
The student: • • • • • pours the water from the measuring cylinder into the beaker containing the heater makes sure that the heater is covered by water closes the switch records the readings on the voltmeter and ammeter opens the switch. 1 4 0 5 V 0.5 1.0 0 1.5 A 3 2 Fig. 1.3 shows the reading on the voltmeter and on t...
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · October/November 2025 · Q4[6]
A solar cell is a device that can generate electrical power when light falls on it. You are given a solar cell connected to a fixed resistor as in the incomplete circuit shown in Fig. 4.1. solar cell + – fixed resistor Fig. 4.1 Plan an experiment to investigate how the brightness of the light falling on the solar cell...
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[1]
Draw a diagram of the circuit arrangement, using the correct symbols for the components in the circuit. Fig. 1.1 Choose from the symbols shown in Fig. 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(i)[1]
On your circuit in (a), draw a voltmeter connected across the LDR to measure the potential difference (p.d.) across the LDR. Use the circuit symbol for a voltmeter.
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(ii)[1]
The voltmeter reading V 1 is shown in Fig. 1.2. 1 2 0 V 3 Fig. 1.2 Record the voltmeter reading V 1 . V 1 = V
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1b(iii)[1]
Suggest why the switch is opened after the voltmeter reading has been recorded.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(i)[1]
On Fig. 6.1, complete the circuit diagram by adding one voltmeter and one ammeter in suitable places to allow the determination of the resistance of X.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(ii)[2]
Explain how X and R act as a variable potential divider.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Only stronger candidates answered this question correctly and stated that both ammeter readings are the same because they are connected in series in the circuit.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q6(a) (Cambridge)
Most candidates were able to calculate the total resistance of the circuit. However, not all then went on to calculate the resistance of the thermistor by subtracting the values of the two fixed resistors in the circuit from this total. The fact that the two 1.5V cells were connected in parallel confused some candidates. Many thought that the e.m.f. of the battery was 3.0V instead of 1.5V.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q6(b)(i) (Cambridge)
The majority of candidates thought that the resistance of the thermistor increased with increase of temperature and could go no further. Even those candidates who stated that the resistance of the thermistor decreased with increasing temperature, were unable to explain why the p.d. across the resistor decreased. Only a small number of totally correct explanations were seen.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q6(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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