Q1.

(a) An electrical current is a flow of charge. The diagram shows a circuit containing six
identical bulbs.

In which part of the circuit, A, B, C, D or E, is there:

(i) the greatest flow of charge? ............................

(ii) the least flow of charge? ............................

2 marks

(b) Sulphur is an electrical insulator, but it can be made to conduct electricity if a very
bright light shines on it.

(i) A slab of sulphur is rubbed with a piece of woollen cloth.

Explain how this gives the sulphur a negative electrical charge.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) A very bright light shines onto a small circular area in the centre of the charged
slab of sulphur. The pattern of charge on the sulphur alters. The simplified
diagram represents the new pattern of charge.

Explain why the pattern alters in this way.

.............................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................
1 mark

Page 1 of 50
 Maximum 4 marks

Q2.
A pupil connects a battery, an electric bell and some wires. Her circuit is shown in the
diagram.

(a) Why does the bell not ring?

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark

She adds a shiny steel pin as shown in the diagram below.

(b) Why does the bell ring now?

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) She replaces the shiny steel pin with a wooden matchstick. Why does the bell
not ring?

Page 2 of 50
 .....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark

(d) She replaces the matchstick with a very rusty steel pin. The bell does not ring.
Suggest why.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark

Energy is transferred from a number of parts of a car.

(e) Draw a line from each part of the car to the useful way energy is transferred
from the part.

4 marks

(f) How is energy transferred to the headlamp?

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 9 marks

Q3.
An experiment is set up as shown.

Page 3 of 50
 The plates are charged. The ball is moved across to touch the positive plate, and
becomes positively charged. It is repelled from the plate.

(a) (i) Why is the ball repelled from the positive plate?

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) Why is the ball pulled towards the negative plate?

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark

(b) The ball reaches the negatively charged plate, touches it, and moves back quickly.
Explain why it moves away quickly.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
2 marks

(c) Nylon is an insulator. Explain why an insulator is used to hold up the ball rather than
a conductor like copper.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 5 marks

Q4.

Page 4 of 50
 In the circuit above, both the bulbs light up. Suddenly they both go out.

The two bulbs are tested. Bulb A works but bulb B is broken.

(a) Bulb A was not broken but it went out. Why did it go out?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

In the circuit below, only bulb B is broken.

(b) (i) Does bulb A light up?

Tick the correct box.

Yes No
1 mark

(ii) Does bulb C light up?

Tick the correct box.

Yes No
1 mark
Maximum 3 marks

Q5.
Pressure pads can be used to set off burglar alarms. The alarm is set off when someone
steps on the pad. The alarm works by sounding a buzzer or switching on a lamp or both.

Page 5 of 50
The symbols for a pressure pad, a two way switch, a buzzer and a lamp are shown
below.

Here are five circuit diagrams.

Look carefully at the five circuit diagrams.

Tick the correct box to show what is happening in each circuit.

Page 6 of 50
 5 marks

Q6.
John connects up the circuit shown below.

The bulb is not bright enough. His friend suggests four circuits which could be used
to make the bulb brighter.

(a) Which is the correct circuit to use: A, B, C or D? ..............................................

1 mark

Next John sets up circuit E and notes the reading on the ammeter.

Page 7 of 50
 He then places another bulb in the circuit, to make circuit F. He notes the
ammeter reading in circuit F.

(b) How will the ammeter reading in circuit F compare with that in circuit E?

The reading in F is ........................................................................................

1 mark

Explain you answer. ......................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) Draw a circuit diagram in which two bulbs are lit as brightly as the bulb in circuit E,
and the ammeter reading is the same as in circuit E.

1 mark
Maximum 4 marks

Q7.
A pupil makes some electrical circuits.
Each circuit contains a motor and a buzzer.
The motor and the buzzer can be switched on or off by three switches, A, B and C.

Symbols for an open switch and a closed switch are shown below.

By each circuit diagram, state whether:

the motor is on or off;

the buzzer is on or off.

(i)

Page 8 of 50
 The motor is ................................
The buzzer is ................................
1 mark

(ii)

The motor is ................................

The buzzer is ................................
1 mark

(iii)

The motor is ................................

The buzzer is ................................
1 mark

(iv)

Page 9 of 50
 The motor is ................................
The buzzer is ................................
1 mark

(v)

The motor is ................................

The buzzer is ................................
1 mark
Maximum 5 marks

Q8.
The diagram shows a motor, connected to a 240 V supply, driving a water pump. The
ammeter reads 5.0 A.

(a) How much charge flows through the motor in one minute? Give the unit.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................
1 mark

Page 10 of 50
 (b) (i) What is the resistance of the motor? Give the unit.

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) What is the power of the motor? Give the unit.

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) (i) The motor and pump together have an efficiency of 50% (0.5). How
much energy is given to the water every second? Give the unit.

............................................................................................................
1 mark

(ii) The pump has to raise the water up to a vertical height of 12 m. What
mass of water will the pump raise each second? Give the unit. The value
of g is 10 N/kg.

............................................................................................................

............................................................................................................
1 mark
Maximum 5 marks

Q9.
Transformers are always connected to a.c. supplies. A pupil decides to investigate the
effect of connecting a transformer to a d.c. supply. He sets up the following circuit to try to
transform 12 volts from a car battery down to 2 volts.

(a) What would you expect to see when the switch is closed?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

Explain why this happens.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

Page 11 of 50
 ......................................................................................................................
2 marks

(b) What would you expect to see when the switch is left closed?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

Give a reason for your answer.

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(c) What would you expect to see when the switch is opened?

......................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................
1 mark

(d) In the circuit diagram, the straight line between the coil symbols represents an
iron core.

Tick the box to show the purpose of the core in a transformer.

A It keeps the magnetic field of the primary coil at a steady

value.

B It provides a conducting route so that electrons can flow

from the primary coil into the secondary coil.

C It carries magnetic flux from the primary coil through the

secondary coil.

D Currents are induced in the core which improve the

current linkage in the secondary coil.

1 mark
Maximum 7 marks

Q10.
(a) Electrical circuits often contain resistors.

The diagram shows two resistors joined in series.

Calculate the total resistance of the two resistors.

........................................................................................................................

Page 12 of 50
 Total resistance = .................................................. Ω
(1)

(b) A circuit was set up as shown in the diagram. The three resistors are identical.

(i) Calculate the reading on the voltmeter.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

Reading on voltmeter = .................................................. V

(2)

(ii) The same circuit has now been set up with two ammeters.

Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.

smaller than

The reading on ammeter A2 will be equal to the reading on ammeter A1.

greater than
(1)
(Total 4 marks)

Q11.
(a) A student uses some everyday items to investigate static electricity.

Page 13 of 50
 1 A strip of plastic is cut 2 The plastic strip is rubbed 3 The plastic strip is hung
from a plastic carrier bag with a cloth over a wooden rod

(i) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete each sentence.

Rubbing the plastic strip with a cloth causes the strip to become negatively
charged.

electrons

This happens because neutrons move from the cloth onto the plastic strip.

protons

a negative

The cloth is left with a positive charge.

zero
(2)

(ii) When the plastic strip is hung over the wooden rod, the two halves of the strip
move equally away from each other.

What two conclusions should the student make about the forces acting on the
two halves of the plastic strip?

1 ............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

2 .............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(2)

(b) Electrical charges move more easily through some materials than through other
materials.

Through which one of the following materials would an electrical charge move most
easily?

Draw a ring around your answer.

Page 14 of 50
 aluminium glass rubber
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

Q12.
(a) The diagram shows the circuit used to investigate the resistance of a sample of a
material.
The diagram is not complete; the ammeter and voltmeter are missing.

(i) Draw the symbols for the ammeter and voltmeter on the diagram in the correct
places.
(2)

(ii) How can the current through the material be changed?

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(b) The material, called conducting putty, is rolled into cylinders of different lengths but
with equal thickness.

Graph 1 shows how the resistance changes with length.

Page 15 of 50
 Length in centimetres

(i) The current through a 25 cm length of conducting putty was 0.15 A.

Use Graph 1 to find the resistance of a 25 cm length of conducting putty.

Resistance = .................................................. ohms

(1)

(ii) Use your answer to (b) (i) and the equation in the box to calculate the potential
difference across a 25 cm length of conducting putty.

potential difference = current x resistance

Show clearly how you work out your answer.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

Potential difference = .................................................. volts

(2)

(c) A second set of data was obtained using thicker pieces of conducting putty. Both
sets of results are shown in Graph 2.

Page 16 of 50
 Length in centimetres

(i) What is the relationship between the resistance and the thickness of the
conducting putty?

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Name one error that may have reduced the accuracy of the results.

...............................................................................................................
(1)

(iii) How could the reliability of the data have been improved?

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 9 marks)

Q13.
(a) The diagram shows a simple circuit.

Page 17 of 50
 (i) Calculate the total resistance of the two resistors in the circuit.

...............................................................................................................

Total resistance = .................................................. Ω

(1)

(ii) Calculate the reading on the voltmeter.

Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet.

Show clearly how you work out your answer.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

Voltmeter reading = .................................................. V

(2)

(iii) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.

decrease

Replacing one of the resistors with a resistor of higher value will not change

increase

the reading on the ammeter.

(1)

(b) The voltmeter in the circuit is replaced with an oscilloscope.

Which one of the diagrams, X, Y or Z, shows the trace that would be seen on the
oscilloscope?

Write your answer, X, Y or Z, in the box.

Page 18 of 50
 Diagram

Give a reason for your answer.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

Q14.
(a) The diagram shows a polythene rod being rubbed with a woollen cloth.

The polythene rod becomes negatively charged.

Explain how this happens.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) A student put the charged polythene rod on to a balance. The rod was separated
from the metal pan of the balance by a thin block of insulating material.
The student then held a second charged polythene rod above, but not touching, the
first rod. The reading on the balance increased.

Page 19 of 50
 (i) Explain why the reading on the balance increases.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) The student observed that the nearer the two rods are to each other, the
bigger the increase in the balance reading.

What should the student conclude from this observation?

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

Q15.
(a) A student takes off his nylon fleece and feels a small electric shock.
He realises that this happens because his fleece becomes charged.

Page 20 of 50
 Explain why the fleece becomes charged.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) Only two of the following statements are correct.

Put a tick ( ) in the boxes next to the two correct statements.

Positively charged objects repel negatively charged objects.

Electrical charges move easily through metals.

Static electricity is safe; it never causes any danger.

An electric current is a flow of electrical charge.

(2)

(c) The diagram shows a lightning conductor attached to the side of a tall building.

Page 21 of 50
If the building is struck by lightning, charge flows to earth through the lightning
conductor.

(i) Which of the materials in the list is used to make the lightning conductor?

Draw a ring around your answer.

copper glass plastic

Give a reason for your answer.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Complete the sentence by drawing a ring around the correct line in the box.

The resistance of the lightning conductor is

higher than

the same as the resistance of the building.

lower than
(1)

(iii) It is almost impossible to test different designs of lightning conductor in

controlled experiments during a lightning storm.

Suggest a reason why.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 8 marks)

Page 22 of 50
Q16.
(a) The lamps in the circuits drawn below are all identical.
Each of the cells has a potential difference of 1.5 volts.

(i) What is the potential difference across the 3 cells that are joined in series?

...............................................................................................................

Potential difference = .................................................. V

(1)

(ii) What will be the reading on the voltmeter labelled V 3?

Voltmeter reading V = .................................................. V

3

(1)

(iii) Which voltmeter, V , V or V , will give the highest reading?

1 2 3

Draw a ring around your answer.

V 1 V 2 V 3

(1)

(b) The diagram below shows a simple circuit.

(i) Calculate the total resistance of the two resistors in the circuit.

...............................................................................................................

Total resistance = .................................................. Ω

(1)

(ii) Use the equation in the box to calculate the reading on the voltmeter.

Page 23 of 50
 potential difference = current × resistance

Show clearly how you work out your answer.

...............................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................

Voltmeter reading = .................................................. V

(2)

(iii) The current through a resistor at constant temperature changes when the
potential difference across the resistor changes.

Which one of the graphs, X, Y or Z, shows how the current changes?

Write your answer, X, Y or Z, in the box.

X Y Z

Graph

(1)
(Total 7 marks)

Q17.
A circuit diagram is shown below.

(a) Use a word from the box to label component X.

Page 24 of 50
 fuse switch thermistor

(1)

(b) Calculate the total resistance of the two resistors in the circuit.

........................................................................................................................

Total resistance = ........................................ Ω

(1)

(c) The reading on the ammeter is 0.25 A.

The current through the 6 Ω resistor will be:

bigger than 0.25 A equal to 0.25 A smaller than 0.25 A

Draw a ring around your answer

(1)

(d) The 6 V battery is made by correctly joining several 1.5 V cells in series.

Calculate the number of cells needed to make the battery.

........................................................................................................................

Number of cells = ...........................................

(1)
(Total 4 marks)

Q18.
(a) The diagram shows a student touching the metal dome of a Van de Graaff generator.
When the generator is switched on, the metal dome becomes negatively charged.

Explain why the student’s hair stands on end when the generator is switched on.

Page 25 of 50
 ........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b) When the potential difference between the student and a nearby earthed metal
dome reached 15 kV, a spark jumped between the student and the earthed dome.
The spark transformed 30 mJ of energy into heat, light and sound. (1 mJ = 0.001 J)

Use the equation in the box to calculate the charge carried by the spark.

energy transformed = potential difference × charge

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

Charge transferred =.................................................. coulombs

(2)

(c) What name is given to the rate of flow of charge?

........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

Q19.
(a) A student rubs a nylon comb on the sleeve of his jumper.

(i) Use words from the box to complete the following sentence.

electrons hand jumper protons

The comb becomes negatively charged because .....................................

move

from the student’s ........................................... to the comb.

(2)

Page 26 of 50
 (ii) What type of charge is left on the jumper?

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii) The negatively charged comb is placed close to a charged plastic ruler. The
comb and the ruler attract each other.

Complete the following sentence by drawing a ring around the correct line in
the box.

negatively charged

The ruler is positively charged

uncharged
(1)

(b) Electrostatic charge can damage computer chips. People working with computer
chips may wear a special bracelet, with a wire joining the bracelet to earth (the earth
wire). Any negative charge on the person will flow through the wire to earth.

(i) Which one of the following materials should the bracelet be made from?

Draw a ring around your answer.

copper plastic rubber

Give a reason for your answer.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) Which one of the following words is used to describe the rate of flow of charge
through a wire?

Draw a ring around your answer.

current resistance voltage

(1)
(Total 7 marks)

Page 27 of 50
Q20.
A set of Christmas tree lights is made from twenty identical lamps connected in series.

(a) Each lamp is designed to take a current of 0.25 A. The set plugs directly into the 230
V mains electricity supply.

(i) Write down the equation that links current, potential difference and resistance.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) Calculate the resistance of one of the lamps. Show clearly how you work out
your final answer and give the unit.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Resistance = ......................................................................
(4)

(iii) What is the total resistance of the set of lights?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Total resistance = ........................................................

(1)

(b) How does the resistance of a filament lamp change as the temperature of the
filament changes?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 28 of 50
 (1)
(Total 7 marks)

Q21.
You wash and dry your hair, then comb it with a plastic comb. As you move the comb
away from your head some hairs are attracted to the comb.

(a) What has happened to the comb to make it attract the hairs?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) If the comb is now held above some small pieces of dry tissue paper what is likely
to happen?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) If you rub your hands all over the comb it will no longer attract your hair.
Explain why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

Q22.
A pupil did an experiment following the instructions below.

1. Take a polythene rod (AB), hold it at its centre and rub both ends with a cloth.

2. Suspend the rod, without touching the ends, from a stand using a stirrup and nylon
thread.

3. Take a perspex rod (CD) and rub it with another cloth.

4. Without touching the ends of the perspex rod bring each end of the perspex rod up
to, but without touching, each end of the polythene rod.

5. Make notes on what is observed.

The diagram below shows how the apparatus is to be set up.

Page 29 of 50
(a) When end C was brought near to end B they attracted each other.

(i) Explain why they attracted each other.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) What would happen if end C were brought near end A?

______________________________________________________________
(3)

(b) The experiment was repeated with two polythene rods.

(i) Describe what you would expect the pupil to observe as the end of one rod
was brought near to the end of the other.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) Explain your answer.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) Explain, in terms of electron movement, what happened as the rods were rubbed
with the cloths.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 30 of 50
 ___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q23.
A student did an experiment with two strips of polythene. She held the strips together at
one end. She rubbed down one strip with a dry cloth. Then she rubbed down the other
strip with the dry cloth. Still holding the top ends together, she held up the strips.

(a) (i) What movement would you expect to see?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) Why do the strips move in this way?

______________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) Complete the four spaces in the passage.

Each strip has a negative charge. The cloth is left with a............................................

charge. This is because particles called .................................. have been transferred

from the .................................... to the ........................................ .

(4)

(c) The student tried the experiment using two strips of aluminium. The strips did not
move.

Complete each of the sentences.

Page 31 of 50
 (i) Materials, such as aluminium, which electricity will pass through easily, are

called ........................................ .
(1)

(ii) Materials, such as polythene which electricity will not pass through easily, are

called ......................................... .
(1)
(Total 9 marks)

Q24.
The diagram shows a student after rubbing a balloon on his hair. The balloon and hair
have become charged.

(a) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.

positive.

(i) After rubbing, the charge on his hair is negative.

neutral.
(1)
neutrons.

(ii) When the balloon is rubbed on his hair the balloon gains protons.

electrons.
(1)

(b) After the student rubs the balloon on his hair, his hair stands on end.

Explain why.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

Page 32 of 50
........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

Page 33 of 50
Mark schemes

Q1.
(a) (i) A
1

(ii) D
1

(b) (i) any one from

• electrons are rubbed off the cloth

accept ‘negative charges are rubbed off the cloth’

• electrons are transferred from the cloth to the sulphur

do not accept ‘charge is rubbed off the cloth’
do not accept ‘charge is transferred
from the cloth to the sulphur’
1

(ii) any one from

• the charges repel each other to the edge of the circle

accept ‘the charges repel each other’

• the charges flow to the edge of the circle where the sulphur
is an insulator
do not accept ‘the charges flow to the edge of the circle’
or ‘it becomes conducting’
1
[4]

Q2.
(a) answers should indicate that the circuit is incomplete

any one from

• the circuit is not complete

• there is a gap in the circuit

• the wires are not joined or connected

accept ‘the circuit is broken’
do not accept ‘the bell is not connected’
do not accept ‘current or electricity cannot get through’
1 (L3)

(b) answers should indicate that the circuit is now complete

any one from

• the circuit is complete

Page 34 of 50
 • there is no gap in the circuit

• the wires are joined or connected

• steel is a conductor
accept ‘the current can flow all the way round’
do not accept ‘current can flow’
accept ‘electricity can go through the pin’
1 (L3)

(c) any one from

• wood is an insulator
accept ‘electricity cannot go through wood’
or ‘wood is a non-metal’

• the matchstick does not conduct electricity

1 (L3)

(d) any one from

• rust is an insulator

• rust does not conduct electricity

• rust stops contact being made

accept ‘rust stops the electricity flowing’
do not accept ‘the steel pin does not conduct
electricity when it is rusty
1 (L3)

(e)

if more than one line is drawn from the same

part of the car, award no mark for that part
4 (L4)

(f) any one from

1 (L4)

• by electricity

• along the wires

accept ‘from the battery’ or ‘by electrons’
[9]

Page 35 of 50
Q3.
(a) (i) any one from

• because the ball is positive

• because it is positive

• like charges repel

accept ‘it has the same charge’
do not accept ‘it is repelled’
or ‘positive only attracts negative’
1 (L6)

(ii) a reference to both types of charge should be made or implied

positive charge is attracted to negative charge or opposite

charges attract
accept ‘the ball is positive so is attracted by the negative’
or ‘negatives attract positives’ or ‘opposites attract’
1 (L6)

(b) the ball becomes negatively charged

accept ‘the ball loses its positive and becomes negative’
or ‘its charge changes’
1 (L6)

any one from

• negative charges repel each other

• it is attracted to the positive plate

• it is repelled
accept ‘the ball and plate neutralise each other
and the ball falls away’ for both marks
1 (L6)

(c) any one from

• charge cannot flow away

• copper would let the charge flow away

accept ‘it stops the charge from going’
or ‘it keeps the charge on the ball’
accept ‘electricity cannot flow away’
do not accept ‘current cannot flow’
do not accept ‘insulators do not conduct’
1 (L6)
[5]

Q4.
The answer should imply that the circuit is no longer complete

(a) the circuit is broken or the break in B stops current from flowing through A
accept ‘they are in series’

Page 36 of 50
 accept ‘the connection is broken’
do not accept ‘faulty circuit’
1

(b) (i) yes

1

(ii) yes
1
[3]

Q5.

if more than one box is ticked in any row

award no mark for that row
[5]

Q6.
(a) circuit A
if more than one letter is given award no mark
1

(b) smaller or lower

accept ‘half’
1

any one from

• because the resistance is larger

accept ‘the resistance is smaller in E’

• because the current has to flow through more bulbs

accept ‘because there are more bulbs’
do not accept ‘because two bulbs use up more energy’
or ‘because the current is less’
1

(c) If the two bulbs are in series, then two cells are needed.
The ammeter may be anywhere in the series circuit e.g.

Page 37 of 50
 If the two bulbs are in parallel, then the ammeter must be in one of the branches of
the
circuit e.g.

1
[4]

Q7.
(i) off
off
both answers are required for the mark
1 (L4)

(ii) on
on
both answers are required for the mark
1 (L4)

(iii) on
off
both answers are required for the mark
answers must be in the correct order
1 (L4)

(iv) off
on
both answers are required for the mark
answers must be in the correct order
1 (L4)

(v) off

Page 38 of 50
 off
both answers are required for the mark
1 (L4)
[5]

Q8.
(a) 300 C
unit required for the mark
accept ‘5.0 × 60 C’
1

(b) (i) 48 Ω
unit required for the mark
accept ‘240/5 ‘
1

(ii) 1200 W or 1.2 kW

unit required for the mark
accept ‘240 × 5 W’
1

(c) (i) 600 J

unit required for the mark
accept ‘J/s’ or ‘W’
accept answer to (b) (ii) × 0.5 J
1

(ii) 5 kg
consequential marking applies in this part of the question
unit required for the mark
accept ‘kg/s’
accept answer to (c) (i) ÷ 120 kg
1
[5]

Q9.
(a) bulb flashes on or glows briefly
do not accept ‘bulb turns on’ without reference to
‘for a short time’
1

any two from

• primary current or magnetic flux chances

• a voltage is induced across the secondary or a current is induced

in the secondary

• no induced voltage when flux reaches a steady value

accept ‘voltage across primary changes’
or ‘field through secondary grows’
accept ‘no induced current when primary current stops

Page 39 of 50
 changing’
award one mark for ‘nothing happens’ with the explanation
‘transformers do not work on dc’
award all three marks for ‘nothing happens’ with the
explanation ‘magnetic field builds up too slowly so induced
voltage is too
small to light the lamp’
2

(b) bulb stays off

1

the magnetic field does not change

accept ‘nothing’
1

(c) bulb flashes on or glows briefly

do not accept ‘bulb turns on’ without reference to ‘for a short
time’
do not accept ‘bulb turns off or goes out’
1

(d) C √
if more than one box is ticked award no mark
1
[7]

Q10.
(a) 25(Ω)
1

(b) (i) 2(V)

allow 1 mark for showing a correct method, ie 6 / 3
2

(ii) equal to
1
[4]

Q11.
(a) (i) electrons
1

a positive
1

(ii) (forces are) equal

accept (forces are)the same
forces are balanced is insufficient
1

(forces act in) opposite directions

accept (forces) repel
both sides have the same charge is insufficient

Page 40 of 50
 1

(b) aluminium
1
[5]

Q12.
(a) (i) ammeter symbol correct and drawn in series

accept
do not accept lower case a
1

voltmeter symbol correct and drawn in parallel with the material

do not accept
1

(ii) adjust / use the variable resistor

accept change the resistance

or
change the number of cells
accept battery for cell
accept change the pd / accept change the voltage
accept increase / decrease for change
1

(b) (i) 37.5 (Ω)

accept answer between 36 and 39 inclusive
1

(ii) 5.6(25) or their (b)(i) × 0.15

allow 1 mark for correct substitution ie 37.5 or their (b)(i) ×
0.15 provided no subsequent step shown
2

(c) (i) the thicker the putty the lower the resistance
answer must be comparative
accept the converse
1

(ii) any one from:

• measuring length incorrectly

accept may be different length

• measuring current incorrectly

do not accept different currents

• measuring voltage incorrectly

do not accept different voltage

Page 41 of 50
 • ammeter / voltmeter incorrectly calibrated

• thickness of putty not uniform

do not accept pieces of putty not the same unless qualified

• meter has a zero error

do not accept systematic / random error
accept any sensible source of error eg putty at different
temperatures
do not accept human error without an explanation
do not accept amount of putty not same
1

(iii) repeat readings and take a mean

accept check results again
accept do experiment again
accept do it again and take mean(s)
accept compare own results with other groups
do not accept take more readings
1
[9]

Q13.
(a) (i) 15
1

(ii) 4.5 or their (a)(i) x 0.3 correctly calculated

allow 1 mark for correct substitution, ie 0.3 x 15/their (a)(i),
provided no subsequent step
2

(ii) decrease
1

(b) Y
accept any correct indication
reason only scores if Y is chosen
accept voltage for p.d.
1

(only one that) shows a direct current / p.d.

or
a battery / cell gives a direct current
accept both X and Z are a.c.

or
a battery/cell gives a constant current/p.d.
accept it’s a constant current/p.d.
it is not changing is insufficient
1
[6]

Q14.
(a) electrons transfer / removed

Page 42 of 50
 do not accept negatively charged atoms for electrons
this only scores if first mark given
1

to the rod / from the cloth

this does not score if there is reference to any original
charge on cloth or rod
‘it’ refers to the rod
accept negative charge transfer to rod / removed from cloth
for 1 mark
transfer of positive charge / positive electrons scores zero
1

(b) (i) rods / charges repel

1

creating downward / extra force (on the balance)

accept pushing (bottom) rod downwards
do not accept increasing the weight / mass
charges attracting scores zero
1

(ii) the (repulsion) force increases as the distance between the charges
decreases
accept there is a negative correlation between (repulsion)
force and distance between charges
or
(repulsion) force and distance between charges are inversely
proportional
for both marks
examples of 1 mark answers
force increases as distance decreases
force and distance are inversely proportional
negative correlation between force and distance
repels more as distance decreases
if given in terms of attracting or attraction force this mark
does not score
2
[6]

Q15.
(a) fleece rubs against shirt
it refers to the fleece
1
or
friction (between fleece and shirt)

(causing) electrons to transfer from one to the other

accept a specific direction of transfer
do not accept charge for electrons
positive electrons negates this mark
movement of protons negates this mark

Page 43 of 50
 1

(b) Electrical charges move easily through metals.

1

An electric current is a flow of electrical charge.

1

(c) (i) copper

reason only scores if copper chosen
1

(good electrical) conductor

accept it is a metal
any mention of heat conduction negates this mark
1

(ii) lower than

1

(iii) accept any sensible suggestion,eg:

• too many variables (to control)

• lightning strikes / storms are random / unpredictable

• do not know which building will be struck

• do not know when a building will be struck

• do not know when lightning will happen

• (very) difficult to create same conditions in a laboratory

• lightning storms are not the same

it is not safe is insufficient
do not accept lightning does not strike the same place twice
1
[8]

Q16.
(a) (i) 4.5
1

(ii) 2.25 or their (a)(i) ÷ 2 correctly calculated

1

(iii) V 2

(b) (i) 30
1

(ii) 8
allow 1 mark for correct substitution
ie 0.4 × 20
allow 1 mark for answers of 4 or 12

Page 44 of 50
 2

(iii) Y
1
[7]

Q17.
(a) switch
allow answer circled in box
1

(b) 24
1

(c) equal to 0.25 A

1

(d) 4
1
[4]

Q18.
(a) each hair gains the same (type of) charge
or
(each) hair is negatively charged
do not accept hair becomes positively charged
or
(each) hair gains electrons
1

similar charges repel

accept positive charges repel
providing first marking point is in terms of positive charge
or
negative charges repel
or
electrons repel
1

(b) 0.000002
accept correct substitution and transformation for 1 mark
or
2 × 10-6
ie 30 / 15 or .03 / 15000 or 30 / 15000 or .03 / 15
or
2μC
answers 2 and 0.002 gain 1 mark
2

(c) current
do not accept amp / amperes
1
[5]

Page 45 of 50
Q19.
(a) (i) electrons
1

jumper
1

(ii) positive
accept protons
accept +
1

(iii) positively charged

accept any clear way of indicating the answer
1

(b) (i) copper

1

it is an (electrical) conductor
only accept if copper is identified
do not accept it conducts heat
accept it conducts heat and electricity
accept copper is the best conductor
accept correct description of conduction
1

(ii) current
1
[7]

Q20.
(a) (i) potential difference = current × resistance
accept voltage or pd for potential difference
accept V = I × R
accept correct transformation
do not accept V = C × R
do not accept V = A × R

accept provided

subsequent use of Δ correct

do not accept an equation expressed in units
1

(ii) 46
credit correct transformation for 1 mark
allow 1 mark for use of 11.5 V or division of final resistance by
20
a final answer of 920 gains 2 marks only

Page 46 of 50
 3

ohm(s)
accept symbol Ω
do not accept Ω s
unit / symbol mark can be awarded in (iii) provided unit /
symbol is omitted in (ii)
1

(iii) 920 (ohms) or their (a)(ii) × 20

1

(b) as temperature increases, resistance increases

accept hotter for temperature increase
do not accept a reference to resistance only i.e. it /
resistance goes up
1
[7]

Q21.
(a) becomes (electrically) charged or description of electron movement
for 1 mark
1

(b) comb attracts paper

for 1 mark
1

(c) charge/electricity gone to Earth/body

for 1 mark each
2
[4]

Q22.
(a) (i) Ends have charge
Which is opposite on each rod
2

(ii) Attracts
1

(b) (i) Repulsion

1

(ii) Ends have same charge

1

(c) Electrons move between cloth and rod

Where gather is negative
Where move from is positive
3
[8]

Q23.

Page 47 of 50
 (a) (i) (bottom or other ends) move apart or
repel
accept they move apart
1

(ii) have same charge

accept both have negative charge
(from part (b) do not credit both have positive charge

same or like charges repel

not just opposite charges attract
2

(b) positive
1

electrons
1

cloth
1

polythene
accept strips
1

(c) (i) conductors

accept metals
1

(ii) insulators
accept non-conductors/poor conductors do not credit
non-metals
1
[9]

Q24.
(a) (i) positive
1

(ii) electrons
1

(b) the hairs have the same charge

ecf accept hairs are all negative from (a)(i)
1

or

the hairs are (all) positive

do not accept positive electrons

like charges repel (and hair stands on end)

accept (positive hair) attracted to negative balloon
1
[4]

Page 48 of 50
Examiner reports

Q1.
No specific comment made.

Q2.
Most pupils were able to provide satisfactory answers to questions assessing knowledge
of simple electrical circuits.

Questions on Energy resources and energy transfer have been included in the tests in all
three years. As in 1995, pupils confused ‘renewable’ with ‘reusable’ and consequently
had difficulty in identifying which resources are considered renewable. In 1995 pupils
were asked to identify the origin of five named resources. A majority of pupils were unable
to say that energy is transferred to a car headlamp by electricity. The most common
incorrect answer given was by light, suggesting that in this case, pupils had
misunderstood what was being asked. The ways in which the terms energy resource and
energy transfer would be used in the 1996 tests were clarified in the 1996 assessment
arrangements booklet.

Q3.
Questions on static charge have not featured in the tests in previous years. Evidence
from the 1996 tests suggests that many pupils are unfamiliar with the ideas in this part of
the programme of study. Many pupils attempted to use ideas about magnetism to explain
why a charged ball was attracted to and repelled from the charged plates. Others did not
attempt to answer the question. Where pupils were familiar with ideas about
electrostatics, good explanations of the attraction and repulsion were given.

Q4.
The answers to this question showed that some pupils, finally attaining Level 3, had
difficulty interpreting circuit diagrams and explaining why bulbs do or do not light. A
common error in part (a) was the answer that there was not enough power to light bulb A.
Part (b)(i) posed no problem for most pupils, but only about 50% of pupils answered part
(ii) correctly.

Q5.
Most pupils gained some marks on this question. Errors arose in answers to A’ and ‘D’
when pupils did not realise that when the pressure pad is open no current can flow in the
circuit. In answer to ‘B’ and ‘C’, many pupils were confused by the action of the two-way
switch, and thought both lamp and buzzer would be on when the circuit was completed
through one of them.

Q6.
About 50% of pupils identified the correct circuit in part (a). In part (b), most pupils realised
that the ammeter reading in circuit F was likely to be less than in circuit E, and many
pupils correctly explained that this was because there are 2 (more) bulbs. Few answers to
part (b) recognised the increase in resistance and some made imprecise references to
‘energy’ or ‘power’. About 30% of pupils drew the correct circuit in part (c). Many pupils
drew circuits without, or with incorrectly positioned, ammeters.

Page 49 of 50
Q7.
Most pupils showed a good understanding of the principles of switching. However, about
40% of pupils appeared to think that a switch in a series circuit controls only the
neighbouring components. There was evidence of similar thinking in a later part of the
same question, where about 25% of pupils thought that the motor and buzzer would both
be on with switch C open.

Q8.
No specific comment made

Q9.
No specific comment made

Page 50 of 50