Electric current: past paper questions

Where the questions come from

• Question 28Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement describes a direct current in a circuit?

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• Question 25Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which row about electrical conduction in metals is correct?

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• Question 31Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which graph of current $I$ against time $t$ represents an alternating current (a.c.)?

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• Question 28May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement explains why copper is a good electrical conductor?

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• Question 25Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Direct current (d.c.) can be represented on a voltage–time graph. Which graph shows the correct waveform for a d.c. supply?

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• Question 29May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The readings on two ammeters are shown. Which statement about the readings is correct?

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• Question 25Oct/Nov 2024, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  There is a current of $0.60\text{ A}$ in a closed circuit. How much charge passes a point in the circuit in $2.5\text{ min}$?

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• Question 26Oct/Nov 2025, paper 23Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  There is an electric current in a circuit with a battery. This question refers to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. Which row correctly describes the directions of the conventional current and the electron flow in the circuit?

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• Question 26May/June 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  What is an electric current and how is an ammeter positioned in a circuit to measure the current in a resistor?

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• Question 25Oct/Nov 2023, paper 23Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows an electric circuit. In which direction do free electrons flow around this circuit and what quantity does the ammeter measure?

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• Question 26May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement describes what is happening when there is an electric current in a metal wire?

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• Question 9Oct/Nov 2023, paper 33Structured6 marksHas a diagram

  Describe what is meant by alternating current (a.c.).

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• Question 7May/June 2026, paper 41Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  Figure 7.1 shows a battery of e.m.f. $6.5\text{ V}$ connected in series with a motor, a fixed resistor and a switch. Complete the equation that defines e.m.f.

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• Question 28May/June 2024, paper 23Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which circuit shows the directions of the conventional current $I$ and the flow of electrons?

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2023, paper 41Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  A cylinder is made of modelling clay. The modelling clay is an electrical conductor. Fig. 8.1 shows the cylinder.

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• Question 11May/June 2026, paper 43Structured7 marks

  The Sun is an example of a stable star. Describe the process that releases energy in the Sun.

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• Question 6May/June 2024, paper 41Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 6.1 shows an isolated metal sphere suspended by an insulating thread from the ceiling. The sphere is negatively charged. The charge on the sphere produces an electric field in the surroundings.

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2023, paper 42Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 6.1 shows the circuit diagram for a flashlight (torch). The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery is $4.5\text{ V}$. The circuit contains a $60\mathrm{\Omega }$ fixed resistor.

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• Question 7May/June 2024, paper 43Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 7.1 shows two charged metal plates. X marks the position of the centre of the space between the plates. On Fig. 7.1, draw at least four field lines to show the pattern and the direction of the electric field between the two charged plates.

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• Question 25May/June 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which particles move to cause a current in a copper wire?

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• Question 25May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement about electric current in a conductor is correct?

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