Electricity and magnetism: past paper questions

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• Question 26May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Two metal rods each have a painted end. The painted ends are placed next to the N pole and S pole of a bar magnet in turn. The rods are made from iron, aluminium or magnetised steel.

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• Question 24Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which metal could be used for a permanent magnet and which metal could be used for the core of an electromagnet?

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• Question 27May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which row gives the metal used to make the core of an electromagnet and one property of the electromagnet?

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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 25Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Object 1 is given a negative charge and placed on a balance. Object 2, which is also charged, is brought close to object 1 and the reading on the balance changes as shown. Which action would further decrease the reading on the balance?

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• Question 26Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which expression is used to calculate electrical resistance?

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• Question 26Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows three wires, P, Q and R. They are all made from the same metal. Which list gives the wires in order of resistance, from lowest to highest?

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• Question 26Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement about a voltmeter is correct?

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• Question 29May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which apparatus is needed to measure the electromotive force (e.m.f.) of a cell?

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• Question 27Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows part of an electric circuit. The reading on the voltmeter is $16\text{ V}$. The current in the resistor is $8.0\text{ A}$.

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• Question 28Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  What is the combined resistance of a $3.0\mathrm{\Omega }$ resistor and a $6.0\mathrm{\Omega }$ resistor connected in parallel?

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• Question 28Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  What is a thermistor?

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• Question 28Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A plastic rod is rubbed with a cloth. The rod becomes positively charged because of the movement of charged particles. Which row gives the name of these charged particles and the direction in which they move?

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• Question 31May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The diagram shows a circuit. Which statement correctly describes this circuit?

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• Question 29Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a circuit containing two identical resistors connected to a battery. The current is measured at X and at Y. Which row is correct?

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• Question 29Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Two $2.0\mathrm{\Omega }$ resistors are connected in parallel. What is the combined resistance of the resistors?

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• Question 30Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement explains where the switch for an electric lamp is connected?

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• Question 30Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The mains voltage is 120 V. Which fuse should be fitted to an electric kettle with a power of 1.5 kW?

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• Question 30Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  An electric heater is plugged into the mains supply using a fused plug. The current in the heater is $10\text{ A}$. The cable attached to the heater is rated at $15\text{ A}$.

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• Question 31Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a magnet moving towards a coil of wire. When the magnet moves towards the coil of wire, an electromotive force (e.m.f.) is induced. Students are asked for one change that will increase the magnitude of the induced e.m.f.

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• Question 31Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagrams show a strong magnet and a weak magnet moving into the same coil of wire at different speeds.

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• Question 34May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which statement is correct for a hair dryer with a double-insulated outer casing?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  What is used to identify the pattern and direction of the magnetic field due to the current in a straight wire?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagrams show a current-carrying wire with an arrow in the direction of the current.

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• Question 35May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Four small compasses are placed close to a current-carrying solenoid. In which directions do the compass needles point?

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• Question 26Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Soft iron and steel are magnetic materials. What are permanent magnets and temporary magnets made of?

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• Question 33Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  What are the best materials to use for the construction of a transformer?

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• Question 27May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  What is not an example of induced magnetism being used?

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• Question 24Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows what happens when a bar PQ is brought near to a permanent magnet which is standing on a balance. What could bar PQ be?

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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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