Action and use of circuit components: past paper questions

Where the questions come from

• Question 6May/June 2026, paper 22Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  Figure 6.1 shows a light-dependent resistor (LDR) connected in series with a fixed resistor of resistance $200\mathrm{\Omega }$ and a battery. The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the battery is $6.0\text{ V}$. The potential difference (p.d.) across the LDR is $2.4\text{ V}$.

  Try this question
• Question 33Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which component is used in an electric circuit to detect changes in temperature?

  Try this question
• Question 6Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 6.1 shows the circuit symbol for a relay and two labelled terminals. By referring to Fig. 6.1, explain the effect of a current passing from A to B.

  Try this question
• Question 2May/June 2026, paper 41Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A student investigates the resistance of a thermistor. Some of the apparatus used is shown in Figure 2.1. Draw a diagram of the circuit shown in Figure 2.1, using standard electrical symbols.

  Try this question
• Question 6Oct/Nov 2023, paper 21Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 6.1 shows a circuit that contains two identical cells, each of e.m.f. $1.5\text{ V}$, that are connected in parallel. The circuit also contains two ammeters, a thermistor T and two resistors R and S. The reading on ammeter 1 is $0.20\text{ A}$.

  Try this question
• Question 1Oct/Nov 2025, paper 42Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A student investigates a light dependent resistor (LDR). The student constructs a series circuit consisting of a power supply, the LDR, a $560\mathrm{\Omega }$ resistor and a switch. Draw a diagram of the circuit arrangement, using the correct symbols for the components in the circuit.

  Try this question
• Question 6May/June 2024, paper 22Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 6.1 shows a circuit diagram containing a battery, a light-dependent resistor (LDR) and a fixed resistor of resistance $240\mathrm{\Omega }$ connected in series. There is a lamp near the circuit. Light from the lamp is incident on the LDR when the lamp is switched on.

  Try this question
• Question 7Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  An electric circuit contains a battery, a fixed resistor R, a voltmeter and a thermistor. Fig. 7.1 is an incomplete circuit diagram of the arrangement. The thermistor is connected between terminals ${\text{T}}_1$ and ${\text{T}}_2$.

  Try this question
• Question 30May/June 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The graph shows how the resistance of a thermistor varies with temperature. The thermistor is at a temperature of $10{}^{\circ }\text{C}$ and is connected in series with a fixed resistor of resistance $20\mathrm{\Omega }$. What is the combined resistance of both components?

  Try this question
• Question 1May/June 2024, paper 42Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A student investigates the resistance of a diode when different currents flow through it. The student sets up the circuit shown in Fig. 1.1. The student connects a voltmeter into the circuit to measure the potential difference (p.d.) across the diode.

  Try this question
• Question 30May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Two resistors connected in series act as a potential divider as shown. The resistors have resistances $R_1$ and $R_2$ and the potential differences across them are $V_1$ and $V_2$ respectively. Which expression is equal to $\frac{V_1}{V_2}$?

  Try this question
• Question 30May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The circuit diagram shows a variable resistor R connected in parallel to the lower section of a potential divider. The resistance of R increases. What happens to the two voltmeter readings $V_1$ and $V_2$?

  Try this question
• Question 6May/June 2025, paper 21Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A student sets up a circuit to determine the resistance of a length of wire.

  Try this question
• Question 2May/June 2023, paper 41Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A student investigates a thermistor using the circuit in Fig. 2.1. Draw a circuit diagram of the circuit.

  Try this question
• Question 2May/June 2025, paper 42Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A student investigates the resistance of a thermistor at different temperatures. The student constructs the circuit shown in Fig. 2.1. The thermistor shown in Fig. 2.1 is placed in an empty beaker and is at room temperature.

  Try this question