Electricity and magnetism: past paper questions

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• Question 23Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  An aircraft flying through the air becomes electrically charged. What causes this to happen?

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• Question 30May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  An uncharged plastic rod is rubbed with a cloth. The plastic rod gains a negative charge. Which statement is correct?

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• Question 27Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which material is an electrical conductor at room temperature?

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

  Two parallel, conducting plates are charged. The charge on the upper plate is positive. The charge on the lower plate is equal in size but negative.

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• Question 24Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Two metal spheres are brought close to each other. The two spheres repel each other. Which statement explains this?

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

  What is a possible unit for electric current?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Which quantity is defined as the electrical work done by a source in moving a unit charge around a complete circuit?

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• Question 32May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The resistance of a metal wire depends on its length and on its cross-sectional area. What are the relationships for the resistance of the wire?

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• Question 29Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A student connects four circuits using two identical cells, two identical resistors and a motor. In which circuit does the coil of the motor rotate the fastest?

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• Question 33Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Four $1.5\text{V}$ cells are connected in a circuit as shown. The switch is closed. What is the reading on the voltmeter?

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• Question 26Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Circuits P and Q each contain two identical resistors, each of resistance $R$.

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• Question 33May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows four identical lamps that are connected in parallel. What are possible ammeter readings $I_1$ and $I_2$?

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• Question 30Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a lightning strike. Charge flows between the cloud and objects on the ground. During the lightning strike, there is a current of $2.8\times {10}^4\text{ A}$ between the cloud and the house for 52 ms.

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• Question 34Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Two resistors are connected in series with a battery, as shown. The readings on three voltmeters $V_0$, $V_1$ and $V_2$ and the currents $I_0$, $I_1$ and $I_2$ are also shown. Which row gives values for the current $I_0$ and the potential difference $V_0$?

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• Question 27Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The current in an electric motor is $2.0\text{ A}$. It transfers $20\text{ J}$ of energy in $5.0\text{ s}$. What is the potential difference (p.d.) across the motor?

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• Question 34May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a circuit that contains three resistors, a cell and a voltmeter. What is the reading on the voltmeter?

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

  Two current-carrying conductors are placed next to each other. The current in the conductors is in the same direction. Which statement about the forces experienced by the conductors is correct?

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• Question 35Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The current in a home computer varies between $0.40\text{ A}$ and $1.2\text{ A}$ when the computer is connected to the mains supply. What is the rating of the most suitable fuse to use to protect the computer?

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• Question 28Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  Three students make comments about appliances with double insulation. student P: Appliances with double insulation do not need an earth wire. student Q: Double insulation protects the user of the appliance from an electric shock.

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

  Two bars are each marked at one end with an X or a Y, as shown. End X of bar 1 is brought close to the N pole and then to the S pole of a magnet. End Y of bar 2 is brought close to the N pole and then to the S pole of the magnet.

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

  Which component is not needed to make a simple d.c. motor work?

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• Question 36Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Students are asked to draw the pattern and direction of the magnetic field due to a direct current (d.c.) in a straight wire.

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• Question 30May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The field outside a bar magnet is represented by magnetic field lines. Which row gives the direction of the arrows and the spacing of the field lines?

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

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

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

  The diagrams show an iron nail in four different situations.

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• Question 31May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Why are metals good electrical conductors?

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

  Which row correctly shows a magnetic metal and a non-magnetic metal?

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• Question 31Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which graph shows the voltage output against time for a simple a.c. generator?

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• Question 32May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a lamp, three resistors and three switches, X, Y and Z, connected to a battery. For which combination of switch settings does the lamp shine the brightest?

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• Question 33May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which quantities are multiplied together to determine the power input to an electrical appliance?

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