Physical Sciences/P1 14 DBE/2023

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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

A battery with unknown emf (ɛ) and unknown internal resistance (r) is connected to
three resistors, a high-resistance voltmeter, two switches and two ammeters of
negligible resistance, as shown below.

ɛ
r A2

S2
Ω

1,5 A A1

S1
2Ω 5Ω

8.1 State Ohm's law in words. (2)

Both switch S1 and switch S2 are CLOSED. The reading on ammeter A1 is 1,5 A.

8.2 Calculate the:

8.2.1 Reading on the voltmeter (3)

8.2.2 Reading on ammeter A2 (4)

8.2.3 Power dissipated in the 3 Ω resistor (3)

Switch S1 is now OPENED, while switch S2 remains CLOSED. The reading on

ammeter A2 is now 3,64 A.

8.3 Calculate the emf of the battery. (5)

Switch S2 is now OPENED, while switch S1 is CLOSED.

8.4 How does the voltmeter reading change? Choose from INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.

Explain the answer. (4)

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14 PHYSICAL SCIENCES P1 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2023)

QUESTION 8

Three resistors and an electrical device rated 16 W are connected to a battery of

emf 36 V and unknown internal resistance r, as shown in the circuit diagram
below. Ammeter A2 reads 2 A when switch S is closed.

𝜺 = 36 V
S
r A2

2A

8Ω
A1

10 Ω
16 W

2Ω DEVICE

8.1 Define the term emf of a battery in words. (2)

8.2 Calculate the:

8.2.1 Resistance of the electrical device (3)

8.2.2 Current passing through the battery (5)

8.2.3 Internal resistance r of the battery (6)

8.3 The switch S is now opened. How will this affect the reading on ammeter
A1?

Choose from INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME.

Explain your answer. (2)

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Physical Sciences/P1 15 DBE/November 2022
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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

The circuit diagram below shows four resistors connected to a battery of emf Ɛ and
internal resistance r. The resistances of the ammeter and the connecting wires are
negligible, while the voltmeters have very high resistances.

3,5 A
A

S Ɛ

V2
3Ω 1Ω V1
r

2Ω 4Ω

8.1 State Ohm's law in words. (2)

Switch S is CLOSED.

8.2 The reading on the ammeter is 3,5 A.

8.2.1 Calculate the total external resistance of the circuit. (4)

8.2.2 Calculate the reading on voltmeter V1. (3)

8.2.3 How does the reading on voltmeter V2 compare to the reading on

voltmeter V1? Choose from SMALLER THAN, EQUAL TO or
GREATER THAN. (1)

8.3 A learner concludes that the emf of the battery is equal to the reading on
voltmeter V1.

8.3.1 Define the term emf. (2)

8.3.2 Is the learner's conclusion CORRECT? Choose from YES or NO. (1)

8.3.3 Give a reason for the answer to QUESTION 8.3.2. (1)

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Switch S is now removed and replaced by voltmeter V2, as shown in the circuit
diagram below.

V2 Ɛ

3Ω 1Ω V1
r

2Ω 4Ω

8.4 How will EACH of the following change?

(Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.)

8.4.1 The power dissipated by the 4 Ω resistor (1)

8.4.2 The reading on voltmeter V1 (1)

8.5 Explain the answer to QUESTION 8.4.2. (4)

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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

In the circuit below a battery of UNKNOWN emf and an internal resistance of

0,5 Ω is connected to two resistors of 4 Ω and 8 Ω each, and a resistor R of unknown
resistance.

Ignore the resistance of the connecting wires.

V2

ε
0,5 Ω

V1

4Ω 8Ω

S

R

8.1 The three external resistors are ohmic conductors.

Explain the meaning of the term ohmic conductor. (2)

8.2 When switch S is OPEN, voltmeter V1 reads 3,2 V.

Calculate the:

8.2.1 Current through the battery (3)

8.2.2 Emf of the battery (4)

8.3 When switch S is CLOSED, voltmeter V2 reads 8,8 V.

8.3.1 Calculate the resistance of resistor R. (5)

8.3.2 The battery becomes heated when voltmeter V2 is replaced by a

connecting wire. Explain this observation. (3)
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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

The battery in the circuit shown below has an emf of 12 V and an unknown internal
resistance r.
The resistance of the connecting wires and the ammeter is negligible.

P 5,76 W Q
• X 2,4 Ω •

Ɛ = 12 V
V1 r 6Ω 6Ω V2

S
• • A

Switch S is OPEN.

8.1 Write down the reading on:

8.1.1 Voltmeter V1 (1)

8.1.2 Voltmeter V2 (1)

Switch S is now CLOSED.

The reading on the ammeter is 1,2 A and the power dissipated in resistor X is 5,76 W.

8.2 Define the term power. (2)

Calculate the:

8.3 Resistance of resistor X (3)

8.4 Total EXTERNAL resistance of the circuit (3)

8.5 Reading on voltmeter V2 (5)

A length of wire of negligible resistance is used to connect point P to point Q in the

circuit.

8.6 How will the reading on voltmeter V1 be affected?

Choose from INCREASES, DECREASES or NO EFFECT.

Explain the answer. (4)

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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

Three resistors are connected to a battery with an unknown emf and unknown internal
resistance r, as shown below.

Ignore the resistance of the connecting wires.

V
1

ε
r

4Ω 3Ω

S
  7Ω

8.1 In the definition of the emf of a battery given below, (a) and (b) represent
missing words or phrases.

The emf of the battery is the maximum (a) … supplied by a battery per (b) ….
passing through it.

Write down (a) and (b) in your ANSWER BOOK and next to each the missing
word or phrase. (2)

With switch S CLOSED, the voltmeter reads 2,63 V.

8.2 Calculate the equivalent external resistance of the circuit. (4)

Switch S is now OPENED and the voltmeter reads 2,8 V.

8.3 Calculate:

8.3.1 The internal resistance of the battery (8)

8.3.2 The emf of the battery (2)

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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

A battery with an internal resistance of 0,5 Ω and an unknown emf (ε) is connected to
three resistors, a high resistance voltmeter and an ammeter of negligible resistance, as
shown in the circuit diagram below.
The resistance of the connecting wires must be ignored.

Ɛ 0,5 Ω
R1 r
4Ω


V S


25 Ω
R2
A 15 Ω
R3

8.1 Define the term emf of a battery. (2)

The reading on the voltmeter DECREASES by 1,5 V when switch S is closed.

8.2 Give a reason why the voltmeter reading decreases. (2)

8.3 Calculate the following when switch S is closed:

8.3.1 Reading on the ammeter (3)

8.3.2 Total external resistance of the circuit (4)

8.3.3 Emf of the battery (3)

8.4 A learner makes the following statement:

The current through resistor R3 is larger than the current through resistor R2.

Is this statement CORRECT? Choose from YES or NO. Explain the answer. (3)

8.5 The 4 Ω resistor is now removed from the circuit.

How will this affect the emf of the battery? Choose from INCREASES,
DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. (1)
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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

In the circuit diagram below, resistor R, with a resistance of 5,6 Ω, is connected,

together with a switch, an ammeter and a high-resistance voltmeter, to a battery with
an unknown internal resistance, r.

The resistance of the connecting wires and the ammeter may be ignored.

Ɛ
r

5,6 Ω
R ● ●
S

The graph below shows the potential difference across the terminals of the battery as a
function of time.

At time t1, switch S is closed.

Potential difference (V)

13

10,5

0 t1 time (s)

8.1 Define the term emf of a battery. (2)

8.2 Write down the value of the emf of the battery. (1)

8.3 When switch S is CLOSED, calculate the:

8.3.1 Current through resistor R (3)

8.3.2 Power dissipated in resistor R (3)

8.3.3 Internal resistance, r, of the battery (3)

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8.4 Two IDENTICAL resistors, each with resistance X, are now connected in the
same circuit with switch S closed, as shown below.

Ɛ
r

V
A
X X

5,6 Ω
R ● ●
S

The ammeter reading now increases to 4 A.

8.4.1 How would the voltmeter reading change? Choose from

INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.

Give a reason for the answer by referring to Vinternal resistance. (2)

8.4.2 Calculate resistance X. (5)

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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

8.1 Three identical light bulbs, A, B and C, are each rated at 6 W, 12 V.

8.1.1 Define the term power. (2)

8.1.2 Calculate the resistance of EACH bulb when used as rated. (3)

The light bulbs are connected in a circuit with a battery having an emf ()
of 12 V and internal resistance (r) of 2 . Refer to the diagram below.

Assume that the resistance of each light bulb is the same as that calculated in
QUESTION 8.1.2. Switch S is closed.

 = 12 V A
r =2 C
B

● ●
S

8.1.3 Calculate the total current in the circuit. (5)

8.1.4 Calculate the potential difference across light bulb C. (3)

8.1.5 Explain why light bulb C in the circuit will NOT burn at its maximum
brightness. (3)

8.2 Resistors A, B, C and D are connected to a battery having emf () and
negligible internal resistance, as shown in the diagram below.

A

C

B D

8.2.1 Give a reason why the current in resistor A is greater than that in
resistor C. (2)

8.2.2 Resistor C is removed. How will the current in resistor B compare to

the current in A? Give a reason for the answer. (2)
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14 PHYSICAL SCIENCES P1 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2019)

QUESTION 8 (Start on a NEW page.)

A shaving machine is rated 60 V. The circuit diagram below represents a circuit

used to provide a maximum voltage required by the shaving machine.

1Ω
r

2Ω
6Ω
A

6Ω
Shaving
machine

8.1 Calculate the effective resistance of the parallel network. (3)

8.2 The cost for operating the shaving machine for 5 hours per day over 5 days is
R6,75. The price of electricity is R1,50 per unit (1 kWh).

Calculate the:

8.2.1 Power rating of the shaving machine (4)

8.2.2 Reading on the ammeter (3)

8.3 In order to save money, it was decided to use a battery since the machine can
operate on direct current.

Calculate the:

8.3.1 Emf of the power source (battery) that should be used (5)

8.3.2 Resistance of the shaving machine (3)

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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

The battery in the circuit diagram below has an emf of 12 V and an internal resistance
of 0,5 Ω. Resistor R has an unknown resistance.

12 V
0,5 Ω

A
S
22ΩΩ ∙ ∙

8.1 What is the meaning of the following statement?

The emf of the battery is 12 V. (2)

The reading on the ammeter is 2 A when switch S is OPEN.

8.2 Calculate the:

8.2.1 Reading on the voltmeter (3)

8.2.2 Resistance of resistor R (2)

Switch S is now CLOSED.

8.3 How does this change affect the reading on the voltmeter? Choose from:
INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.
Explain the answer. (4)
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QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

Learners perform an experiment to determine the emf (ε) and the internal resistance (r)
of a battery using the circuit below.

ε
∙∙
r ∙ S
R

The learners use their recorded readings of current and resistance, together with the
ε
equation R = – r, to obtain the graph below.
I
1
Graph of resistance versus
current
15

●
10 ●
Resistance (Ω)

●
●
5
●

●
0
0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0
1
-1
current (A )
-5

9.1 Which variable has to be kept constant in the experiment? (1)

9.2 Refer to the graph.

9.2.1 Write down the value of the internal resistance of the cell. (2)

9.2.2 Calculate the emf of the battery. (3)

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QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

9.1 In the circuit diagram below the battery has an unknown emf (ε) and an
internal resistance (r) of 0,8 Ω.

ε
r = 0,8 Ω

V1 A1
4Ω
6Ω

•
S
V2 •
A2 0,6 A

5,8 Ω

9.1.1 State Ohm's law in words. (2)

The reading on ammeter A 2 is 0,6 A when switch S is closed.

Calculate the:

9.1.2 Reading on voltmeter V 1 (3)

9.1.3 Current through the 6 Ω resistor (2)

9.1.4 Reading on voltmeter V 2 (2)

9.1.5 Emf (ε) of the battery (3)

9.1.6 Energy dissipated as heat inside the battery if the current flows in
the circuit for 15 s (3)

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9.2 A simplified circuit diagram for the windscreen wiper of a car consists of
a variable resistor and a wiper motor connected to a 12 volt battery.

● ●
S

wiper motor

When switch S is closed, the potential difference across the variable resistor
is 2,8 V and the current passing through it is 0,7 A.

9.2.1 Calculate the resistance of the variable resistor. (2)

The resistance of the variable resistor is now decreased.

9.2.2 State whether the speed at which the wiper turns will INCREASE,
DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME.

Give a reason for the answer. (3)

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QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

9.1 The two graphs below show the relationship between current and potential
difference for two different conductors, X and Y.

Graphs of I versus V for two different conductors, X and Y

X
Current I (mA)

0
Potential difference (V)

9.1.1 State Ohm's law in words. (2)

9.1.2 Which ONE of the two conductors, X or Y, is ohmic?

Refer to the graph and give a reason for the answer. (2)

9.2 In the diagram below, a battery with an emf of 6 V and

an internal resistance of 2 Ω, is connected to three resistors P, Q and R.
A voltmeter V is connected across the battery. The ammeter A has a
negligible resistance.

P
10 Ω

15 Ω  
S
ℇ=6V R

2Ω
Q
10 Ω A

9.2.1 Calculate the ammeter reading when switch S is closed. (5)

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The switch S is now open.

9.2.2 Will the ammeter reading in QUESTION 9.2.1 INCREASE,

DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME? Give a reason for the
answer. (2)

9.2.3 How will the voltmeter reading now compare with the voltmeter
reading when the switch is closed? Choose from INCREASE,
DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME. (1)

9.2.4 Explain the answer to QUESTION 9.2.3. (3)

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QUESTION 10 (Start on a new page.)

10.1 Learners want to build a small DC motor as a project.

Write down THREE essential components that are needed for the building of
the motor. (3)

10.2 An electrical device with a resistance of 11 Ω is connected to an AC source

with an rms voltage of 240 V.

10.2.1 Define the term rms voltage. (2)

10.2.2 Calculate the maximum (peak) current passing through the device. (4)
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QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

9.1 Learners investigated the relationship between potential difference (V) and
current (I) for the combination of two resistors, R 1 and R 2 . In one experiment,
resistors R 1 and R 2 were connected in parallel. In a second experiment,
resistors R 1 and R 2 were connected in series.

The learners then plotted graph X, the results of one of the experiments, and
graph Y, the results of the other experiment, as shown below.

GRAPHS OF POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE VERSUS CURRENT FOR THE

COMBINATION OF TWO RESISTORS IN SERIES AND IN PARALLEL

3,00

2,50
Potential difference (V)

2,00
X
1,50

1,00
Y
0,50

0 0,25 0,50 0,75

Current (A)

9.1.1 State Ohm's law in words. (2)

9.1.2 What physical quantity does the gradient (slope) of the V-I graph
represent? (1)

9.1.3 Calculate the gradient (slope) of graph X. (2)

9.1.4 Determine the resistance of resistor R 1 . (4)

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9.2 The circuit below consists of three resistors, M, N and T, a battery with
emf Ɛ and an internal resistance of 0,9 Ω. The effective resistance between
points a and b in the circuit is 6 Ω. The resistance of resistor T is 1,5 Ω.

V1

a• M N •
b
V2

Ɛ
r = 0,9 Ω

1,5 Ω
● ● T
S

When switch S is closed, a high-resistance voltmeter, V 1 , across a and b

reads 5 V.

Calculate the:

9.2.1 Current delivered by the battery (3)

9.2.2 Emf (Ɛ) of the battery (4)

Voltmeter V 2 reads 2,5 V when the switch is closed.

9.2.3 Write down the resistance of N. (No calculations required.)

Give a reason for the answer. (2)
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QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

9.1 The emf and internal resistance of a certain battery were determined
experimentally.

The circuit used for the experiment is shown in the diagram below.

ℇ
r

9.1.1 State Ohm's law in words. (2)

The data obtained from the experiment is plotted on the attached graph
sheet.

9.1.2 Draw the line of best fit through the plotted points. Ensure that the
line cuts both axes. (2)

Use information in the graph to answer QUESTIONS 9.1.3 and 9.1.4.

9.1.3 Write down the value of the emf (ε) of the battery. (1)

9.1.4 Determine the internal resistance of the battery. (3)

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9.2 The circuit diagram below shows a battery with an emf (ε) of 60 V and an
unknown internal resistance r, connected to three resistors.

ε= 60 V

20 Ω
30 Ω
r

8Ω

A voltmeter connected across the 8 Ω resistor reads 21,84 V.

Calculate the:

9.2.1 Current in the 8 Ω resistor (3)

9.2.2 Equivalent resistance of the resistors in parallel (2)

9.2.3 Internal resistance r of the battery (4)

9.2.4 Heat dissipated in the external circuit in 0,2 seconds (3)

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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page).

8.1 In Circuit 1 below three identical light bulbs, P, Q and R, with the same
resistance, are connected to a battery with emf ε and negligible internal
resistance.

P Q

Circuit 1 R

8.1.1 How does the brightness of bulb P compare with that of bulb Q?

Give a reason for the answer. (2)

8.1.2 How does the brightness of bulb P compare with that of bulb R?

Give a reason for the answer. (2)

A fourth, identical bulb T, with the same resistance as the other three, is
connected to the circuit by means of an ordinary wire of negligible resistance,
as shown in Circuit 2 below.

P Q

Circuit 2 R
T

8.1.3 How does the brightness of bulb T compare with that of bulb R?

Give a reason for the answer. (2)

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8.2 A battery with an emf of 20 V and an internal resistance of 1 Ω is connected

to three resistors, as shown in the circuit below.

ε = 20 V
1Ω

5Ω 10 Ω

8Ω

Calculate the:

8.2.1 Current in the 8 Ω resistor (6)

8.2.2 Potential difference across the 5 Ω resistor (4)

8.2.3 Total power supplied by the battery (3)

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7.2 A charged sphere, A, carries a charge of – 0,75 µC.

7.2.1 Draw a diagram showing the electric field lines surrounding

sphere A. (2)

Sphere A is placed 12 cm away from another charged sphere, B, along

a straight line in a vacuum, as shown below. Sphere B carries a charge
of +0,8 μC. Point P is located 9 cm to the right of sphere A.

12 cm
– 0,75 µC P + 0,8 µC
●
A B
9 cm

7.2.2 Calculate the magnitude of the net electric field at point P. (5)
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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

8.1 In the circuit below the battery has an emf (ε) of 12 V and an internal
resistance of 0,2 Ω. The resistances of the connecting wires are negligible.

10 Ω

R 15 Ω
● c
● a
S ● d
● b

ε = 12 V
0,2 Ω

8.1.1 Define the term emf of a battery. (2)

8.1.2 Switch S is open. A high-resistance voltmeter is connected across

points a and b.
What will the reading on the voltmeter be? (1)

8.1.3 Switch S is now closed. The same voltmeter is now connected

across points c and d.
What will the reading on the voltmeter be? (1)

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When switch S is closed, the potential difference across the terminals of the
battery is 11,7 V.

Calculate the:

8.1.4 Current in the battery (3)

8.1.5 Effective resistance of the parallel branch (2)

8.1.6 Resistance of resistor R (4)

8.2 A battery with an emf of 12 V and an internal resistance of 0,2 Ω are

connected in series to a very small electric motor and a resistor, T, of
unknown resistance, as shown in the circuit below.

The motor is rated X watts, 3 volts, and operates at optimal conditions.

T
Electric motor
● ●
S
●
● 0,4 m∙s-1

ε = 12 V
0,35 kg
0,2 Ω

When switch S is closed, the motor lifts a 0,35 kg mass vertically upwards at
a constant speed of 0,4 m∙s-1. Assume that there is no energy conversion into
heat and sound.

Calculate the value of:

8.2.1 X (3)

8.2.2 The resistance of resistor T (5)

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QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

A sphere Q 1 , with a charge of -2,5 μC, is placed 1 m away from a second sphere Q 2 ,
with a charge +6 μC. The spheres lie along a straight line, as shown in the diagram
below. Point P is located a distance of 0,3 m to the left of sphere Q 1 , while point X is
located between Q 1 and Q 2 . The diagram is not drawn to scale.
-2,5 μC +6 μC
P Q1 X Q2
● ●
0,3 m 1m

8.1 Show, with the aid of a VECTOR DIAGRAM, why the net electric field at
point X cannot be zero. (4)

8.2 Calculate the net electric field at point P, due to the two charged spheres
Q 1 and Q 2 . (6)
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QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

A battery of an unknown emf and an internal resistance of 0,5 Ω is connected to three

resistors, a high-resistance voltmeter and an ammeter of negligible resistance, as
shown below.

2Ω

0,5 Ω

ε
A

4Ω 8Ω

The reading on the ammeter is 0,2 A.

9.1 Calculate the:
9.1.1 Reading on the voltmeter (3)

9.1.2 Total current supplied by the battery (4)

9.1.3 Emf of the battery (5)

9.2 How would the voltmeter reading change if the 2 Ω resistor is removed from
the circuit? Write down INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN THE SAME.
Explain the answer. (3)
[15]
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12 PHYSICAL SCIENCES P1 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2016)

QUESTION 9 (Start on a NEW page.)

In the circuit below, the battery has an emf of 12 V and internal resistance r. The
three resistors and the bulb are connected as shown in the diagram. The resistance
of the bulb is 2 Ω. Initially both switches S1 and S2 are open. Assume that all the
connecting wires and an ammeter A have negligible resistances.

9.1 With only switch S1 closed, the reading on the voltmeter drops to 10,8 V.
Calculate the …

9.1.1 reading on ammeter A. (4)

9.1.2 internal resistance, r of the battery. (3)

9.2 With both switches, S1 and S2, closed, the ammeter reads 1,5 A.

9.2.1 Calculate the power dissipated by the bulb. (7)

9.2.2 What effect will the closing of both switches have on the “lost volts”?

Write only INCREASE, REMAINS THE SAME OR DECREASE.

Fully explain your answer. (3)

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QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

A battery with an internal resistance of 1 Ω and an unknown emf (ε) is connected in

a circuit, as shown below. A high-resistance voltmeter (V) is connected across
the battery. A1 and A2 represent ammeters of negligible resistance.

8Ω
● ● A1 20 Ω

16 Ω
● ●

R A2
●
S
●

ε
● r=1Ω ●

With switch S closed, the current passing through the 8 Ω resistor is 0,5 A.

9.1 State Ohm's law in words. (2)

9.2 Calculate the reading on ammeter A1 . (4)

9.3 If device R delivers power of 12 W, calculate the reading on ammeter A2 . (5)

9.4 Calculate the reading on the voltmeter when switch S is open. (3)
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Physical Sciences/P1 14 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2015
NSC

QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

8.1 Learners want to construct an electric heater using one of two wires, A and B,
of different resistances. They conduct experiments and draw the graphs as
shown below.

Graph of V versus I for resistors A and B

10, 0

8,0
A
●
●
V (volts)

6,0

●
B
4,0
●
● ●

2,0 ● ●
●
●

●
0 0,2 0,4 0,6 0,8 1,0
I (A)

8.1.1 Apart from temperature, write down TWO other factors that the
learners should consider to ensure a fair test when choosing which
wire to use. (2)

8.1.2 Assuming all other factors are kept constant, state which ONE of
the two wires will be the most suitable to use in the heater.

Use suitable calculations to show clearly how you arrive at the

answer. (8)

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8.2 In the circuit below the reading on ammeter A is 0,2 A. The battery has an
emf of 9 V and internal resistance r.

r
•S
ε=9V
•
11 Ω

11 Ω A •
•
5,5 Ω

8.2.1 Calculate the current through the 5,5 Ω resistor. (3)

8.2.2 Calculate the internal resistance of the battery. (7)

8.2.3 Will the ammeter reading INCREASE, DECREASE or REMAIN

THE SAME if the 5,5 Ω resistor is removed from the circuit? Give a
reason for the answer. (2)
[22]

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(EC/SEPTEMBER 2015) PHYSICAL SCIENCES P1 15

QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

Learners conduct an experiment as shown in the diagram below.

The results obtained are shown in the graph below.

GRAPH OF CURRENT VERSUS POTENTIAL

DIFFERENCE
1,8
Current (A)

0,9

0
0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0
Potential Difference (V)

9.1 Use the graph to determine the following:

9.1.1 Emf (ε) of the battery (1)

9.1.2 Internal resistance of the battery, WITHOUT USING THE

EQUATION ε = I(R + r) IN YOUR CALCULATIONS (4)

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16 PHYSICAL SCIENCES P1 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2015)

9.2 The resistance of the rheostat is now increased.

9.2.1 How will this change the voltmeter reading?

Write down INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAIN THE
SAME. (1)

9.2.2 Explain your answer. (3)

9.3 Four identical cells, EACH with a emf of 1,5 V and an internal resistance
of 0,25 Ω are connected in series with each other and to the resistors as
shown below.

r r r r
A

4Ω

14 Ω

RX

9.3.1 Write down the potential difference across the cells when the
switch is open.

9.3.2 When switch S is closed, the potential difference across the 4 Ω

resistor is 2 V.

Calculate the: (2)

(a) Current in the circuit (3)

(b) Rx (8)
[22]

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Physical Sciences/P1 14 DBE/November 2014
NSC

QUESTION 8 (Start on a new page.)

NOTE: The graph for QUESTION 8.1.2 must be drawn on the GRAPH SHEET
attached at the end of the QUESTION PAPER.

8.1 A group of learners conduct an experiment to determine the emf ( ε ) and

internal resistance (r) of a battery. They connect a battery to a rheostat
(variable resistor), a low-resistance ammeter and a high-resistance voltmeter
as shown in the diagram below.

ε ●
S
●
A

The data obtained from the experiment is displayed in the table below.

READING ON READING ON
VOLTMETER (V) AMMETER (A)
2 0,58
3 0,46
4 0,36
5 0,24
6 0,14

8.1.1 State ONE factor which must be kept constant during the experiment. (1)

8.1.2 Using the information in the table above, plot the points and draw the
line of best fit on the attached GRAPH SHEET. (3)

Use the graph drawn in QUESTION 8.1.2 to determine the following:

8.1.3 Emf ( ε ) of the battery (1)

8.1.4 Internal resistance of the battery, WITHOUT USING ANY FORM OF

THE EQUATION ε = I(R + r) (3)

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8.2 Three electrical devices, X, Y and Z, are connected to a 24 V battery with

internal resistance r as shown in the circuit diagram below. The power rating
of each of the devices X and Y are indicated in the diagram.

ε =24 V ● S1
A ●

20 V, 100 W

150 W

● ● Z
S2

With switch S 1 closed and S 2 open, the devices function as rated.

Calculate the:

8.2.1 Current in X (3)

8.2.2 Resistance of Y (3)

8.2.3 Internal resistance of the battery (5)

Now switch S 2 is also closed.

8.2.4 Identify device Z which, when placed in the position shown, can still
enable X and Y to operate as rated. Assume that the resistances of
all the devices remain unchanged. (1)

8.2.5 Explain how you arrived at the answer to QUESTION 8.2.4. (2)
[22]

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Physical Sciences/P1 13 DBE/Feb.–Mar. 2014
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QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

Two identical cells, EACH with an emf of 1,5 V and an internal resistance r, are
connected in series with each other and to the resistors as shown below.

r r

4Ω

S
1Ω

9.1 Define, in words, the term electromotive force (emf). (2)

9.2 Write down the total emf of the circuit. (1)

When switch S is closed, the potential difference across the 4 Ω resistor is 2,8 V.

9.3 Calculate the total current in the circuit. (5)

9.4 Calculate the internal resistance r of EACH cell. (5)

9.5 An unknown resistor is now connected in parallel with the 4 Ω and 1 Ω

resistors. How will this change affect the magnitude of:

9.5.1 The internal resistance of the battery

Write down only INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE
SAME. (1)

9.5.2 The reading on the voltmeter

Write down INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME.
Explain the answer by referring to resistance, current and 'lost
volts'. (4)
[18]

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Physical Sciences/P1 13 DBE/2014
NSC – Grade 12 Exemplar

QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

9.1 In an experiment, learners use the circuit below to determine the internal
resistance of a cell.
E
r

The circuit consists of a cell of emf E and internal resistance r. A voltmeter is

placed across a variable resistor which can be set to known values R.

The equation used by the learners is:

1 r 1
= +
V ER E
They obtain the graph below.
1 1
Graph of versus
V R

2,0 ●

●
1,5
1
(V-1) ●
V

1,0 ●
●

0,5

0
0 1 2 1 3 4 5
(Ω-1)
R
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Physical Sciences/P1 14 DBE/2014
NSC – Grade 12 Exemplar

9.1.1 Write down a mathematical relationship for the slope of the graph. (1)

Use the information in the graph and calculate the:

9.1.2 Emf of the cell (2)

9.1.3 Internal resistance of the cell (3)

9.2 In the electrical circuit shown below, the battery has an emf of 6 V and an
internal resistance of 1 Ω. The total external resistance of the circuit is 9 Ω.

R2 R3
1Ω

R1

9.2.1 Calculate the current in R 1 when the switch is closed. (3)

The power dissipated in resistor R 1 is 1,8 W. The resistance of resistor R 3 is

4 times that of resistor R 2 . (R 3 = 4R 2 )

9.2.2 Calculate the resistance of resistor R 2 . (5)

9.3 A hair dryer operates at a potential difference of 240 V and a current of 9,5 A.

It takes a learner 12 minutes to completely dry her hair. Eskom charges

energy usage at R1,47 per unit. Calculate the cost of operating the hairdryer
for the 12 minutes. (1 unit = 1 kW·h) (4)
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(SEPTEMBER 2014) PHYSICAL SCIENCES P1 13

QUESTION 9 (Start on a new page.)

A learner wants to use a battery with an emf of 13 V to operate a walking doll. The
battery has an unknown internal resistance of r. The walking doll has a resistance
of 6 Ω. The learner uses the circuit below to obtain the potential difference required
for the walking doll to function.

When switch S is closed, the reading on the voltmeter drops to 12 V and the walking
doll functions at its maximum power of 6 W.

9.1 Explain briefly why the reading on the voltmeter drops when switch S is
closed. (2)

9.2 Calculate the internal resistance, r, of the battery. Show all the steps in your
calculations. (9)

9.3 Calculate the magnitude of the unknown resistor, R. (3)

9.4 The resistor R is replaced with a conducting wire of negligible resistance.

What effect will this have on the “lost volts”?
Fully explain your answer. (4)
[18]

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