PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS

TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

PAPER-1 Multiple Choice

1- The e.m.f. induced in a conductor moving at right-angles to a magnetic field does not depend upon:
A - the length of the conductor.
B - the resistance of the conductor.
C - the speed of the conductor.
D - the strength of the magnetic field.

2- The diagrams show three generators.

Which are alternating current generators?

A X only B Y only C X and Y only D X and Z only [May-2008]

3- Which transformer arrangement produces an output voltage that is larger than the input voltage? B

[May-2008]

4- A student pushes the N-pole of a bar magnet into the end Q of a long solenoid and observes a deflection
to the right on the sensitive ammeter.
What will produce a deflection in the same direction?
A - pulling the N-pole out of end Q
B - pulling the S-pole out of end P
C - pushing the N-pole into end P
D - pushing the S-pole into end P

5-Why are high voltages and low currents used to transmit electrical energy over long distances?
A - to increase the electromagnetic radiation
B - to increase the speed at which electrons move
C - to reduce heat loss from the power line
D - to reduce the resistance of the power line

6- A step-up transformer with 100 % efficiency

has an input voltage of 3 V and an input current
of 2 A.
Under these conditions, what output voltage
and output current could be obtained?
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

output voltage / V output current / A

A 1 6
B 2 3
C 4 1
D 6 1 [Nov-2005]

7- A permanent magnet moving up and down on the end of a

spring induces an e.m.f. in a coil.
Which factor, on its own, would decrease the maximum value of
the induced e.m.f.?

A - increasing the number of turns in the coil

B - increasing the strength of the magnet
C - raising the coil
D - raising the support of the spring [May-2006]

8- Which statement about the action of a transformer is correct? [Nov-2002]

A - An alternating current always flows in the secondary coil when an alternating voltage is applied to the
primary coil.
B - The current in the secondary coil is always larger than the current in the primary coil.
C - An e.m.f. is induced in the secondary coil when an alternating voltage is applied to the primary coil.
D - An e.m.f. is induced in the secondary coil when a steady direct current flows in the primary coil.

9- A girl turns the handle of a small a.c. generator four times each second. The generator produces a
maximum output voltage of 0.5 V.
Which of the following graphs best shows this? A [May-2005]
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TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

10- The diagram shows a trace on an oscilloscope set at 5 V/cm on the vertical axis.

What is the maximum value of the potential difference being measured? [Nov-2002]
A - 1.5V B - 3.0V C - 7.5V D - 15V

11- The diagram shows a two-pole single-coil electric motor.

The split-ring commutator reverses the current in the coil as it
rotates.
How many times is the current reversed if the coil is rotated once?
A1 B2 C3 D4 [Nov-2002] / [May-2005]

12- Why is electricity transmitted along power lines at very high

voltages?
A to reduce the resistance of the cables
B so that transformers can be used
C to make sure that the current is the same all the way along the power lines
D to reduce loss of energy [Nov-2003]

13- A small coil is connected to a galvanometer as shown below. When the magnet is allowed to fall
towards the coil, the galvanometer pointer gives a momentary
deflection to the right of the zero position.
The magnet moves through the coil and, as it falls away from the
coil, the galvanometer pointer
A gives a continuous reading to the left.
B gives a momentary deflection to the left.
C gives a momentary deflection to the right.
D gives a continuous reading to the right. [Nov-2003]

14- A simple a.c. generator produces a voltage that varies with

 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

time as shown.
Which graph shows how the voltage varies with time when the generator rotates at twice the
original speed?

[Nov-2003]

15- Four different substances are tested by using each as the core of an
electromagnet.The number of paper clips each holds is recorded when there is a
current in the electromagnet and when the current is switched off.
Which substance is the best for making the core of a transformer?

number of paper clips held number of paper clips held

when there is a current in when current is switched off
the electromagnet
A 8 4
B 6 0
C 5 1
D 4 0

[May-2004]
16- A student pushes the N-pole of a bar magnet into the end Q of a long solenoid and observes a
deflection to the right on the sensitive ammeter.
What will produce a deflection in the same direction?

A pulling the N-pole out of end Q

B pulling the S-pole out of end P
C pushing the N-pole into end P
D pushing the S-pole into end P

17- A simple a.c. generator produces an alternating e.m.f. as shown.

 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

The speed of the generator is doubled. Which graph best represents the new output? D

[May-2004] / [May-2007]

18- A step-down transformer changes 240 V a.c. to 12 V a.c. There are 600 turns on the primary coil.
How many turns are on the secondary coil?
A 20 B 30 C 600 D 12 000 [May-2004]

19- Why are high voltages and low currents used to transmit electrical energy over long distances?
A to increase the electromagnetic radiation
B to increase the speed at which electrons move
C to reduce heat loss from the power line
D to reduce the resistance of the power line [May-2004]

20-A small coil is connected to a sensitive ammeter. The ammeter needle can
move to either side of the zero position.When the magnet is allowed to fall
towards the coil, the ammeter needle moves quickly to the right of the zero
position.The magnet moves through the coil.
How does the ammeter needle move as the magnet falls away from the coil?
A It does not move.
B It gives a steady reading to the right.
C It moves quickly to the left of the zero position and then returns to zero.
D It moves quickly to the right of the zero position and then returns to zero. [Nov-2004]
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

21-

22- Which statement about the action of a transformer is correct?

A An e.m.f. is induced in the secondary coil when an alternating voltage is applied to the primary coil.
B An e.m.f. is induced in the secondary coil when there is a steady direct current in the primary coil.
C The current in the secondary coil is always larger than the current in the primary coil.
D The voltage in the secondary coil is always larger than the voltage in the primary coil. [May-2005]

23- Electrical energy is transmitted at high alternating voltages.What is not a valid reason for doing this?
A At high voltage, a.c. is safer than d.c.
B For a given power, there is a lower current with a higher voltage.
C There is a smaller power loss at higher voltage and lower current.
D The transmission lines can be thinner with a lower current. [May-2005]

24- A magnet is pushed horizontally towards

a coil of insulated wire, inducing an e.m.f. in
the coil.

In which direction does the induced e.m.f.

make the coil move?
A away from the magnet
B towards the magnet
C downwards
D upwards [Nov-2005] / [Nov-2009]

25- Why is a transformer used to connect a generator in a power station to a long distance transmission
line?
A to decrease the voltage and decrease the current
B to decrease the voltage and increase the current
C to increase the voltage and decrease the current
D to increase the voltage and increase the current [May-2006] / [Nov-2009]

26- A transformer has more turns on the secondary coil than on the primary.

The graph shows how the input voltage varies with time. Which graph, drawn to the same scale as the
input graph, shows how the output voltage varies with time? A
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

[Nov-2006]

27- Why is electrical energy usually transmitted at high voltage?

A As little energy as possible is wasted in the transmission cables.
B The current in the transmission cables is as large as possible.
C The resistance of the transmission cables is as small as possible.
D The transmission system does not require transformers. [Nov-2006]

28- The diagram shows the output waveform of an a.c. generator as

displayed on a cathode-ray oscilloscope. The horizontal scale is 5 ms /
cm. What is the time for one complete rotation of the coil of the
generator?

A 5 ms B 10 ms C 20 ms D 30 ms [Nov-2006]

29- The diagram shows how a magnet and a coil may be

used to induce an electric current.

How could the ammeter reading be increased?

A Move the coil more slowly.
B Put a resistor in series with the ammeter.
C Turn the magnet round, then move the coil.
D Use a coil with more turns.
[May-2007]

30- A simple a.c. generator produces a voltage that varies with time as shown.

Which graph shows how the voltage varies with time when the generator rotates at twice the original
speed? D
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

[May-2009]

31-Why is electrical energy usually transmitted at high voltage?

A As little energy as possible is wasted in the transmission cables.
B The current in the transmission cables is as large as possible.
C The resistance of the transmission cables is as small as possible.
D The transmission system does not require transformers.
[May-2009]

32- A simple model of a d.c. motor is made. By mistake, the split-ring commutator is left out. The coil
can turn, but is always connected to the battery in the same way.

The coil starts in the horizontal position. What happens to the coil when the circuit is switched on?
A It does not move at all. B It moves upwards, out of the magnetic field.
C It turns to the vertical position and eventually stops there.
D It turns to the vertical position then comes back to the horizontal position. [Nov-2009]

33- The graph shows the output of an a.c. generator. The coil in the generator rotates 20 times in one
second. Which graph shows the output when the coil rotates 10 times in one second? D
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

[Nov-2009]

34- Which properties make materials suitable for use as a core in an electromagnet?

B A difficult to magnetise and easy to demagnetise

C difficult to magnetise and retains magnetic strength
D easy easy to magnetise and retains magnetic strength
to magnetise and easy to demagnetise [May-2010]

35- A magnet is pushed slowly into a coil and there is a current in the coil in the direction shown.

The magnet is then pulled out quickly from the same end of the coil.

What happens to the direction and the size of the current?

direction size
A reversed decreased
B reversed increased
C unchanged decreased
D unchanged increased
[May-2010]

36- Electric power cables transmit electrical energy over large distances using a high voltage, alternating
current. What are the advantages of using a high voltage and of using an alternating current?

advantage of using a high voltage advantage of using an alternating current

A a higher current is produced in the cable the resistance of the cable is reduced
B a higher current is produced in the cable the voltage can be changed using a transformer
C less energy is wasted in the cable the resistance of the cable is reduced
D less energy is wasted in the cable the voltage can be changed using a transformer
[Nov-2010]
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
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37- The diagram shows an alarm system in which the switch S is shown closed.

What happens when the switch S is opened?

iron bell
A drops rings
B drops stops ringing
C moves up rings
D moves up stops ringing
[Nov-2010]

38-

PAPER-2 Theory

1- An electromagnet consisting of an iron core and a copper coil is connected to a DC supply as shown
in the diagram.When a small unmagnetised iron sphere is held near the iron core of the electromagnet
it becomes attached to it as shown in the diagram.
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

i) What happens to the iron core

when the cuırrent passes through
the copper coil?

ii) Hence explain why the iron

sphere becomes attached to the
iron core.

iii) What happens when the switch

is opened? Give a reason for your
answer.

2- The diagram shows an ideal

transformers.

i) Calculate the reading on the

voltmeter.

ii) Explain why an a.c supply is used

rather than a d.c supply.

iii) Sketch a voltage-time graph

which describes the voltage output.

3- A type of portable radio uses the energy

stored in a spring to generate the electrical
current needed. The diagram shows an
arrangement which might be used for this
purpose. The spring wound up by using a key. As
the spring unwinds, it rotates the magnet causing
a current in the coil and radio circuit.

i) Explain why a current is produced in the coil.

ii) As the spring continues to unwind, it rotates more slowly.State and explain what effect,if any,this
would have on the current.

iii) List two advantages and one disadvantage of using such kind of device.

iv) List three factors which affect the potential produced by that device.
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

4- The core of the transformer is cut in two and used as shown below as part of a design for a water
depth indicator. The bottom half of the core is fixed. The top half of the core is attached to a

pivoted beam and is free to move.

The following results were obtained:

i) (5 points) Explain why the voltmeter reading falls as the water depth decreases.

ii) (5 points) The 0.1V value is difficult to read reliably. State and explain two ways in which a larger
voltage could be obtained for the same water depth.

5- Fig. 8.1 shows a simple transformer used to light a lamp. The lamp is labelled 24V, 36W.

When the mains supply is switched on, the lamp is very dim.
(a) State two ways in which the potential difference across the lamp can be increased
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

without changing the mains supply.

1 ......................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
(b) For the lamp operating at the correct brightness, calculate
(i) the current in the secondary coil,
current = ...................................
(ii) the current in the primary coil. Assume that the transformer is ideal.
current = ...................................

[Nov-2003]

6- Fig. 7.1 shows high voltage cables used to transmit electrical energy.

(a) State the purpose of transformer B.

.....................................................................................................................................
(b) In the space below, draw a labelled diagram to show the structure of transformer B.

(c) (i) Explain why high voltages are used to transmit electrical power.
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................
(ii) Fig. 7.2 shows how the loss of thermal energy from a cable varies
with the thickness of the cable.
Explain why the loss of thermal energy is less if the cable is thicker.
....................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................

[Nov-2004]

7-

8- Fig. 3.1 shows the construction of a simple a.c. generator. When the coil is rotated an e.m.f.
is induced in the coil
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

(a) Explain why an e.m.f. is induced.

..............................................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
(b) State the purpose of the slip rings.
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................
(c) The direction of the current in the coil can be found from Lenz’s law.State Lenz’s law.
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
(d) The induced e.m.f. can be increased by rotating the coil faster. State one other way in which the e.m.f.
can be increased.
.........................................................................................................................................

[May-2006]

9- A farmer connects a house to the mains electricity. The house is a long way from the nearest 230 V
mains electricity supply.
Fig. 10.1 shows the mains supply connected to the house.

(a) The farmer uses 230 V lamps in the house but they do not light up at full brightness. Explain why the
lamps are dim.
(b) The farmer adds transformers, as shown in Fig. 10.2.
 PHYSICS O - LEVEL PAST PAPER QUESTIONS
TOPIC-21 Electromagnetism

The lamps in the distant house light up at full brightness.

Explain why the lamps are now bright.
(c) (i) Describe the structure of a transformer. You may draw a diagram to help your explanation.
(ii) Explain in detail how a transformer produces an output voltage.
(d) The 230 V mains supply provides 690 W of power to transformer A in Fig. 10.2.
(i) Calculate the current supplied to the transformer.
(ii) Calculate the energy supplied to the transformer in 10 minutes. Give your answer in joules.
[May-2007]

10- Fig. 7.1 shows one way to demonstrate an electrical effect.

As the wire is moved downwards between the magnetic poles, the needle of the ammeter deflects to the
right.
(a) State the name of this electrical effect.
...................................................................................................................................
(b) State what happens to the needle of the ammeter when the wire is moved upwards between the
magnetic poles.
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................
(c) State and explain what happens when the wire is held stationary between the magnetic poles.
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................
[Nov-2006]