Exam practice

Exam questions

Write your answer. Then open the mark scheme and tick each point you made.

  1. Question 1 of 101 mark

    State the unit of electric current.

    Mark scheme
    • Ampere (accept: amp, A)
  2. Question 2 of 101 mark

    Describe what an electric current is.

    Mark scheme
    • A flow of charge (accept: a flow of electrons)
  3. Question 3 of 102 marks

    Describe how an ammeter and a voltmeter are each connected in a circuit.

    Mark scheme
    • The ammeter is in series (part of the loop)
    • The voltmeter is in parallel with (across) the part being measured
  4. Question 4 of 102 marks

    A series circuit has two lamps. An ammeter before the lamps reads 0.4 A. State the reading on an ammeter placed after the lamps, and give a reason.

    Mark scheme
    • 0.4 A
    • Current is the same everywhere in a series circuit (accept: current is not used up)
  5. Question 5 of 102 marks

    The two branches of a parallel circuit carry currents of 0.3 A and 0.5 A. Calculate the total current supplied by the battery.

    Mark scheme
    • 0.3 + 0.5
    • 0.8 A

    Give both marks for the correct answer with its unit.

  6. Question 6 of 102 marks

    Two lamps are connected in series. One lamp breaks. Explain what happens to the other lamp.

    Mark scheme
    • It goes out
    • There is only one loop, so the circuit is no longer complete (accept: no current can flow)
  7. Question 7 of 103 marks

    A lamp has a potential difference of 12 V across it. The current through it is 3 A. Calculate the resistance of the lamp. Give the unit.

    Mark scheme
    • resistance = potential difference ÷ current (accept: 12 ÷ 3)
    • 4
    • Ω (accept: ohms)
  8. Question 8 of 102 marks

    Explain why electrical wires are made of copper covered in plastic.

    Mark scheme
    • Copper is a conductor, so current flows through it easily (accept: it has a low resistance)
    • Plastic is an insulator, so the current cannot reach you (accept: it keeps you safe)
  9. Question 9 of 102 marks

    A student rubs a balloon on her jumper. The balloon becomes negatively charged. Explain how.

    Mark scheme
    • Electrons move
    • From the jumper to the balloon
  10. Question 10 of 102 marks

    Two negatively charged balloons hang side by side. Describe what happens to the balloons and explain why.

    Mark scheme
    • They move apart (accept: they repel)
    • They have the same charge (accept: like charges repel)
These questions and their mark scheme (PDF)