Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsD.C. circuitsFeb/Mar 2019Paper 1 Q361 Mark

A cell of internal resistance r and electromotive force (e.m.f.) E is connected in series with a resistor of resistance R. [Figure 36.1] The resistance R and the e.m.f. E remain fixed. The internal resistance r of the cell changes over time. Which graph best shows the variation of the current I in the circuit with the internal resistance r?

A[Graph A: I vs r, current decreases as r increases, with the curve flattening out (concave up).]
B[Graph B: I vs r, current decreases as r increases, with the curve getting steeper (concave down).]
C[Graph C: I vs r, current decreases linearly as r increases.]
D[Graph D: I vs r, current is constant for a while, then decreases as r increases.]

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: [Graph B: I vs r, current decreases as r increases, with the curve getting steeper (concave down).]

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Analysis

Sign up for free to reveal the full examiner report, trap analysis, and mark scheme breakdown for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests D.C. circuits in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics Feb/Mar 2019 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

Practice on Oracle Prep

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers across 29 subjects.

Related Physics Questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep — The AI-Powered Cambridge Exam Engine