Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsD.C. circuitsOct/Nov 2022Paper 1 Q371 Mark

A potential divider circuit is designed to detect the difference in temperature between two different places. [Figure showing a potential divider circuit with thermistors X and Y and a voltmeter] The cell has electromotive force (e.m.f.) 20 mV and negligible internal resistance. Initially, thermistors X and Y are at the same temperature and have the same resistance. The voltmeter reads 10mV. X is then placed in a cold environment and its resistance doubles. Y is placed in a warm environment and its resistance halves. What is the new reading on the voltmeter?

A4mV
B5mV
C15mV
D16 mV

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: 4mV

📋 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 Oct/Nov 2022 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