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A-LevelPhysicsD.C. circuitsMay/June 2017Paper 1 Q351 Mark

A cell has a constant electromotive force. A variable resistor is connected between the terminals of the cell. The resistance of the variable resistor is decreased. Which statement about the change of the cell's terminal potential difference (p.d.) is correct?

AThe terminal p.d. is decreased because more work is done moving unit charge through the internal resistance of the cell.
BThe terminal p.d. is decreased because the current in the variable resistor is decreased.
CThe terminal p.d. is increased because more work is done moving unit charge through the variable resistor.
DThe terminal p.d. is increased because the current in the variable resistor is increased.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: The terminal p.d. is decreased because more work is done moving unit charge through the internal resistance of the cell.

📋 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.

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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 May/June 2017 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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