Unit 1

Chapter 4 Test Practical electric circuits

Total marks 50

Name: ______________________ Class: ______ Date: ______

To gain full marks for multi-mark questions, all answers must be supported with the
appropriate logical steps.

1 The kilowatt hour is a unit for measuring: (1 mark)

A voltage
B energy
C current
D charge

2 In a series circuit: (1 mark)

A The supply voltage divides amongst the components and the current is constant
everywhere around the circuit.
B The current divides amongst the components and the supply voltage is constant
everywhere around the circuit.
C The power dissipated by all components is equal regardless of their resistance.
D The power dissipated by all components depends on the differing current through
each.

3 A circuit is made from a battery and 4 light bulbs. The battery will go flat quickest
when: (1 mark)
A all of the lights are wired in series
B some of the lights are wired in series and some in parallel
C all the lights are wired in parallel
D it can’t be determined unless the resistance of the light bulbs is known

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2016 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 1126 1 Page 1
4 Another name for a potentiometer is a: (1 mark)
A voltmeter
B ammeter
C thermistor
D variable resistor

5 The main energy transfer that takes place in a filament light bulb is: (1 mark)
A electrical to thermal
B electrical to light
C thermal to electrical
D light to electrical

6 Draw a circuit diagram that includes the use of a battery and potentiometer, along with
other components, that would allow the I-V characteristics of an unknown resistor to be
determined. Ensure you use standard symbols. (4 marks)

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2016 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)  ISBN 978 1 4886 1126 1 Page 2
7 Isobel has access to 4 identical 12  resistors. She wires them into various
arrangements. Determine the equivalent resistance of each of them.
a (2 marks)

b (2 marks)

c (3 marks)

d (3 marks)

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2016 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)  ISBN 978 1 4886 1126 1 Page 3
8 A light bulb with the I-V characteristics shown below is connected to a 9 V battery.
What power is dissipated in the bulb? (3 marks)

9 Christmas tree lights consist of a string of bulbs that can be wired in either series or
parallel.
a Which way is best and why? (2 marks)

b If the bulbs are wired in parallel, what happens to the total resistance of the circuit
as more bulbs are added? (1 mark)

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2016 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)  ISBN 978 1 4886 1126 1 Page 4
c Each bulb is rated at 3 V, 6 W. A 13 A fuse is placed immediately after the 3 V
power supply. What is the maximum number of bulbs that can be used so that the
fuse doesn’t melt? (3 marks)

d If the bulbs are wired in series, what happens to the total resistance of the circuit
as more bulbs are added? (1 mark)

e What would happen if a series combination of bulbs was wired to the same 3 V
supply in conjunction with the 3 A fuse? Explain your answer. (3 marks)

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2016 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)  ISBN 978 1 4886 1126 1 Page 5
10 A variable resistor and a fixed resistor are wired to a supply as shown.

a What is the possible range of readings on the ammeter? (3 marks)

b What are the possible range of reading on the voltmeter (3 marks)

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2016 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)  ISBN 978 1 4886 1126 1 Page 6
11 A diode is connected to a circuit as shown.

a If the current in the circuit is 300 mA, what is the value of the fixed resistor?
(3 marks)

b What would be the reading on the ammeter if the diode is changed to be in reverse
bias? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2016 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)  ISBN 978 1 4886 1126 1 Page 7
12 A thermistor is to be used in a circuit that turns off a kettle when the water boils. Draw
a circuit diagram and describe how it works. (7 marks)

Copyright © Pearson Australia 2016 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)  ISBN 978 1 4886 1126 1 Page 8