Name: ___________________

Voltage: Understanding Potential Difference

Answer the following questions:

1. The unit of EMF is the

a. ohm
b. ampere
c. volt
d. watt
[2]
2. A 12V potential difference is applied across a series combination of four 6 Ω resistors. The
potential difference across each individual resistor is
a. 36 V
b. 12 V
c. 3 V
d. 6 V
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3. In the following circuits the batteries are not necessarily 1.5V. What do the voltmeters X, Y
and Z read?

[3]
 4. The following show parts of electric circuits. Some of the values are given, some are
not.

a. In the figure above both voltmeters read the same. Which resistor is greater, A or B? Why?

Current = voltage/resistance Resistor B is greater, hence why the current is smaller. If

we use the formula with algebra we can prove this...
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3 = V/R
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B must be larger as the
If you increase the resistance then the current reduces
current is lower
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Current ∝ 1/Resistance
Current ∝ 1/Resistance
3 amps ∝ 1/A
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Current ∝ 1/Resistance
2 amps ∝ 1/B
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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b.

In the figure above both ammeters read the same. Which resistor is greater, C or D? Why?
voltage = current x resistance Resistor D is greater, hence why the voltage is larger. If we
use the formula with algebra we can prove this...
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3 = IR 2 = IR
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
If the current is the same and you increase the D must be larger as the
resistance then the voltage is increased voltage is higher
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Volts ∝ Resistance
Volts ∝ Resistance
2V ∝ C [3]
Volts ∝ Resistance
3V ∝ D

Current = voltage/resistance
 c.

In the figure above both voltmeters read the same. Which resistor is largest and which is
smallest? Explain your reasoning carefully and show the results of any calculations you
perform or laws you apply.

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Total Marks: 17