2020

CURRENT ELECTRICITY II

TEACHERS OF PHYSICS
www.teachersofphysics.com
8/31/2020
1. Define the term “e.m.f” of a cell. (1mk)
The pdf across the terminals of a cell in open circuit

2. Distinguish between electromotive force and potential difference (2mks)

Electromotive force (E.m.f) refers to voltage across the terminals of a battery in
an open circuit (when no current flows in the circuit) while Potential difference
(Pd) refers to the voltage across the terminals of a battery in a closed circuit (when
current is flowing in the circuit).

3. Distinguish between terminal voltage and e.m.f of a battery. 2mks

Emf is the potential difference across the terminals of a cell in open circuit while
terminal voltage is the potential difference across the terminals of the cell in closed
circuit

4. Define the volt. (1mk)

Work done in moving a unit charge through a conductor from one point to
another.

5. Distinguish between open and closed circuit. (2mk)

Closed circuit allows flow of charge while a closed circuit does not allow charge
flow.

6. What is meant by the term “lost volts”? (1mk)

Voltage lost due to internal resistance of a cell

7. State Ohms Law. (1mk)

The current through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference
across the conductor provided the temperature and other physical conditions are
kept constant.

8. State the condition necessary for Ohms Law to be obeyed (1mk)

 Temperature should be kept constant
 Other physical conditions should be kept constant e.g pressure.

9. State two conditions that are necessary for a conductor to obey Ohm’s law.
 Temperature should be kept constant
 Other physical conditions should be kept constant e.g pressure.

10. Other than temperature state the other factors that affect the resistance of an
ohmic conductor. (1 mk)
Length /cross-sectional area

11. What causes electrical resistance in conductors? ( 1mk)

Collision between the free electrons and the atoms of a conductor

12. Define a non-ohmic conductor (1mk)

A conductor that doesn't obey Ohms law

13. Define electric resistance. (1mk)

Opposition of a conductor to the flow of charge

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

14. Eight dry cells can be arranged to produce a total e.m.f of 12v just like a car
battery.
(a) What is the e.m.f of an individual cell? (2mk)
12/8=1.5V

(b) Why is it possible to start a car with the lead acid accumulator, but not
with the eight dry cells in series?
With eight dry cell there is increased total internal resistance hence lower current,
insufficient for starting the car.

15. Give a reason why fluorescent tubes are preferred to filament bulbs for
domestic lighting
Uses less power to give same light as a filament bulb

16. A boy who has been driving a car in rain discovers that the movement he
alights from it while touching its body he gets an electrical shock. Offer him a
scientific explanation why he was not getting the shock while inside even if he
touches the metallic parts of the car.
Electric shock is due to accumulated static charges on surface of the car because of
friction between air and the car surface as it moved. The charges were discharge
to ground through the boy’s body.

17. A circuit consists of a battery, a metal wire, ammeter and a switch connected
in series. The switch is closed and the ammeter reading noted. The metal wire
is now heated.
(i) State the observations made on the ammeter reading. (1mk)
 Decreases

(ii) Give one observation for the above observation made. (1mk)
 Increasing temperature, increases resistance of the wire hence current reduces

18. Describe an experiment to verify Ohm’s law given a cell, ammeter, voltmeter,
switch, nichrome wire and connecting wires.

Arrange apparatus as shown.

A

- Close the switch and adjust the current flowing through the conductor T using the
rheostat to the least possible value. Record the corresponding voltmeter reading.

- Increase the current in steps recording the corresponding voltmeter readings.

Record your values in the table.
- Plot a graph of voltage against current (using values you obtained on the table).
Hence determine the slope of the graph.

- A graph of voltage against current is a straight line through the origin. Hence
voltage drop across the conductor is directly proportional to the current through
it.
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
19. A battery is connected to an external resistor, R. State any two factors that
determine the magnitude of the current produced in the circuit. (2mk)
1. The magnitude of resistance
2. The magnitude of potential difference across the battery

20. Figure below shows an ammeter used to measure current through the
conductor.
1.0 1.5

2.0
0.5 0.6
0.4

0.2 0.8
A

0 0 1.0 2.5

State the reading from the meter when the student is using the;
(i) Lower scale. (1mk)
 0.24 A
(ii) Upper scale (1mk)
 0.70A
21. Figure below shows a voltmeter used to measure voltage through the
conductor. The student used the upper scale.

2.0 3.0

4.0
1.0 1.5
1.0

0.5 2.0
V

0 0 2.5 5.0

State the reading from the meter. (1mk)

 2.80 V
Figure below shows an ammeter used to measure current through the
conductor. The student used the lower scale. 0.86 A

2.0 3.0

0.5 4.0
1.0 0.6
0.4 0.7
0.3
0.2 0.8

0.1
A 0.9

0 0 1.0 5.0

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

22. Figure below shows a voltmeter used to measure voltage through the
conductor. The student used the upper scale.

2.0 3.0

1.5 4.0
1.0
1.0

0.5 2.0
V

0 0 2.5 5.0

State the reading from the meter. (1mk)

 2.80 V
23. State why the filament of a lamp is made of tungsten (1mk)
 It has a high melting point

24. Three identical bulbs are connected in series with a battery. At first, the bulbs
shine brightly but gradually become dimmer. Using the same cells, explain
how you would increase the brightness of the bulbs. (1mk)
 Connecting the bulbs in parallel.

25. In large circuits, large resistors in parallel are preferred to low resistors in
series. Explain.
 Connection of resistors in parallel gives a cumulative lower resistance than when
in series hence minimizes chances of overheating.

26. Describe a laboratory experiment to verify ohm’s law, by use of appropriate

diagrams where necessary. (5mk)
To verify Ohm’s law you need the following apparatus a cell, ammeter, voltmeter,
switch, nichrome wire and connecting wires.
Arrange apparatus as shown.
A

- Close the switch and adjust the current flowing through the conductor T using the
rheostat to the least possible value. Record the corresponding voltmeter reading.

- Increase the current in steps recording the corresponding voltmeter readings.

Record your values in the table.

- Plot a graph of voltage against current(using values you obtained on the table).
Hence determine the slope of the graph.

-A graph of voltage against current is a straight line through the origin. Hence
voltage drop across the conductor is directly proportional to the current through
it.
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
 -
-
Voltage (V)
- ∆V Slope= ∆V/ ΔI= resistance R
-
-
- ΔI Current I (A)
-

27. You are required to determine the resistance per unit length of a nichrome
wire X, you are provided with a D.C. power supply an ammeter and voltmeter.
Draw a circuit diagram to show how you would connect the circuit.

28. Describe with aid of a diagram and experiment to verify Ohm’s law
To verify Ohm’s law you need the following apparatus a cell, ammeter, voltmeter,
switch, nichrome wire and connecting wires.
Arrange apparatus as shown.
A
A

- Close the switch and adjust the current flowing through the conductor T using the
rheostat to the least possible value. Record the corresponding voltmeter reading.

- Increase the current in steps recording the corresponding voltmeter readings.

Record your values in the table.

- Plot a graph of voltage against current(using values you obtained on the table).
Hence determine the slope of the graph.

- A graph of voltage against current is a straight line through the origin. Hence
voltage drop across the conductor is directly proportional to the current through
it.

-
-
Voltage (V)
- ∆V Slope= ∆V/ ΔI= resistance R
-
-
- ΔI Current I (A)

29. A student wishes to investigate the relationship between current and voltage
for a certain resistor X. In the space provide, draw a circuit diagram including
two cells, rheostat, ammeter, voltmeter and the resistor X that would be
suitable in obtaining the desired results. Describe how you would use the
circuit in (a) (i) above to determine the resistance of x. (5mk)

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 Rheostat
V A
V V
Resistor X

- Close the switch and adjust the current flowing through the conductor T using the
rheostat to the least possible value. Record the corresponding voltmeter reading.

- Increase the current in steps recording the corresponding voltmeter readings.

Record your values in the table.

- Plot a graph of voltage against current(using values you obtained on the table).
Hence determine the slope of the graph.

- A graph of voltage against current is a straight line through the origin. Hence
voltage drop across the conductor is directly proportional to the current through
it.

-
-
Voltage (V)
- ∆V Slope= ∆V/ ΔI= resistance R
-
-
- ΔI Current I (A)

30. The figure below shows a circuit that can be used to verify Ohm’s law

Rheostat
V A
V V
Nichrome wire

Explain briefly how the setup can be used to verify ohm’s law (4mks)
- Close the switch and adjust the current flowing through the conductor T using the
rheostat to the least possible value. Record the corresponding voltmeter reading.

- Increase the current in steps recording the corresponding voltmeter readings.

Record your values in the table.

- Plot a graph of voltage against current(using values you obtained on the table).
Hence determine the slope of the graph.

- A graph of voltage against current is a straight line through the origin. Hence
voltage drop across the conductor is directly proportional to the current through
it.

-
-
Voltage (V)
- ∆V Slope= ∆V/ ΔI= resistance R
-

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 -
- ΔI Current I (A)

31. An ammeter, a voltmeter and a bulb are connected in a circuit so as to

measure the current flowing and the potential difference across both. Sketch
a suitable circuit diagram for the arrangement.

32. Three identical bulbs are connected in series with a battery. At first, the bulbs
shine brightly but gradually become dimmer. Using the same cells, explain
how you would increase the brightness of the bulbs. (2mk)
 Connecting the bulbs in parallel

33. A student learnt that a battery of eight dry cells each 1.5V has a total e.m.f of
12V the same as a car battery. He connected in series eight new dry batteries
to his car but found that they could not start the engine. Give a reason for this
observation.
 With eight dry cell there is increased total internal resistance hence lower current,
insufficient for starting the car.

V = IR
1. A current of 0.08A passes in a circuit for 2.5 minutes. How much charge
passes through a point in the circuit?
Q = It
0.08 x 2.5 x 60
12C
2. What current will a 500Ω resistor connected to a source of 240V draw?
V = IR
I = V/R = 240/500 = 0.48A

3. Two resistors of 4 and 2 in parallel are connected in series to a 3 resistor

and a cell of 2.0V.
Calculate
a) Equivalent resistance of the circuit. (3 marks)
RT = +3= 4.333Ω
b) Current through each resistor. (4 marks)
IT = V/R = 2/4.33 = 0.4615A
IT = I3n = 0.4615
VDrop in 3 Ω = IR = 0.4615 X 3 = 1.3846V
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
 Voltage through 4 Ω and 2 Ω
2 – 1.3846 = 0.6154V
I2OHMS = V/R = 0.6154/2 =0.3077A
I4OHMS = V/R = 0.6154/4 = 0.1538A

4. Three identical dry cells each of e.m.f. 1.6 V are connected in series to a
resistor of 11.4Ω. a current of 0.32A flows in the circuit. Determine.
i) The total e.m.f. of the cell 1mk
1.6 X3 = 4.8V
ii) The internal resistance of each cell; 3mk
E = I(R +r)
4.8 = 0.32(11.4+r)
R = 1.152 Ω = 1.152/3 = 0.384 Ω
5. A wire of resistance R connected in series with 1.5V cell is found to be carrying
a current of 0.05A. If the wire is now connected in parallel with an identical
wire, find the new current in the circuit. (3mk)
R = V/I 1.5/0.05 = 30 Ω
RT = = 15 Ω
I = V/R = 1.5/15 = 0.1A
6. Two heaters A and B are connected in parallel across a 10volts supply. Heater
A produces 1000J of heat in one hour while B produces 200J in half an hour.
Calculate the ratio RA/RB. (3mks)
H=V 2

1000 = 100/R X 602

RA= 360 Ω
RB = 100/200 X 302 = 450 Ω
RA/RB = 360/450 = 0.8
7. A current flows through a coil wire of resistance 50 when it is connected to
the terminals of a battery. If the potential difference is 20V, find
(i) The value of current 2 mks
V = IR
I = V/R = 20/50 = 0.4A
ii) The number of electrons that pass through the coil per second. (Take
charge of electronse = 1.6 x 10-19 c) 3 mks
Q =It
Q = ne
ne = It
n = It/e = 0.4x1/1.6 x10-19 = 2.5 x 1018e

8. Three identical resistors each of resistance 2.0  are connected so as to obtain

the least effective resistance. If a battery of voltage V is connected in series to
the arrangement of the resistors and supplies a current of 3A. Calculate the
value of V (4mks)
Connected in parallel
1/RT = ½ + ½ + ½ = 3/2
RT = 2/3 = 0.6667 Ω
V = IR = 3 X 0.6667 = 2V
9. Two resistors R1 and R2 are connected in series to a 10V battery. The current
flowing then is 0.5A. When R1 only is connected to the battery the current
flowing is 0.8A.
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
 (a) Calculate the
(i) Value of R2
V = IR
R = 10/0.8 = 12.5 Ω
R T = R1 + R2
10 = 0.5(12.5 + R2)
R2 = 7.5 Ω
ii) Current flowing when R1 and R2 are connected in parallel with the
same batter.
V = IR, R = = 4.6875 Ω. I = 10/4.6875 = 2.133A

(b) One of the 6 resistors has a length of 1m and cross-sectional

area of 5.0 x 10-5m2. Calculate the resistivity of the material.
R = ÞL/A
Þ = 6 x 5 x 10-5 /1 = 3.0 x 10 -4 Ωm

10. Suppose a high–resistance voltmeter reads 1.5V connected across a dry

battery on open circuit and 1.2V when the same battery is in a closed circuit
when it is supplying a current of 0.3A through a lamp of resistance R.
(a) Draw a circuit diagram to show the above experiment when in;
(ii) Open circuit

ii) Closed circuit.

(b) What is
i) The e.m.f of the battery.
e.m.f = 1.5V

ii) The internal resistance of the battery

Voltage drop = 1.5 – 1.2 = 0.3A
R = V/I = 0.3/0.3 = 1Ω

iii) The value of R?

E = I(R + r)
1.5 = 0.3(R + 1)
R=4Ω

11. When a resistor is connected across the terminals of a battery a current of

0.20A flows. What is the time taken for 2.0 coulombs of charge to pass a

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 given point in the circuit? If e.m.f of the battery is 4.0v and its internal
resistance is 0.20hm determine the rate at which heat is produced in the
resistor.
Q = It
t = 2/0.2 = 10sec
H = I2Rt
0.22 x 0.2 x 10 = 0.08j/sec

12. A cell supplies a current of 1.8A through two 2 resistors connected in

parallel. When the resistors are connected in series, the current is 0.6A.
Calculate the internal resistance of the cell. (3mk)
RT = = 1 Ω, E = I(R +r), E = 1.8(1 + r)
E = 1.8 + 1.8r …….(i)
RT = 2 + 2 = 4 Ω, E = I(R +r), E = 0.6(4 + r)
E = 2.4 + 0.6r …….(ii)
Equiting i and ii
1.8 + 1.8r = 2.4 + 0.6r, -0.6 = -1.2r, r= 0.5 Ω
13. A cell can supply a current of 1.2A through two 2 resistors connected in
parallel. When they are connected in series, the value of the current is 0.4A.
Calculate the internal resistance of the cell. (3mks)
RT = = 1 Ω, E = I(R +r), E = 1.2(1 + r)
E = 1.2 + 1.2r …….(i)
RT = 2 + 2 = 4 Ω, E = I(R +r), E = 0.4(4 + r)
E = 1.6 + 0.4r …….(ii)
Equiting i and ii
1.2 + 1.2r = 1.6 + 0.4r, -0.4 = -0.8r, r= 0.5 Ω
14. A battery of e.m.f. 3V drives a current through a 20 resistor. The p.d across
the resistor is 2.8V as measured by a voltmeter. Calculate the internal
resistance of the battery.
Voltage drop = 3 – 2.8 = 0.2V
V = IR, I = 1.8/20 = 0.14A
V = Ir, r = 0.2/0.14 = 1.429A

15. Resistors of 2 and 3 are connected in series with a cell and voltmeter
connected across the 3 resistor reads 1V, but this increases to 1.2V when an
extra 2 resistor is connected in parallel with the first 2 resistor, calculate
the e.m.f and the internal resistance of the cell.
I = V/R = 1/3 = 0.3333A
V2ohms = 0.3333 x 2 = 0.6667A
VT = 1+0.6667 = 1.6667V
E = I(R +r)
E = 1.6667 + 1.6667r……..(i)
I = 1.2/3 = 0.4A
VT = 0.4(1+3) = 1.6V
E = 1.6 + 0.4r ……(ii)
Equating (i) and (ii)
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
 E = 1.9994V
r = 0.9985 Ω
16. A torch uses two identical dry cells connected in series. When a bulb of
resistance 2.0 is connected across the cells the pd across the bulb is 2.0V.
When a bulb of resistance 1.5 ohms is used, the p.d is 1.8V, calculate the
e.m.f and internal resistance of each cell.
I across 2 Ω = 2/2 = 1A
I across 1.5 Ω = 1.8/1.2 = 1.2A
E = I(R + r)
E = 2 + r ……..(i)
E = 1.8 + 1.2r …….(ii)
Equating (i) and (ii)
r=1Ω
E = 3V

17. A cell drives a current of 3.2A through a 2.8 Ω resistor. When it is connected
to 1.6Ω resistor, the current that flows is 5A. Find the:
(i) E.m.f (E) for the cell. (2mk)
E = I(R + r)
E = 3.2(2.8 + r)
E = 8.96 + 3.2r.......... (i)
E = 5(1.6 + r)

E =8 + 5r …….(ii)
Equating (i) and (ii)
8.96 + 3.2r = 8 + 5r
E = 10.667V
(ii) Internal resistance (r) for the cell. (2mk)
8.96 + 3.2r = 8 + 5r
r = 0.533Ω

18. A cell drives a current of 8A through a 1.2  resistor when the same cell is
connected to a 1.8  resistor, the current that flows is 6.0A. Determine
(i) The internal resistance. (4mks)
E = I(R + r)
E = 8(1.2 + r)
E = 9.6 + 8r.......... (i)
E = 6(1.8 + r)
E =10.6 + 6r …….(ii)
Equating (i) and (ii)
9.6 + 8r = 10.8 + 6r
-1.2 = -2r
r = 0.6Ω
(ii) E.m.f of the cell. (2mks)
E = 9.6 +(8 x 0.6) = 14.4V
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
 A cell supplies a current of 0.5A when connected to a 2 resistor and 0.25A
when connected to a 5 resistor. Find the e.m.f and the internal resistance of
the cell. (4mks)
E = I(R + r)
E = 0.5(2 + r)
E = 1 + 0.5r.......... (i)
E = 0.25(5 + r)
E =1.25 + 0.25r …….(ii)
Equating (i) and (ii)
1+ 0.5r = 1.25 + 0.25r
-0.25 = -0.25r
r = 1Ω
E = 1 +(0.5 x 1) = 1.5V
19. A wire of resistance X connected in series with a 1.5 V battery is found to
carry a current of 0.075 A. If the wire is now connected in parallel with an
identical wire, find the total current in circuit. (3mk)
V = IR, 1.5 = 0.075X
X = 1.5/0.075 = 20Ω
In = = 10 Ω
V = IR
I = 1.5/10 = 0.15A

BULBS
1. An electrician installed electric wiring in a house and connected the bulbs and
the switches as shown in the figure below.

B1 B2 B3

To main S1 S2 S3

(a) Explain what happens when switch

(i) S1 is closed. (1mk)
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
 Only bulb B1 will light.

(ii) S2 is closed. (1mk)

Bulb B1 and B2 lights but with less brightness because of increase in resistance.

(iii) S3 is closed. (1mk)

Bulb B1 B2 and B3 will all light but with much less brightness compared to a(ii)

(b) (i) Using a red drawn diagram show the best position the bulbs should
be installed. (3mks)

2. State the changes in brightness of the bulbs in the circuit diagram as the
switches S1, S2 and S3 are switched on one after the other. (2mks)

S1

S2

S3

 The brightness remains the same. Bulbs in parallel have the same potential difference
but different amounts of current.

3. Figure below shows a circuit diagram containing three identical bulbs.

B1
B3

B2

Compare the brightness of the bulbs (2mks)

Bulbs B1 and B2 light less bright compared to bulb B3.

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

4. The voltmeter and the ammeter in figure (a) below read 2.1v and 0.35A
respectively.

A A

V V
(a) (b)

Determine the reading in the voltmeter and ammeter in figure(b)

respectively. (The lamps are identical to those in (a)
Voltmeter reading will be 2.1V and ammeter reading is 0.35A. the cells connection is in
parallel.

5. A student set up the circuit shown in Fig. 3. The lamps didn’t light when she
closed the switch S.

Suggest a reason for this observation. (2mk)

6. Figure below shows two circuits with identical dry cells and identical bulbs;

A A

(A) (B)
(i) In which circuit will the bulbs be brighter (1mk)
Their brightness is the same.

(ii) Give a reason for your answer in (i) above (1mk)

They both have the same potential difference.

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

7. A student was investigating the brightness of bulbs when setup in an electric
circuits. She used identical bulbs and cells. The circuits shown in figure 3(a)
and (b) were what she setup.

(a) (b)

Which setup was the bulb brightest? Give a reason for your answer. (2mk)
Bulbs in (b) arrangement light brighter than those in (a) arrangement. Bulbs in (a) have
increased resistance than in (b)

8. Fig (a) and (b) show two possible arrangements of a bulb to a source of
power.

In which of the arrangement above would the cells drain faster. Explain your
answer. (2mk)
The cells in the first diagram drain faster than in the second diagram. The bulb uses an
emf equivalent to the emf of one cell which means less emf hence longer time.

9. The circuit diagram in figure below has two switches P and Q. The brightness
of the lamp is observed when P only is closed and when P and Q are both
closed.

P Bulb
R R

Q
R R

Compare the brightness of the lamp in the two cases. State a reason for your
answer. (2mks)

The brightness remains the same. The current recombines since the bulb is in series with
the resistors.

CIRCUITS
1. Three resistors of resistance 2 Ω, 3 Ω and 4 Ω, are to be connected to a cell
such that they have the least effective resistance.
(i) Draw a circuit to show how they can be connected to achieve this.(2mk)

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 (iii) Determine the least effective resistance of the three resistors. (3mk)

1/RT = ½ + 1/3 + ¼ = 1/R2 = 13/12

RT = 0.9231Ω
(iii) State two factors that determine the resistance of a metallic conductor.
(2mk)
The temperature of the metallic conductor.
The length of the conductor
The Cross- section area of the conductor

2. Figure shows a voltmeter connected across the cell. The voltmeter reads
1.5V when the switch S, is open and 1.2V when the switch is closed.

V A

(i) What is the e.m.f. of the cell. (1 mk)

1.5V

(ii) What is the terminal voltage of the cell. (1 mk)

1.2V

(iii) Calculate the internal resistance of the cell. (3 mks)

E = I(R+r)
1.5 = 1.2 + Ir
r = 0.3/I

3. You are provided with three resistors of 3Ω, 2Ωand1Ω. Arrange the resistors
in the circuit so as to have minimum resistance. Determine the effective
resistance in the above circuit (3mk)

1/RT = 1/3 + 1/2 + 1/1 = 1/R2 = 11/6

RT = 0.5454Ω

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

4. Figure below shows part of an electric circuit. The current through the 18Ω
resistor is observed to be 2A.
10Ω
18Ω

10Ω

State the value of the current through each of the 10Ω resistors. (1mk)
2/2 =1.0 A

5. Study the circuit diagram below and answer the questions that follow.
4Ω
1Ω
2Ω
12V

Calculate
(i) The current flowing through the ammeter. (3mks)
RT = 1 + = 1+ 1.3333 = 2.3333 Ω
I = V/R = 12/2.3333 = 5.143A

(ii) The P.d. across AB (2mks)

P.D drop = V = IR = 5.143 X 1.3333 =6.85562V

(iii) The current through the 4Ω resistor (2mks)

I = V/R = 6.85562/4 = 1.714A

6. The figure below shows an electric circuit. When the switch is closed the
ammeter reading is 0.3A.

A
V

Determine the voltmeter reading. (3mks)

V = IR = 0.3XR

7. In the circuit diagram below, the battery source has a voltage of 12V and an
internal resistance of 0.5Ω.

4Ω
www.teachersofphysics.com 1.5Ω Copyright © 2020
 (i) Calculate the total resistance in the circuit. (3mk)
RT = 1.5 + +1.6 = 5.5Ω

(ii) Calculate effective current in the circuit. 2mk)

I = V/R = 12/5.5 = 2.1818A

8. Use the circuit in figure below to answer the questions that follow
2Ω

2Ω 3Ω

4Ω

1Ω 5Ω

10 V

(i) Calculate the total resistance in the circuit (3mk)

1/RT = ½ + ½ + ¼ = 5/4, RT = 0.8 Ω
R= = 5/5 = 1 Ω
TOTAL RT = 0.8 + 3 + 1 = 4.8 Ω

(ii) Determine the current flowing through the 5 resistor (3mk

I = 10/4.8 = 2.0833A
V = IR
Voltage drop across = 2.0833 X 1 = 2.0833V
I = 2.0833/5 = 0.4167A
9. In a balanced condition, the resistance of resistors P,Q and R is 80Ω
,120Ωand 100Ω respectively. Find the resistance S. (3mk)
R
P

Q S

P/R= Q/S = 80/100 = 120/S

S = 150 Ω

10. Two resistors K and L are placed in the gaps of the metre bridge as shown

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 K L
180Ω

G Resistor M
20cm
0 100cm

(i) State the purpose of the resistor M. (1mk)

To balance the bridge until there is no deflection on galvanometer.

(ii) Find the resistance K below if the Jockey balances the galvanometer at the
20cm mark.
= K/180 = 0.2/0.8 = 45Ω

11. The figure below shows a 6V battery connected to an arrangement of

resistors. Determine the current flowing through the 2 Ω resistor. (3mk)
2Ω

6Ω
5Ω

6V

Total resistance = + 5 = 6.5 Ω

I = 6/6.5 = 0.923A
p.d across = 0.923 x 1.5 = 1.3845V
I2Ω = 1.3845/2 = 0.69225A

12. It was noted that for the circuit diagram below, when the switch is open, the
voltmeter gives a reading of 12V, but when the switch is closed the voltmeter
drops to 10V.
V

A
R

(a) Give an explanation for the difference in reading on the voltmeter when
the switch is open and when it is closed. (2mk)
Some electrical energy is lost is moving charges against the resistance in the circuit.

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 (b) If the ammeter gives a reading of 0.8A when the switch is closed,
determine the value of R. (1 mk)
E = I(R + r)
12 = 0.8R + 2
0.8R = 10V
R = 12.5Ω
(c) Determine the internal resistance of the accumulator (2mk)
E = I(R + r)
12 = 10 + 0.8r
0.8r = 2v
r = 2.5Ω

13. The figure below shows a series – parallel circuit.

R1

4Ω

6V R2 3Ω R3 6 Ω

Calculate:
(i) Total resistance of the circuit. (3mks)
4+
(ii) Total current flowing in the circuit. (2mks)
IT = 6/6 = 1ª

(iii) Voltage drop across R1 (2mks)

VR1 = IR = 1x4 = 4V

(iv) Current through the 3 resistor. (3mks)

V = IR, 2X1 = 2 Ω
I = 2/3 = 0.6667ª

14. Use the circuit in fig below to answer the questions that follow.
3Ω

2Ω 3Ω

6Ω

6Ω 3Ω

24 V

(i) Calculate the total resistance in the circuit. (2mk)

1/RT = 1/3 + ½ + 1/6 = 6/6, RT = 1 Ω
R= = 5/5 = 2 Ω
TOTAL RT = 1 + 3 + 2 = 6 Ω

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 (ii) Calculate effective current in the circuit. (2mk)
I = V/R = 24/6 = 4A
(iii) Calculate current through the 2Ω resistor. (2mk)
V = 4 X1 = 4V
I2Ω = 4/2 = 2A
15. A large battery is connected as shown in figure 5 to a resistor of resistance
1000. The voltmeter across the resistor reads 50V.

V A

1000 Ω
(i) What is the reading of the ammeter (A)? (3mk)
I = V/R = 50/1000 = 0.05A
(ii) Determine the electrical energy dissipated by the resistor in one
minute. (3mk)
E =I Rt
2

E = 0.052 X 1000 X60 = 150J

16. Determine the effective resistance in figure below. (3mk)

2Ω 3Ω

3Ω

4Ω

2 +3 = 5Ω
RT = 3 + = 3 + 2.222 = 5.222 Ω

17. Figure shows three resistors connected as shown.

V
6Ω
8Ω
3Ω

If the voltmeter reads 4V, find the

(i) Effective resistance. (2mks)
Reff = 8 + = 10 Ω
(ii) Current through the 3 resistor. (2mks)
V3Ω = 4V in parallel with 6 Ω
V = 4/3 = 1.333A
(iii) Potential difference across the 8 resistor. (2mks)

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

ITOTAL = 1.3333 + 4/6 = 2A
V8Ω = IR = 2 x8 = 16V
18. In the circuit diagram shown in figure below, determine the reading of the
meters if:
E=6V r=1
Ω S2
A1
E=6V r=1Ω

S1
24 Ω A3
3Ω
8Ω A1

(i) The switch S1 is open and S2 closed. (3mks)

RT = 1 + 3 + 8 = 12 Ω
I = 6/12 = 0.5A
A1 = 0.5A
(ii) Switch S1 closed, S2 open. (1mk)
A1=0
A3 = 0
(iii) Both switches are closed. (6mks)
Reff = 1+3 + = 10 Ω
I = 6/10 = 0.6A
Vacross 24Ω and 8Ω =6 x 0.6 = 3.6V
A3 = 3.6/24 = 0.15A
A2 = 3.6/8 = 0.45A

19. Study the circuit shown in fig below.

2Ω 3Ω

2Ω S2

S1

4Ω 6Ω

12 V
A

(i) Determine the effective resistance when both switches S1 and S2 are open.
(3mk)
Reff = +6 = 7.333 Ω

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 (ii) Determine the effective resistance when both switches S1 and S2 are
closed. (3mk)
1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3
1/RT = ½ + ½ + ¼ = 5/4 Ω
RT = 4/5 = 0.8 Ω
RTB = =2Ω
RT = 0.8 +2 =2.8 Ω
(iii) Determine the ammeter reading when both switches are closed. (2mk
I = V/R = 12/2.8 = 4.286A

20. Figure represents a 4.8V battery connected to two conductors XY and YZ of

the same Material and same length welded together at Y. The radius of XY is
half that of YZ. The resistance of YZ is 1.6  .

X Y Z
a) Calculate;
i) The resistance of the conductor XZ (5mks)
let radius of be r

Rxy =
Ryz = Ryz/Rxy = ¼
Rxy = 4Ryz
Rxy = 4x1.6 =6.4
Rxz = 1.6 + 6.4 = 8Ω

ii) The current which flows in the circuit when the switch S is closed(3mks)
I = V/R = 4.8/8 = 0.6A
iii) The potential drop across the conductor XY (2mks)
Pdxy = IR = 0.6 X 6.4= 3.84V

21. The circuit diagram in figure shows three identical resistors connected to a
cell of e.m.f. 12V.
E=12 V
P Q

R R

S T

(i) Determine the reading of the voltmeter. (2mk)

I = 12/3R, Vreading = RX12/3R = 4V
(ii) If another identical resistor R is connected parallel to PT, determine the
potential difference across QS
RT = R+ = R + 0.6667Ω
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
 RT = 1.6667R

22. In the circuit below figure, the e.m.f of the cell is 1.5V. Its internal resistance
is r ohms. Resistors P and Q are each 3Ω. If 0.3A current flows through P.
find the value of r.
1.5 V

0.3 P
A

E = IR + Ir
VP = 0.3X3 = 0.9V
IQ = 0.9/3 = 0.3A
I = 0.6A
RT = = 1.5Ω
1.5 = 0.6r + 0.6 x 1.5
r=1Ω
23. Fig shows three resistors connected to a 12V battery of internal resistance
2Ω 12V
r=2 Ω

3Ω 7Ω

5Ω

Calculate
i) The current drawn from the cell.
RT = 2 + = 2 + 3.3333= 5.3333 Ω
I = 12/5.3333 = 2.50A

ii) The “Lost voltage”, in the cell

Lost voltage = 2 x2.25 = 4.5V
iii) The potential different across the 7Ω resistor.
V = 2.25 X3.3333= 7.499V
I = V/R
I = 7.499/10 = 0.7499A
P.D =0.7499 X 7 = 5.249V

24. The cells shown in the figure below have each an e.m.f of 2.1V and negligible
internal resistance

20Ω
10Ω
20Ω

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 Determine the reading of the voltmeter (3mk)
RT = 10 + = 20Ω
I = 2.1/20 = 0.105A
Voltmeter reading = 0.105 x 10 = 1.05v

25. The cell in figure has an e.m.f of 2.1V and negligible internal resistance.

30Ω
10Ω

30Ω

V
Determine the
(i) Total resistance in the circuit (2mk)
RT = 10 + =25Ω

(ii) Current in the circuit (1mk)

I = V/R =, 2.1/25 = 0.084A
(iii) Reading on the voltmeter (2mk)
Reading of voltmeter = 10 x 0.084 = 0.84v

26. Four 5 resistors are connected to a 10V d. c. supply as shown in the

diagram below.
5Ω
5Ω
5Ω

10 V
5Ω

Calculate;-
i) The effective resistance in the circuit.
RT = 5 + 5 + =12.5Ω
ii) The current I following in the circuit.
I = V/R = 10/12.5 = 0.8A
27. Sketch a graph current against voltage for an electrolyte solution such as
dilute sulphuric acid.

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

28. For a particular bulb, a series of readings of the current through the bulb for
different potential differences across it is taken and plotted as shown.
Current (A)
(Voltage

Voltage (V)

a) Draw the circuit diagram you would use for the experiment.(2mks)

b) Explain how the resistance of the bulb changes (3mks)

The resistance of the bulb increases as the current increases. As current increases the
temperature of filament increases hence increase in resistance.

c) How would the resistance of the bulb change if

(I) The length were doubled (2mks)
The resistance increases, resistance increases with increase in length.

(II) The diameter were doubled (2mks)

The resistance reduces . resistances reduces with increase in diameter.
29. The graph below shows results obtained in an experiment to determine the
e.m.f.(E) and the internal resistance, r, of a cell.

2.5

2.0

1.5
1 -1
/V (V )
1.0

0.5

www.teachersofphysics.com 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 © 2020

Copyright
 (i) Determine the slope of the graph
Slope = = 0.739Ω/V

Given that the equation of the graph is Determine

(ii) The e.m.f E of the cell.
Y = MX + C
= +
Gradient = r/E
y-intercept = 1/E
0.8 = 1/E
E = 1.25V
(iii) The internal r resistance of the cell.
0.739 = r/1.25
r = 0.92375Ω

30. The graph below shows the Voltage current relationship for a certain battery.
2.0
Voltage (V)

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
Current (A)
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
Determine:
(i) The e.m.f of the cell. (1mk)
E.m.f = y-intercept
E.m.f = 1.65V
(ii) The internal resistance of the cell. (4mks)
E = V + Ir
V = E – Ir
Gradient = r
Gradient = = r = -0.8/0.2 = 4Ω

31. Two resistors 4Ω and the other unknown resistor x are connected in a circuit
as shown in the fig below
V
X

4Ω
Battery
A

The current I passing through the combination is measured for various potential
differences, A graph of p.d. against current is shown in the grid below.

6
Current (A)

0
0 2 4 6 8 1 1 Pd (V)
0 2 (volts)
(i) Use the graph to determine the total resistance of the combination. (3mk)
Gradient = 1/R = = 0.5Ω-1
R = 1/0.5 = 2Ω

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 (ii) Determine the value of the unknown resistance x (2mk)
=2 Ω
4X = 8 + 2X
X=4Ω

32. Figure 12 shows the variation of voltage against current.

15
(V) (Volts)

2 4 I (Amperes)

Given the equation; E = V + Ir

Find from the graph.
(i) the e.m.f, E of the cell. (1mk)
E.m.f = 15V
(ii) the internal resistance, r, of the cell. (3mks)
-r = gradient
Gradient =
r = 3.75 Ω

33. On the axes provided, sketch a graph to show how current, I varies with
potential difference, V, across a metallic conductor that is being heated at
the same time. Explain your answer (2mks)
p.d (V)

I (A)
The resistance increases opposition to slow of electrons with increases in temperature.
Also atoms vibrations increases per cross – sectional area hence increasing
resistance.

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

34. The graph below shows how the voltage, V, varies with the current, I for a
filament lamp.

20

15
I (A)

10

0
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 Voltage (V)

(i) From the graph, determine the resistance of the lamp when a current of 0.5A
flows. (3mks)
Gradient = 1/R = = 25Ω -1

R = 1/25 = 0.04Ω
(ii) State with a reason whether the device is ohmic or non-ohmic. (2mks)
It is a non – ohmic because voltage is not directly proportional to current.

35. The graph in fig. shows the current – voltage characteristics of a certain
device Q.

60

40
I (mA)

20

2 4 6 8 10 12
VOLTAGE (V)
(i) State with a reason whether the device obeys ohm’s law. (2mk
www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020
It doesn’t obey ohms law. Current flowing through it is not directly proportional to
voltage across it.

(i) Determine the resistance of the device, Q when current through it is

30mA. (3mk)
Gradient = 1/R = = 0.6757 x 10 Ω = 0.0006757 Ω
-3 -1 -1

R = 1/0.0006757 = 1479.95Ω

iii) When the device, X, is connected in the circuit below, the voltage
across it is 0.70V.
6.0 V
R

X
0V

Calculate the value of the resistance R.

E = V1 + 0.70V
V1 = 6 – 0.7 = 5.3V
I = V/R = 5.3/1479.95 = 0.003581A
V = IR
R = V/I = 0.7/0.003581 = 195.47 Ω

36. The current I through a given diode for various values of voltage V between
anode and cathode is given in the table below.
V 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 225
(volts)
I(mA) 0 1.0 3.0 4.0 6.0 10.0 16.0 28.0 80.0

(iv) Draw the characteristic graph of the diode using the data. (5mks)

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 (v) Explain the nature of graph. (2mks)
As current increases the resistance reduces because of increased temperature causes
more electrons to jump to conduction band creating more electrons and holes
responsible for conductivity.
(vi) Determine the resistance of the diode when the voltage is 150V.
(3mks)
R= = 90/30 = 3Ω
37. A battery is connected in series with an ammeter and a variable resistor R.
The resistor is varied and the corresponding readings of the ammeter
recorded in the table below.
Resistance R (Ω) 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 10.0
Current I (A) 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.75 0.5
(i) Draw a circuit diagram of the circuit that was used to perform this

experiment. (1mk)

(ii) On the grip provided, plot a graph of R (y-axis) against I (x-axis). (5mk)

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

 (iii) Use your graph to determine the internal resistance of the battery. (2mk)
(iv) Determine the e.m.f of the cell. (2mk)

38. A student carried out an experiment to investigate how current varies with
potential difference
applied across a filament lamp. The following readings were obtained.

P.d.(V) 0 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.20 1.60 2.40

I (A) 0.0 0.11 0.20 0.28 0.34 0.43 0.50 0.58

(a) Draw a diagram for the circuit used to obtain the values. (2mks)
(b) Describe briefly how the experiment was carried out. (2mks)
Vary current to minimum and record in table V and I
Increase current in steps and fill V and corresponding I to fill the table for different
values.
(b) Plot a graph of V against I for the values presented in the table. (5mks)

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020

(d) Determine the resistance of the lamp when a current of 0.4A flows through it.
(3mks)

R = gradient of tangent
R= = 1.28/0.3 = 4.2667Ω
(e) Explain why a filament lamp does not obey Ohm’s law. (2mks)
As current increases the filament gets hot and resistance increases due to increased
opposition to flow of current.

www.teachersofphysics.com Copyright © 2020