Topic 11 revision [64 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 10] 22N.2.HL.TZ0.9

A parallel-plate capacitor of capacitance 1.5 × 10−10 F is made from two metal
plates separated by an air gap of 1.0 mm. The capacitor is initially charged to a
potential difference of 24 V.

(a) Calculate the energy stored in the capacitor. [1]

Markscheme

« 1

2
× 1. 5 × 10
−10
× 24
2
= » 4. 3 × 10
−8
«J» ✓

The charged capacitor is disconnected from the voltage supply and the
separation between the plates is increased to 4.0 mm.

(b.i) Explain the change, if any, to the potential difference between

the plates. [2]

Markscheme

«from C = ε
A

d
» capacitance decreases «by factor 4 / to 3.8 × 10−11 F» ✓

q
«from V =
C
» charge unchanged hence p.d. increases by factor 4 / to
96 «V» ✓

Award [1] max for a reasoning without numbers.

(b.ii) Determine the work required to increase the separation of the

plates. [2]

Markscheme

work = (energy in the new arrangement) − (initial energy) ✓

 «energy increased by factor 4 hence» work = 3 × 4.3 × 10−8 =1.3 ×
10−7 «J» ✓

Allow ECF from 9(a).

Award [2] for a BCA.

The capacitor is then discharged through a fixed resistor. The initial current in the
resistor is I and the time constant of the circuit is τ.
0

(c.i) Draw, on the axes, a graph to show the variation with time of
the current in the resistor.

[2]

Markscheme

exponential decrease from current = I0 ✓

approximately correct values for time = τ AND 2τ ✓

 For MP2, the curve should be between 0.30 and 0.45 when time t = τ and below 0.20 when time t = 2τ.

(c.ii) A similar mathematical relationship can be used to model

phenomena in other areas of physics.

State an example of such a phenomenon. [1]

Markscheme

«activity vs time in» radioactive decay

OR

thermal energy transfer ✓

Accept any other appropriate physics phenomenon, as X-ray absorption.

Accept terminal velocity as the question can be interpreted as a phenomenon modelled with an exponential
function (i.e. including growth).
 Do not accept dice throwing.

(d) A diode bridge rectification circuit is often modified by adding a

capacitor in parallel with the output (load) resistance.

Describe the reason for this modification. [2]

Markscheme

without a capacitor, output voltage/current drops to zero «twice per cycle

of input voltage» ✓

capacitor provides smoothing / smooths out voltage/current variations ✓

voltage/current output becomes constant / similar to direct current

output ✓

voltage/current does not drop to zero ✓

by returning some of its energy/charge to the circuit «when input voltage is
low» ✓
2. [Maximum mark: 11] 22M.2.HL.TZ1.8
Two capacitors C1 and C2 of capacitance 28 µF and 22 µF respectively are
connected in a circuit with a two-way switch and a cell of emf 1.5 V with a
negligible internal resistance. The capacitors are initially uncharged. The switch
is then connected to position A.

(a) Show that the charge stored on C1 is about 0.04 mC. [1]

Markscheme

«
Q = CV = 1. 5 × 28 × 10
−6
» = 0.042 «mC» ✓

Award MP for full replacement or correct answer to at least 2 significant figures.

The switch is moved to position B.

(b.i) Calculate the energy transferred from capacitor C1. [4]

Markscheme

«J» ✓
1 −6 2 −5
Ei = ×(28 × 10 )(1. 5) = 3. 15 × 10
2
 total capacitance = 50 «μF»

OR
−6

pd = « 42×10
−6
= » 0.84 «V»
50×10

OR

charge on C1 after switch moved to B = 0.0235 «mC» ✓

«J» ✓
1 −6 2 −6
Ef = ×(28 × 10 )(0. 84) = 9. 9 × 10
2

energy lost = 3. 2 × 10
−5
− 9. 9 × 10
−6
= 22 «μJ» ✓

(b.ii) Explain why the energy gained by capacitor C2 differs from your
answer in (b)(i). [1]

Markscheme

energy transferred to electromagnetic radiation «to environment»

OR

energy is transferred as thermal energy / heat «to circuit components» ✓

A cell is now connected by a switch to a coil X. A second coil Y of cross-sectional

area 6.4 cm2 with 5 turns is looped around coil X and connected to an ideal
voltmeter.
(c.i) The switch is closed at time t = 0. Explain how the voltmeter
reading varies after the switch is closed. [2]

Markscheme

initial deflection by voltmeter falling to zero reading ✓

emf is induced «only» while the field / flux is changing ✓

The graph shows the variation with t of the magnetic flux density B in coil Y.
(c.ii) Determine the average emf induced across coil Y in the first 3.0
ms. [3]

Markscheme

attempted use of ε = ΔΦ
OR N A ΔB
✓
Δt Δt

−3 −4

ε =
5×7.5×10 ×6.4×10
−3
✓
3×10

8.0 «mV» ✓
3. [Maximum mark: 12] 21M.2.HL.TZ1.5
A device sends an impulse of electrical energy to maintain a regular heartbeat in
a person. The device is powered by an alternating current (ac) supply connected
to a step-up transformer that charges a capacitor of capacitance 30 μF.

(a) Explain the role of the diode in the circuit when the switch is at
position A. [2]

Markscheme

to charge a capacitor current must be direct ✓

diode will only allow current to flow in one direction

OR

the diode provides half wave rectification ✓

The voltage across the primary coil of the transformer is 220 V. The number of
turns on the secondary coil is 15 times greater than the number of turns on the
primary coil.
(b.i) Show that the maximum energy stored by the capacitor is
about 160 J. [2]

Markscheme

Vs = 15 × 220 = «3300 V» ✓
1 2 1 −6 2
E = CV = × 30 × 10 × 3300
2 2

OR

163 «J» ✓

Allow use of 220 V as an RMS value to calculate Vs = 467 V and E = 327 J for full marks if appropriate
work is provided.
Answer must be to 3 or more sf or working shown for MP2

(b.ii) Calculate the maximum charge Q0 stored in the capacitor. [1]

Markscheme

Q0 = 0. 0989 ≈ 0. 1 «C» ✓

Allow ECF from (b)(i) (Q = 30 μF x V)

(b.iii) Identify, using the label + on the diagram, the polarity of the
capacitor. [1]

Markscheme

labels + on the lower side of the capacitor ✓

The switch is moved to position B.

(c.i) Describe what happens to the energy stored in the capacitor

when the switch is moved to position B. [1]

Markscheme

the energy stored in the capacitor is delivered to the resistor/heart ✓

(c.ii) Show that the charge remaining in the capacitor after a time
equal to one time constant τ of the circuit will be 0.37 Q0. [1]

Markscheme

use of Q = Q0 e
−
τ to show that 0. 37 =
1

e
✓

(c.iii) The graph shows the variation with time of the charge in the
capacitor as it is being discharged through the heart.

Determine the electrical resistance of the closed circuit with the

switch in position B. [2]

Markscheme
 ALTERNATIVE 1

reads from the graph τ = 1. 6 ✓

ms

so R = 0.0016
−6
= 53 «Ω»✓
30×10

ALTERNATIVE 2

Q
reads a correct value from the graph for Q0
and t ✓

so R = t
✓
Q
−5
ln ( ) ( 3×10 )
Q
0

(d) In practice, two electrodes connect the heart to the circuit.

These electrodes introduce an additional capacitance.

Explain the effect of the electrode capacitance on the discharge

time. [2]

Markscheme

«the capacitors are in parallel hence» capacitances are added / more charge
is stored
OR
Ceq is larger
OR
electrode capacitor charges and discharges ✓
«therefore» discharge takes longer/increases ✓
4. [Maximum mark: 11] 21M.2.HL.TZ2.7
The primary coil of a transformer is connected to a 110 V alternating current (ac)
supply. The secondary coil of the transformer is connected to a 15 V garden
lighting system that consists of 8 lamps connected in parallel. Each lamp is rated
at 35 W when working at its normal brightness. Root mean square (rms) values
are used throughout this question.

(a.i) The primary coil has 3300 turns. Calculate the number of turns
on the secondary coil. [1]

Markscheme

« 15

110
× 3300 = » 450 «turns» ✓

(a.ii) Determine the total resistance of the lamps when they are
working normally. [2]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

calculates total current = 35

15
× 8 «= »✓
18. 7 A

resistance = « 15
= » 0. 80 «Ω» ✓
18.7

ALTERNATIVE 2

calculates total power = 35 ×8 « = 280 W» ✓

2

resistance = « 15

280
= » 0. 80 «Ω»✓

ALTERNATIVE 3
 «= »✓
2

calculates individual resistance = 15

35
6. 43 Ω

resistance = « 6.43

8
»= 0. 80 «Ω»✓

(a.iii) Calculate the current in the primary of the transformer

assuming that it is ideal. [2]

Markscheme

total power required = 280 «W»

OR
uses factor 3300

450

OR
total current = 18.7 « A» ✓

current = 2.5 OR 2.6 «A» ✓

Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer.

Allow ECF from (a)(ii).

(a.iv) Flux leakage is one reason why a transformer may not be ideal.
Explain the effect of flux leakage on the transformer. [2]

Markscheme

the secondary coil does not enclose all flux «lines from core» ✓

induced emf in secondary

OR
power transferred to the secondary
OR
efficiency is less than expected ✓
 Award [0] for references to eddy currents/heating of the core as the reason.

Award MP2 if no reason stated.

(b) A pendulum with a metal bob comes to rest after 200 swings.
The same pendulum, released from the same position, now
swings at 90° to the direction of a strong magnetic field and
comes to rest after 20 swings.

Explain why the pendulum comes to rest after a smaller number

of swings. [4]

Markscheme

bob cuts mag field lines

OR
there is a change in flux linkage ✓

induced emf across bob ✓

leading to eddy/induced current in bob ✓

eddy/induced current produces a magnetic field that opposes «direction
of» motion ✓

force due to the induced magnetic field decelerates bob ✓

damping of pendulum increases/there is additional «magnetic»

damping ✓

MP4 and MP5 can be expressed in terms of energy transfer from kinetic energy of bob to electrical/thermal
energy in bob
5. [Maximum mark: 8] 20N.2.HL.TZ0.9
The diagram shows an alternating current generator with a rectangular coil
rotating at a constant frequency in a uniform magnetic field.

(a) Explain, by reference to Faraday’s law of induction, how an

electromotive force (emf ) is induced in the coil. [3]

Markscheme

there is a magnetic flux «linkage» in the coil / coil cuts magnetic field ✓

this flux «linkage» changes as the angle varies/coil rotates ✓

«Faraday’s law» connects induced emf with rate of change of flux «linkage»
with time ✓

Do not award MP2 or 3 for answers that don’t discuss flux.

The graph shows how the generator output voltage V varies with time t.
Electrical power produced by the generator is delivered to a consumer some
distance away.
(b(i)) The average power output of the generator is 8. 5 × 10 W.
5

Calculate the root mean square (rms) value of the generator

output current. [2]

Markscheme

«= »✓
3
25×10 3
Vrms = 17. 7 × 10 V
√2

I rms =
8.5×10

3
= 48 «A» ✓
17.7×10

(b(ii)) The voltage output from the generator is stepped up before

transmission to the consumer. Estimate the factor by which
voltage has to be stepped up in order to reduce power loss in
the transmission line by a factor of 2. 5 × 10 .
2
[1]
 Markscheme

«power loss proportional to I hence the step-up factor is

2

√2. 5 × 10 2 » 16 ✓

(b(iii)) The frequency of the generator is doubled with no other

changes being made. Draw, on the axes, the variation with time
of the voltage output of the generator. [2]

Markscheme

peak emf doubles ✓

T halves ✓

Must show at least 1 cycle.

6. [Maximum mark: 12] 18N.2.HL.TZ0.2
A lighting system consists of two long metal rods with a potential difference
maintained between them. Identical lamps can be connected between the rods
as required.

The following data are available for the lamps when at their working
temperature.

Lamp specifications 24 V, 5.0 W

Power supply emf 24 V

Power supply maximum current 8.0 A

Length of each rod 12.5 m

Resistivity of rod metal 7.2 × 10–7 Ω m

(a) Each rod is to have a resistance no greater than 0.10 Ω.

Calculate, in m, the minimum radius of each rod. Give your
answer to an appropriate number of significant figures. [3]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1:

ρl −7

r = √
πR
OR √ 7.2×10

π×0.1
×12.5
✔
 r = 5.352 × 10−3 ✔

5.4 × 10−3 «m» ✔

For MP2 accept any SF

For MP3 accept only 2 SF

For MP3 accept ANY answer given to 2 SF

ALTERNATIVE 2:
−7

A =
7.2×10

0.1
×12.5
✔

r = 5.352 × 10−3 ✔

5.4 × 10−3 «m» ✔

For MP2 accept any SF

For MP3 accept only 2 SF

For MP3 accept ANY answer given to 2 SF

(b) Calculate the maximum number of lamps that can be

connected between the rods. Neglect the resistance of the rods. [2]

Markscheme

current in lamp = 5

24
«= 0.21» «A»

OR

n = 24 × 8

5
✔
 so «38.4 and therefore» 38 lamps ✔

Do not award ECF from MP1

(c) One advantage of this system is that if one lamp fails then the
other lamps in the circuit remain lit. Outline one other electrical
advantage of this system compared to one in which the lamps
are connected in series. [1]

Markscheme

when adding more lamps in parallel the brightness stays the same ✔

when adding more lamps in parallel the pd across each remains the
same/at the operating value/24 V ✔

when adding more lamps in parallel the current through each remains the
same ✔

lamps can be controlled independently ✔

the pd across each bulb is larger in parallel ✔

the current in each bulb is greater in parallel ✔

lamps will be brighter in parallel than in series ✔

In parallel the pd across the lamps will be the operating value/24 V ✔

Accept converse arguments for adding lamps in series:

when adding more lamps in series the brightness decreases

 when adding more lamps in series the pd decreases

when adding more lamps in series the current decreases

lamps can’t be controlled independently

the pd across each bulb is smaller in series

the current in each bulb is smaller in series

in series the pd across the lamps will less than the operating value/24 V

Do not accept statements that only compare the overall resistance of the combination of bulbs.

A step-down transformer is used to transfer energy to the two rods. The primary
coil of this transformer is connected to an alternating mains supply that has an
emf of root mean square (rms) magnitude 240 V. The transformer is 95 % efficient.

(d.i) Outline how eddy currents reduce transformer efficiency. [2]

Markscheme

«as flux linkage change occurs in core, induced emfs appear so» current is
induced ✔

induced currents give rise to resistive forces ✔

eddy currents cause thermal energy losses «in conducting core» ✔

power dissipated by eddy currents is drawn from the primary coil/reduces

power delivered to the secondary ✔

(d.ii) Determine the peak current in the primary coil when operating
with the maximum number of lamps. [4]
Markscheme

power = 190 OR 192 «W» ✔

required power = 190 ×

100

95
«200 or 202 W» ✔

so 200

240
= 0.83 OR 0.84 «A rms» ✔

peak current = «0.83 × √2 OR 0.84 × √2» = 1.2/1.3 «A» ✔

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