Question 20N.2.SL.TZ0.5
Date | November 2020 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 8] | Reference code | 20N.2.SL.TZ0.5 |
Level | SL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | TZ0 |
Command term | Calculate, Describe, Determine, Outline, State | Question number | 5 | Adapted from | N/A |
The graph shows how current varies with potential difference across a component X.
Outline why component X is considered non-ohmic.
[1]
current is not «directly» proportional to the potential difference
OR
resistance of X is not constant
OR
resistance of X changes «with current/voltage» ✓

Component X and a cell of negligible internal resistance are placed in a circuit.
A variable resistor R is connected in series with component X. The ammeter reads .
Determine the resistance of the variable resistor.
[3]
ALTERNATIVE 1
voltage across X ✓
voltage across R ✓
resistance of variable resistor ✓
ALTERNATIVE 2
overall resistance ✓
resistance of X ✓
resistance of variable resistor ✓

Calculate the power dissipated in the circuit.
[1]
power ✓

Component X and the cell are now placed in a potential divider circuit.
State the range of current that the ammeter can measure as the slider S of the potential divider is moved from Q to P.
[1]
from to ✓

Describe, by reference to your answer for (c)(i), the advantage of the potential divider arrangement over the arrangement in (b).
[2]
allows zero current through component X / potential divider arrangement ✓
provides greater range «of current through component X» ✓
