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Question 17N.2.SL.TZ0.3

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Date November 2017 Marks available [Maximum mark: 8] Reference code 17N.2.SL.TZ0.3
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ0
Command term Calculate, Deduce, Draw, State Question number 3 Adapted from N/A
3.
[Maximum mark: 8]
17N.2.SL.TZ0.3

Electrical resistors can be made by forming a thin film of carbon on a layer of an insulating material.

A carbon film resistor is made from a film of width 8.0 mm and of thickness 2.0 μm. The diagram shows the direction of charge flow through the resistor.

(a.i)

The resistance of the carbon film is 82 Ω. The resistivity of carbon is 4.1 x 10–5 Ω m. Calculate the length l of the film.

[1]

Markscheme

«l = R A ρ = 82 × 8 × 10 3 × 2 × 10 6 4.1 × 10 5 »

0.032 «m»

(a.ii)

The film must dissipate a power less than 1500 W from each square metre of its surface to avoid damage. Calculate the maximum allowable current for the resistor.

[2]

Markscheme

power = 1500 × 8 × 10–3 × 0.032 «= 0.384»

«current ≤ power resistance = 0.384 82 »

0.068 «A»

 

Be aware of ECF from (a)(i)

Award [1] for 4.3 «A» where candidate has not calculated area

(a.iii)

State why knowledge of quantities such as resistivity is useful to scientists.

[1]

Markscheme

quantities such as resistivity depend on the material

OR

they allow the selection of the correct material

OR

they allow scientists to compare properties of materials

(b)

The current direction is now changed so that charge flows vertically through the film.

Deduce, without calculation, the change in the resistance.

[2]

Markscheme

as area is larger and length is smaller

resistance is «very much» smaller

Award [1 max] for answers that involve a calculation

(c)

Draw a circuit diagram to show how you could measure the resistance of the carbon-film resistor using a potential divider arrangement to limit the potential difference across the resistor.

[2]

Markscheme

complete functional circuit with ammeter in series with resistor and voltmeter across it

potential divider arrangement correct

eg: