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Edexcel IGCSE Physics

Topic questions Electricity Resistors & I-V characteristics

Resistors & I-V characteristics

17 questions · 197 marks · about 3.5 hours

Resistors and I-V characteristics questions

TopicResistors & I-V characteristics

Edexcel 4PH1 Resistors and I-V characteristics 17 questions

Physics Paper 1 June 2025 (R), Question 3 12 marks

This question is about electrical circuits.

(a)

The table shows the circuit symbols for some electrical components.

Complete the table by placing ticks (✓) to show whether each component can visibly indicate the presence of a current in a circuit.

Figure for question 3
[3]
(b)

Diagram 1 shows an electrical circuit containing a cell and component X.

Figure for question 3

The graph shows how the resistance of component X varies with temperature.

Figure for question 3
(b)(i)

Give the name of component X.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Using the graph, determine the resistance of component X when its temperature is 50 °C.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

The cell in diagram 1 has a voltage of 9.0 V.

Calculate the current in component X when its temperature is 50 °C.

Use the formula

voltage = current × resistance

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(iii)
(b)(iv)

The circuit in diagram 1 is modified by adding a second identical component X in series with the other components.

The temperatures of the first component X and second component X are reduced to 26 °C.

Explain how the resistance of the circuit is affected by these changes.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(iv)

Physics Paper 1 June 2025, Question 3 15 marks

Also involves Potential dividers

A student builds this electric circuit to measure the temperature of a room.

Figure for question 3
(a)

At 20 °C, the voltage across the thermistor is 3.9 V.

(a)(i)

Explain why the reading on the voltmeter is 2.1 V.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

The resistor in the circuit has a resistance of 290 Ω.

Calculate the current in the resistor.

Use the formula

voltage = current × resistance

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

State the reading on the ammeter.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(iii)
(a)(iv)

Calculate the resistance of the thermistor.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(iv)
(b)

The student observes that the voltmeter reading increases as the temperature of the room increases.

(b)(i)

Explain this observation.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The student wants to use the circuit as a temperature‑measuring device.

They have this additional equipment

• a large beaker

• water at different temperatures

• a thermometer

Describe what measurements the student needs to take so that the circuit could be used as a temperature‑measuring device.

Assume that the thermistor in the circuit is waterproof.

You may draw a diagram to help your answer.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(ii)

Physics Paper 1 November 2024, Question 9 12 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols

A student investigates different electrical components.

(a)

The student first investigates how the voltage of a diode affects the current in the diode.

They use this equipment.

• diode

• cell

• variable resistor

• wires

• voltmeter

• ammeter

Draw a circuit diagram to represent a circuit the student could use.

The diode has been drawn for you.

[4]
(b)

In the second investigation, the student uses a circuit with two different resistors, A and B, and a battery with a voltage of 2.9 V.

Diagram 1 shows the circuit, and the current in each resistor.

Figure for question 9
Question 9, shown as an image
(b)(i)

Calculate the current in the battery.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

State the formula linking voltage, current and resistance.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

Calculate the resistance of resistor A.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(iii)
(b)(iv)

Diagram 2 shows the same three components connected in a different circuit.

Figure for question 9

Resistor B has a resistance of 13 ohms.

Comment on the difference between the current in the battery in Diagram 2 and the current in the battery in Diagram 1.

Use calculations to support your answer.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(iv)

Physics Paper 1 June 2024 (R), Question 7 13 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols

A student investigates the voltage-current characteristics of an unknown component, X.

(a)

The student is given this equipment to investigate component X.

• battery

• variable resistor

• ammeter

• voltmeter

• connecting wires

The diagram shows an incomplete circuit containing the battery and component X.

Complete the diagram by drawing a circuit the student could use for their investigation.

Figure for question 7
Question 7, shown as an image
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)
(b)

The graph shows the results of the investigation.

Figure for question 7
(b)(i)

Draw a line of best fit on the graph.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Calculate the resistance of component X when the voltage is 4.2 V.

Give the unit.

[5]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

Which of these is equivalent to 4.2 V?

Question 7, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(iii)
(b)(iv)

The student concludes that component X is a filament lamp.

Comment on the student’s conclusion.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(iv)

Physics Paper 1 June 2023, Question 2 10 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols

A student investigates how the current in a filament lamp changes when the voltage across the lamp is varied.

(a)

Draw a circuit diagram the student could use in their investigation.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(a)
(b)

The graph shows the student’s results.

Figure for question 2
(b)(i)

Describe the relationship between current and voltage shown on the graph.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

State the formula linking resistance, voltage and current.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

Use the graph to determine the resistance of the filament lamp when the voltage across the lamp is 7.2 V.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 2(b)(iii)

Physics Paper 1 June 2023 (R), Question 6 14 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols

A student investigates how the current in a 60 Ω resistor varies with the voltage across the resistor.

(a)

The student has access to this equipment

• 12 V battery

• ammeter and voltmeter

• 60 Ω resistor

• variable resistor

• switch

• connecting wires

Draw a circuit diagram to show how the student could connect this equipment to carry out the investigation.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)

Describe a suitable method the student could use for this investigation.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)
(c)
(c)(i)

Complete the current–voltage graph by drawing a line that shows the expected results of the investigation.

Figure for question 6
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

The student repeats their investigation with a 120 Ω resistor.

Explain how a current–voltage graph for a 120 Ω resistor compares with the current–voltage graph for the 60 Ω resistor.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(c)(ii)

Physics Paper 1 June 2023, Question 11 8 marks

Diagram 1 shows a light-emitting diode (LED) and a resistor in series with a cell and an ammeter.

Figure for question 11
Question 11, shown as an image
(a)

The voltage across the LED is 0.63 V.

Calculate the current in the circuit.

Give your answer in milliamps.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(a)
(b)

Diagram 2 shows a second LED and an extra resistor connected in parallel with the cell.

Figure for question 11

The resistor and the LED are the same as the components used in diagram 1. The two resistors are identical and the two LEDs are identical.

Explain how the ammeter reading will change.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 11(b)

Physics Paper 1 January 2023 (R), Question 4 9 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols · Current, resistance and potential difference

A student investigates how the current in a filament lamp varies with the voltage across it.

The student has this equipment

• filament lamp

• cell

• variable resistor

• ammeter

• voltmeter

• connecting wires

(a)

Draw a circuit diagram that the student could use for this investigation.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(a)
(b)

The table gives the student’s results.

Voltage in VCurrent in A
0.00.0
1.00.38
2.00.61
3.00.80
4.00.90
5.00.96
6.01.00
(b)(i)

Plot the results on the grid.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Draw the curve of best fit.

Figure for question 4
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(b)(ii)
(c)

The filament of the lamp is made of metal.

The student suggests that a straight line on the graph is more appropriate than a curve because current is directly proportional to voltage for a metal.

(c)(i)

Suggest how the student could improve their investigation to find out whether a straight line or curve is more appropriate.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

Explain why the student should not expect current to be proportional to voltage for this filament lamp.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 4(c)(ii)

Physics Paper 1 January 2023, Question 7 14 marks

A student uses the circuit shown in diagram 1 to investigate how the current changes with voltage for a filament lamp.

Figure for question 7
(a)(i)

Give the name of component Y.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Give a reason why component Y is included in the circuit.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)(ii)
(b)

The graph shows some of the student’s results.

Figure for question 7
(b)(i)

State the formula linking charge, current and time.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Determine the current in the lamp when the voltage across the lamp is 10 V.

[1]
(b)(iii)

Calculate the charge transferred through the lamp in 30 s when the voltage across the lamp is 10 V.

Give the unit.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(iii)
(b)(iv)

Calculate the time for the lamp to transfer 250 J of energy when the voltage across the lamp is 10 V.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(iv)
(b)(v)

The student disconnects the cell and reconnects it with its terminals reversed.

Complete the graph to show how the current in the lamp varies with voltage across the lamp when the cell is connected with its terminals reversed.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(v)
(c)

The student replaces the filament lamp with a light emitting diode (LED) and replaces the cell with an alternating current (a.c.) power supply, as shown in diagram 2.

The student also removes the ammeter and voltmeter from the circuit.

Figure for question 7

Explain why the LED flashes on and off in this circuit.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(c)

Physics Paper 1 June 2022 (R), Question 3 9 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols

The diagram shows an electric circuit containing component X and a lamp connected in series.

Figure for question 3
(a)(i)

Add another component to the diagram to measure the voltage of component X.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Give the name of component X.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)(ii)
(b)

The graph shows how the resistance of component X changes with light intensity.

Figure for question 3
(b)(i)

Use the graph to determine the resistance of component X when the light intensity is 4.0 arbitrary units.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The current in the circuit is 0.0018 A.

Calculate the voltage across component X at a light intensity of 4.0 arbitrary units.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

Explain what happens to the brightness of the lamp when component X is covered with a dark sheet of paper.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)(iii)

Physics Paper 1 January 2022, Question 7 11 marks

Also involves Potential dividers

A teacher uses this circuit to investigate how the current in a circuit changes with the temperature of a room.

Figure for question 7
(a)(i)

Calculate the voltage across the thermistor.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

State the formula linking voltage, current and resistance.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

Calculate the resistance of the thermistor.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(a)(iii)
(b)

The graph shows how the resistance of the thermistor changes with temperature.

Figure for question 7
(b)(i)

Describe the relationship between the temperature and the resistance of the thermistor.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Explain how the reading on the voltmeter changes when the temperature of the room decreases.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7(b)(ii)

Physics Paper 1 January 2022 (R), Question 9 12 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols

The diagram shows a circuit containing a cell, two switches and two resistors, R1 and R2.

Figure for question 9
(a)

A light emitting diode (LED) is represented using the symbol

Figure for question 9

Draw a LED on the circuit diagram that will indicate when there is a current in resistor R1.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(a)
(b)

Both switches in the circuit are now closed.

(b)(i)

Draw an ammeter on the circuit diagram that will measure the current in the cell.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The voltage across the cell is 4.5 V.

Explain how the voltage across R2 compares with the voltage across the cell.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)(ii)
(c)

Switch 1 is now opened whilst switch 2 remains closed.

(c)(i)

State the formula linking energy transferred, charge and voltage.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

The voltage across the cell stays constant at 4.5 V.

Calculate the charge transferred through the cell when the cell transfers 4.1 J of energy.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(c)(ii)
(c)(iii)

A student investigates how the current in resistor R2 varies with the voltage across it.

Describe how the circuit could be modified for the student to do this investigation.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(c)(iii)

Physics Paper 1 January 2021 (R), Question 12 15 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols · Series and parallel circuits · Potential dividers

The diagram shows some apparatus used to find the mass of an object.

The two pieces of metal foil act as a variable resistor.

When more mass is added, the elastic string stretches and the small piece of metal foil moves to the right.

Figure for question 12
(a)(i)

Draw the circuit diagram for this electrical circuit.

The variable resistor has been drawn for you.

Figure for question 12
[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Draw a voltmeter on the diagram to measure the voltage of the variable resistor.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(a)(ii)
(b)

Explain how the voltage across the variable resistor changes if more mass is added to the end of the elastic string.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(b)
(c)

The student extends the investigation by keeping the mass constant and replacing the cell with a variable power supply.

The student measures the current in the circuit for different voltages.

These are the results.

Voltage in VCurrent in mA
0.00.0
2.04.0
4.07.0
6.011.0
8.014.0
(c)(i)

State the independent variable in the student’s investigation.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

Plot the student’s results on the grid.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(c)(ii)
(c)(iii)

Draw a line of best fit.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 12(c)(iii)

Physics Paper 1 November 2020, Question 5 9 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols · Current, resistance and potential difference

A student does an investigation to determine the current-voltage graph for an unknown component, X.

The student uses this equipment

• component X

• cell

• variable resistor

• ammeter

• voltmeter

• connecting wires

(a)

Complete the circuit diagram to show how the student should set up this equipment for her investigation.

[4]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(a)
(b)

component X

The student completes her investigation.

The table shows her results.

Voltage in VCurrent in mA
0.000
0.100
0.200
0.300
0.400
0.502
0.608
0.7033
0.80140
(b)(i)

Plot a graph of the student’s results on the grid.

Plot current on the y-axis and voltage on the x-axis.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Draw a curve of best fit.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

State the name of component X.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5(b)(iii)

Physics Paper 1 November 2020, Question 6 8 marks

Also involves Potential dividers

The diagram shows an electric circuit.

Figure for question 6
(a)

When the thermistor is in hot water, its resistance is 490 Ω.

Show that the resistance of the fixed resistor is about 400 Ω.

[5]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)
(b)

Explain how the voltage across the fixed resistor changes when the hot water is replaced with cold water.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)

Physics Paper 1 November 2020 (R), Question 9 12 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols · Potential dividers

The diagram shows part of a circuit used for an outdoor lighting system.

Figure for question 9
(a)

Draw a voltmeter on the diagram to measure the voltage of the 4500maths symbol resistor.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(a)
(b)

Give the name of component X.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(b)
(c)

The voltage across component X is 3.0 V.

(c)(i)

Calculate the voltage across the 4500maths symbol resistor.

[1]
(c)(ii)

Calculate the current in the circuit.

[voltage = current × resistance]

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(c)(ii)
(c)(iii)

Calculate the resistance of component X.

Give your answer in kmaths symbol.

resistance =........ kmaths symbol

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(c)(iii)
(d)

Explain where a lamp should be connected in this circuit, so that the voltage across it increases as the light received by component X decreases.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 9(d)

Physics Paper 1 January 2020, Question 3 14 marks

Also involves Standard circuit diagram symbols

This question is about electric circuits.

(a)

Which quantity is defined as the rate of flow of charge?

Question 3, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(a)
(b)

Which quantity is defined as the energy transferred per unit charge passed?

Question 3, shown as an image
[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(b)
(c)

Diagram 1 shows an electric circuit with two resistors, R and S.

Some of the values of the current are also shown.

Figure for question 3

Diagram 1

(c)(i)

On Diagram 1, draw a voltmeter to measure the voltage of resistor S.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(c)(i)
(c)(ii)

Deduce the readings on the ammeters.

Question 3, shown as an image
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(c)(ii)
(c)(iii)

Resistor R has a resistance of 11 Ω.

Calculate the voltage across resistor R.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(c)(iii)
(c)(iv)

Explain how the voltage across resistor R compares with the voltage across the battery.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(c)(iv)
(d)

Diagram 2 shows a different circuit containing a battery, an ammeter and a thermistor.

Figure for question 3

Explain how the thermistor can be used to vary the current in this circuit.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 3(d)

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