Electrical circuits — Paper 2 · IGCSE Sciences - Co-ordinated (Double) 0654

38 Two identical resistors, each of resistance R, are connected as shown. R R What is their effective resistance? A R B R C 2R D 4R 4 2

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2017

38 Two identical resistors are connected in series. Their combined resistance is 40 Ω. What is their effective resistance when connected in parallel? A 10 Ω B 20 Ω C 40 Ω D 80 Ω

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2017

38 A battery is connected to a 3.0 Ω resistor, a 6.0 Ω resistor and two ammeters P and Q. A Q P 3.0 Ω A 6.0 Ω What is the combined resistance of the two resistors and which ammeter has the greater reading? combined ammeter with resistance / Ω greater reading A less than 3.0 P B less than 3.0 Q C 9.0 P D 9.0 Q

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/23 May/June 2017

39 The circuit in the diagram contains three resistors. Currents P, Q and R, and potential differences S, T and U are labelled. R S P T U Q Which row shows the relationship between the currents and between the potential differences? potential currents differences A P + Q = R S = T + U B P + Q = R S = T = U C P = Q = R S = T + U D P = Q = R S = T = U

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2017

36 A battery of e.m.f. V is connected across a resistor of resistance R. There is a current in the resistor. V R current Which row shows two changes that both increase the current in the resistor? change 1 change 2 A decrease V decrease R B decrease V increase R C increase V decrease R D increase V increase R

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2017

39 The circuit in the diagram contains two resistors. Currents P, Q and R, and potential differences S, T and U are labelled. P R S T Q U Which row shows the relationship between the currents and between the potential differences? potential currents differences A P = Q = R S = T = U B P = Q = R S + T = U C P > Q > R S = T = U D P > Q > R S + T = U

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2017

39 An engineer wishes to make a d.c. circuit that will switch on a lamp automatically at night. She uses a light-dependent resistor (LDR) in the circuit, and a component that allows a large current to be controlled by a small current. What happens to the resistance of the LDR as it becomes dark, and what is a suitable component to allow a large current to be controlled by a small current? resistance suitable of LDR component A decreases relay B decreases transformer C increases relay D increases transformer

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2017

38 A circuit contains a lamp and a fuse. There is a current of 2.0 A in the lamp and it operates normally. A fault develops in the lamp. The current in the circuit increases, and the fuse now blows. The diagrams show two circuits. diagram 1 diagram 2 Which is the circuit used and what is the effect of the fuse when it blows? circuit effect of fuse A diagram 1 reduces current to 0 B diagram 1 reduces current to 2.0 A C diagram 2 reduces current to 0 D diagram 2 reduces current to 2.0 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2018

39 A 6.0 V battery is connected to three 10 Ω resistors, as shown. One resistor is labelled R. 6.0 V 10 Ω 10 Ω 10 Ω R What is the current in resistor R? A 0.20 A B 0.40 A C 0.60 A D 1.8 A

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2018

38 A 6.0 V battery is connected to three 10 Ω resistors, as shown. One resistor is labelled R. 6.0 V 10 Ω 10 Ω 10 Ω R What is the current in resistor R? A 0.20 A B 0.40 A C 0.60 A D 1.8 A

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2018

38 A circuit contains a lamp and a fuse. There is a current of 2.0 A in the lamp and it operates normally. A fault develops in the lamp. The current in the circuit increases, and the fuse now blows. The diagrams show two circuits. diagram 1 diagram 2 Which is the circuit used and what is the effect of the fuse when it blows? circuit effect of fuse A diagram 1 reduces current to 0 B diagram 1 reduces current to 2.0 A C diagram 2 reduces current to 0 D diagram 2 reduces current to 2.0 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2018

39 A 6.0 V battery is connected to three 10 Ω resistors, as shown. One resistor is labelled R. 6.0 V 10 Ω 10 Ω 10 Ω R What is the current in resistor R? A 0.20 A B 0.40 A C 0.60 A D 1.8 A

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2018

36 In the circuit, component X is used to control the brightness of the lamp. lamp cell – + X What is component X? A an ammeter B a fixed resistor C a fuse D a variable resistor

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2019

36 In the circuit, component X is used to control the brightness of the lamp. lamp cell – + X What is component X? A an ammeter B a fixed resistor C a fuse D a variable resistor

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2019

37 A circuit contains a power supply, a lamp, an ammeter and a NTC thermistor, connected in series. A The NTC thermistor is now heated. What happens to the brightness of the lamp and what happens to the ammeter reading? brightness ammeter of lamp reading A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2019

38 In the circuit, component X is used to control the brightness of the lamp. lamp cell – + X What is component X? A an ammeter B a fixed resistor C a fuse D a variable resistor

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/23 May/June 2019

36 Which row shows how lamps are connected in a lighting circuit in a house and gives an advantage of connecting them in this way? how lamps are advantage of connecting connected them in this way A in parallel they can be switched separately B in parallel they share the voltage C in series they can be switched separately D in series they share the voltage

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2019

37 Which row shows how lamps are connected in a lighting circuit in a house and gives an advantage of connecting them in this way? how lamps are advantage of connecting connected them in this way A in parallel they can be switched separately B in parallel they share the voltage C in series they can be switched separately D in series they share the voltage

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2019

35 The diagram shows a circuit containing two switches P and Q, and three lamps. One lamp is labelled X. Q X P Which of the switches must be closed so that only lamp X is lit? A neither switch B switch P only C switch Q only D switch P and switch Q

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2019

36 Which row shows how lamps are connected in a lighting circuit in a house and gives an advantage of connecting them in this way? how lamps are advantage of connecting connected them in this way A in parallel they can be switched separately B in parallel they share the voltage C in series they can be switched separately D in series they share the voltage

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2019

36 Which graph is the current–voltage characteristic of a filament lamp? A B current current 0 0 0 voltage 0 voltage C D current current 0 0 0 voltage 0 voltage

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2020

38 The series circuit shown includes a single component hidden in a box. The switch is open. component hidden in box The switch is now closed and the lamp lights briefly before going off. The switch is now opened, and then closed again. This time the lamp does not light. Which symbol represents the component in the box? A B C D A

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2020

35 Which statement about an NTC thermistor is correct? A As its temperature increases its resistance decreases. B As its temperature increases its resistance increases. C As the brightness of light falling on it increases its resistance decreases. D As the brightness of light falling on it increases its resistance increases.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2020

36 A 12  resistor and a 4.0  resistor are connected across the terminals of a 12 V battery. 12 V 12 Ω 4.0 Ω V There is a voltmeter connected across the 12  resistor. What is the reading on the voltmeter? A 3.0 V B 8.0 V C 9.0 V D 12 V

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2020

38 Electrical energy from a power station is transmitted over a large distance. A 100% efficient transformer is used near to the power station. This transformer reduces the amount of energy that is wasted thermally in the transmission cables. transmission cables power station transformer How does the transformer reduce the amount of energy that is wasted? A It decreases the power transmitted so the current and the voltage are both larger. B It decreases the power transmitted so the current and the voltage are both smaller. C It increases the current so the voltage is smaller. D It increases the voltage so the current is smaller.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/22 Feb/March 2021

37 Which combination of resistors has a combined resistance of 2.0 ? A B C D 3.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 2.0 Ω 1.0 Ω 6.0 Ω 8.0 Ω 2.0 Ω 1.0 Ω

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2021

37 Which statements about the current–voltage characteristic of a filament lamp are correct? 1 It is a curve. 2 It passes through the origin. 3 It shows current increasing as voltage increases. A 1 and 2 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1, 2 and 3

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2021

37 A 4.0  resistor and an 8.0  resistor are connected in series with a power supply. The circuit diagram shows the arrangement. power supply 4.0 Ω 8.0 Ω V The reading on the voltmeter connected across the 4.0  resistor is 2.0 V. What is the potential difference (p.d.) across the power supply? A 2.0 V B 4.0 V C 6.0 V D 12 V

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/23 May/June 2021

37 The diagrams show four circuits, each with two points X and Y labelled. Two circuits include an NTC thermistor and two circuits include an LDR. Which circuit produces a potential difference (p.d.) between points X and Y that increases as the temperature increases? A B C D X X X X Y Y Y Y

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2021

35 A copper wire has a resistance of 8.0 . Four of these wires are arranged side by side to form a cable, as shown. What is the resistance of this cable? A 0.50  B 2.0  C 32  D 128 

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/22 Feb/March 2022

36 The diagram shows a circuit containing a resistor and an NTC thermistor. V The temperature of the thermistor increases. What happens to the resistance of the thermistor and what happens to the reading on the voltmeter? resistance of reading on thermistor voltmeter A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/22 Feb/March 2022

37 Which row shows how lamps are connected in a lighting circuit in a house and gives an advantage of connecting them in this way? how lamps are advantage of connecting connected them in this way A in parallel they can be switched separately B in parallel they share the voltage C in series they can be switched separately D in series they share the voltage

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2022

37 Which row shows how lamps are connected in a lighting circuit in a house and gives an advantage of connecting them in this way? how lamps are advantage of connecting connected them in this way A in parallel they can be switched separately B in parallel they share the voltage C in series they can be switched separately D in series they share the voltage

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2022

38 A transformer increases the voltage from a power station in order to transfer electricity along transmission cables. How does increasing the voltage affect the current in the cables and how does it affect the efficiency of energy transfer? current efficiency A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2022

37 Which row shows how lamps are connected in a lighting circuit in a house and gives an advantage of connecting them in this way? how lamps are advantage of connecting connected them in this way A in parallel they can be switched separately B in parallel they share the voltage C in series they can be switched separately D in series they share the voltage

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/23 May/June 2022

37 What is an advantage of connecting lamps in parallel in a circuit, rather than in series? A The lamps do not use as much energy. B The lamps last longer before failing. C The potential difference (p.d.) across each lamp is smaller. D When one lamp fails, all the others remain lit.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2022

36 A battery of e.m.f. V is connected across a resistor of resistance R. There is a current in the resistor. V R current Which row shows two changes that both increase the current in the resistor? change 1 change 2 A decrease V decrease R B decrease V increase R C increase V decrease R D increase V increase R

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2023

39 Cables transmit electrical power. The power input to the cables is constant, but the voltage input is increased. What happens to the power loss from the cables, and what happens to the current in the cables? power loss current in from cables cables A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2023

36 A student measures the current in a resistor and the potential difference (p.d.) across it. Which circuit shows an ammeter and a voltmeter both connected correctly? A B C D V A V A V A V A

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/23 May/June 2023

37 Which graph shows the current–voltage characteristics of an ohmic resistor and a filament lamp? A B filament lamp filament lamp current current ohmic ohmic resistor resistor 0 0 0 voltage 0 voltage C D filament lamp filament lamp current current ohmic ohmic resistor resistor 0 0 0 voltage 0 voltage

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2023

38 A battery is connected in a circuit to a 3.0  resistor, a 6.0  resistor and two ammeters P and Q. A Q P 3.0 Ω A 6.0 Ω What is the combined resistance of the two resistors and which ammeter has the greater reading? combined ammeter with resistance /  greater reading A less than 3.0 P B less than 3.0 Q C 9.0 P D 9.0 Q

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2023

37 A lamp is connected in four circuits in turn. The batteries are identical and the resistors are identical. In which circuit is the lamp the brightest? A B C D

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2023

38 The series circuit shown includes a single component hidden in a box. The switch is open. component hidden in box The switch is now closed and the lamp lights briefly before going off. The switch is now opened, and then closed again. This time the lamp does not light. Which symbol represents the component in the box? A B C D A

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2023

37 Two lamps can be connected to a battery either in series or in parallel. Which statement is not a benefit of connecting two lamps in parallel rather than in series? A If one lamp breaks, the other lamp stays lit. B The lamps are brighter. C The lamps can be controlled individually using switches. D There is a smaller current in the battery.

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2023

37 The circuit shows a resistor and an NTC thermistor connected in series with a power supply. A voltmeter is connected across the resistor. power supply V The temperature of the thermistor increases. What happens to the resistance of the thermistor and what happens to the reading on the voltmeter? resistance of reading on thermistor voltmeter A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/22 Feb/March 2024

37 Two resistors with different resistances are connected to a power supply. The resistors can be connected either in parallel or in series. Which statement is correct? A For resistors in parallel, the currents in the resistors are equal. B For resistors in parallel, the potential differences (p.d.s) across the resistors are different. C For resistors in series, the currents in the resistors are equal. D For resistors in series, the potential differences (p.d.s) across the resistors are equal.

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2024

38 There is an alternating current (a.c.) in a metal wire. Which statement about the current is correct? A It is a flow of both positively and negatively charged particles. B It is a flow of charged particles, first in one direction then in the opposite direction repeatedly. C It is a flow of charged particles in both directions at the same time. D It is a flow of charged particles steadily in one direction.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2024

37 A circuit contains a cell and two resistors connected in parallel. The currents in each part of the circuit are labelled I1, I2 and I3. I1 I2 I3 What is the relationship between the currents? A I1 = I2 B I1 = I3 C I1 > I2 + I3 D I1 = I2 + I3

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2024

36 The circuit shown contains a battery, two resistors, a voltmeter and an ammeter. One of the resistors has a resistance of 2.0 . The reading on each meter is shown. A reading = 4.0 A 2.0 Ω V reading = 3.0 V What is the potential difference (p.d.) across the battery? A 3.0 V B 6.0 V C 8.0 V D 11 V

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0654/22 Oct/Nov 2024

36 A 12  resistor is connected in parallel with a 6.0  resistor. What is the combined resistance of the two resistors? A 0.25  B 4.0  C 9.0  D 18 

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2024

36 An electric kettle is rated at 3.0 kW and is connected to a 250 V supply. The kettle is switched on for 2.0 minutes. Which row shows the current in the kettle and the energy transferred by the kettle? current / A energy / J A 12 6000 B 12 360 000 C 750 6000 D 750 360 000

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2025

37 The diagram shows resistors of resistance R1 and R2 connected in parallel. The combined resistance of the resistors is RT. Currents I1, I2 and I3 are labelled. I1 I2 R1 I3 R2 Which row is correct? current I1 resistance RT A larger than I3 smaller than R2 B larger than I3 larger than R1 C smaller than I2 smaller than R2 D smaller than I2 larger than R1

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/21 May/June 2025

38 A student connects a length of metal resistance wire to a battery. current metal resistance wire Which change increases the current in the resistance wire? A connecting a second wire in series with the first wire B heating the wire C making the wire shorter D making the wire thinner

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/22 May/June 2025

36 The diagram shows two 30  resistors and an ammeter connected to a 120 V battery. 120 V 30 Ω 30 Ω A What is the reading on the ammeter? A 0.25 A B 0.50 A C 2.0 A D 4.0 A

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/23 May/June 2025

38 The circuit shown includes a battery and four lamps. All the lamps are on. One lamp fails and all the lamps go off. Which lamp failed? A B D C

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0654/23 May/June 2025

36 Which circuit shows an ammeter that measures the current in the lamp and a voltmeter that measures the potential difference (p.d.) across the lamp? A B V V A A C D A A V V

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0654/21 Oct/Nov 2025

37 The diagram shows a circuit. 6.0 V 4.0 Ω 6.0 Ω Which statement is correct? A The current in the 4.0  resistor is 1.0 A. B The current in the 4.0  resistor is 1.5 A. C The current in the 6.0  resistor is 1.5 A. D The current in the 6.0  resistor is 2.5 A.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0654/23 Oct/Nov 2025