Describe a method that Student A could use for this investigation - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
Describe a method that Student A could use for this investigation.
Student A investigated how the current in resistor R at constant temperature varied with the pote... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe a method that Student A could use for this investigation - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Measure the current in R using the ammeter
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
First, connect the ammeter in series with the resistor R. This will allow Student A to accurately measure the current flowing through R. Begin the measurement with the voltmeter connected in parallel to R to ensure consistent voltage readings.
Step 2
Measure the p.d. across R using the voltmeter
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Student A should connect the voltmeter in parallel with the resistor to measure the potential difference (p.d.) accurately across it. This step is crucial to gather data on how voltage affects the current.
Step 3
Vary the resistance of the variable resistor
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Utilize a variable resistor in the circuit to systematically change the resistance. This will help in observing how the current changes with different resistances at a constant temperature.
Step 4
Record a range of values of current and p.d.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Take multiple readings by varying the resistance. For each adjustment, record the corresponding current and the potential difference across the resistor.
Step 5
Ensure current is low to avoid temperature increase
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
During the experiment, ensure the current is kept low to prevent the resistor from heating up, which could skew the results and lead to inaccurate readings.
Step 6
Plot a graph of current against p.d.
97%
121 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
After completing the readings, plot a graph with current on the y-axis and potential difference on the x-axis. This will help visualize the relationship between current and voltage across the resistor.
