Multiple choice questions
Multiple choice questions are perhaps the easiest to complete - you simply put a cross in a box. However, the questions often have two answers that could, at first glance, be correct. Don't make the mistake of reading the first answer and thinking this is correct without checking all the others.
If it says 'Tick one box', you must tick one box. If you leave it blank or tick two or more boxes, you will get zero marks. These multiple choice questions will not start with command words like 'describe' or 'explain'. They will be written in the form of a question like 'What鈥?' or 'Why鈥?'.
There will be more multiple choice questions on the Foundation paper.
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Sample question 1 - Foundation and Higher
Question
A step-down transformer in a mobile phone charger converts 230 V mains into 5 V. The phone needs a current of 3 A when charging. What current is required from the mains?
| A | 138 A | |
| B | 12.5 A | |
| C | 1.2 A | |
| D | 0.065 A |
| A |
|---|
| 138 A |
| B |
|---|
| 12.5 A |
| C |
|---|
| 1.2 A |
| D |
|---|
| 0.065 A |
This question has been written by a Bitesize consultant as a suggestion to the type of question that may appear in an exam paper.
| A | 138 A | |
| B | 12.5 A | |
| C | 1.2 A | |
| D | 0.065 A | 鉁 |
| A |
|---|
| 138 A |
| B |
|---|
| 12.5 A |
| C |
|---|
| 1.2 A |
| D |
|---|
| 0.065 A |
| 鉁 |
Recall the equation voltage and current in a transformer:
\(V_{p} I_{p} = V_{s} I_{s}\)
Substitute in the numbers given in the question:
\(230 \times I_{p} = 5 \times 3\)
\(I_{p} = 15 \div 230 \)
\(I_{p} = 0.065~A\)
Sample question 2 - Higher
Question
Opening the switch in a circuit produces the opposite magnetic effect to closing the switch. A scientist connected a switch, a fixed resistor and a battery to the primary coil of a step-up transformer. The scientist also connected a fixed resistor across the secondary coil. The scientist switched the circuit on and then later switched it off.
Which of these best represents the current in the secondary coil? [1 mark]
Edexcel question courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
C
A current is only produced in the secondary coil when the current in the primary alternates (changes direction). Switching the direct current in the primary on and off will result in a short pulse of current in the secondary.