ExpertEasy1 markMultiple Choice
AQA GCSE · Question 07.6 · Electricity
How does the total resistance of Circuit Y compare with the total resistance of Circuit X?
How does the total resistance of Circuit Y compare with the total resistance of Circuit X?
Answer options:
A.
The total resistance of Y is greater.
B.
The total resistance of Y is less.
C.
The total resistance is the same.
How to approach this question
1. Identify how the lamps are connected in Circuit Y (in series).
2. Recall the rule for calculating total resistance for components in series.
3. Compare this to the resistance of Circuit X, which has only one lamp.
4. Decide if the total resistance of Y is greater than, less than, or the same as X.
Full Answer
A.The total resistance of Y is greater.✓ Correct
The total resistance of Y is greater.
When components are connected in series, the total resistance of the circuit is found by adding up the resistance of each component.
- Let the resistance of one lamp be R.
- The total resistance of Circuit X is simply R.
- The total resistance of Circuit Y, which has two lamps in series, is R + R = 2R.
Since 2R is greater than R, the total resistance of Circuit Y is greater than the total resistance of Circuit X.
Common mistakes
✗ Confusing the rules for series and parallel circuits. In a parallel circuit, adding another resistor *decreases* the total resistance.
✗ Thinking that resistance doesn't change when more components are added.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier Paper 1
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