[10126214] <lvl=dif><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=10><bk=4><ch=03>



The figure shows a 220 V a.c. ring main circuit.

(a) Draw suitable lines to connect sockets X and Y to the ring circuit. (2 marks)
(b) Which cables, with current rating at 2 A, 8 A or 17 A, should be used at P
and Q? (2 marks)
(c) If electric appliances with rated values ‘110 V, 440 W’ and ‘110 V, 550 W’
are connected to sockets X and Y respectively, will the 15-A fuse blow?
Explain your answer with calculation. (4 marks)
(d) In a newly designed household circuit as shown below, several branch ring
circuits similar to the above one are used to supply electricity to different
rooms. State two advantages of this design over using one circuit to supply
electricity to all rooms. (2 marks)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks
(a)

(Correct connection to live wire) 1A

(Correct connection to neutral wire) 1A
(b) Cables with current rating at 8 A should be used at P and Q. 2  1A

(c) Apply P = R= . 1M

Resistance of ‘110 V, 440 W’ appliance = = 27.5 

Resistance of ‘110 V, 550 W’ appliance = = 22 

Apply V = IR  I = . 1M

Current drawn from socket X = =8A

Current drawn from socket Y = = 10 A

Total current = 8 + 10 = 18 A  15 A 1A
 The fuse will blow. 1A
(d) The faults in one branch circuit may not shut down the electricity
supplied to all rooms. 1A
Thinner cables allowing smaller current could be used. This reduces
the cost of the cables. 1A
-- ans end --
[10126313] <lvl=dif><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=14><bk=4><ch=03>
 A travel kettle is designed to operate at 110 V or 220 V with the same power
output of 1000 W.
(a) (i) Explain why two different fuses should be used in the kettle. (2 marks)
(ii) Determine which fuse value, 3 A, 5 A, 8 A or 10 A, is suitable for the
kettle to work at each input voltage. (3 marks)
(b) The figure below shows the circuit of the kettle. R1 and R2 are heating
elements.

(i) Which position, P or Q, should switch S be connected to when the kettle

needs to operate at 110 V? (1 mark)
(ii) Draw the fuses at suitable positions in the diagram. Label their fuse
values with the answers in (a)(ii). (3 marks)
(iii) Find the resistances of R1 and R2. (3 marks)
(c) Find the time the kettle takes to heat up 800 g of water from 25 C to 100 C.
(Given the specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg1 C1) (2 marks)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks
(a) (i) When the kettle works at 110 V and 220 V, the operating currents
are different. 1A
Since a suitable fuse value should be slightly larger than the
operating current, 1A
two different fuses should be used in the kettle.

(ii) Apply P = VI  I = . 1M

At 110 V, I = = 9.09 A

A fuse value of 10 A should be used. 1A

At 220 V, I = = 4.55 A

A fuse value of 5 A should be used. 1A

(b) (i) Q 1A
(ii)

(Correct positions of the fuses) 2  1A

(Correct labels) 1A

(iii) Apply P = R= . 1M

At 110 V,

R1 = = 12.1  1A

At 220 V,

R1 + R2 = = 48.4 

R2 = 48.4  12.1 = 36.3  1A

(c) Let t be the time taken.
energy supplied by the kettle = energy absorbed by the water
Pt = mcT 1M
1000  t = 0.8  4200  (100  25)
t = 252 s 1A
The kettle takes 252 s to heat up the water.
-- ans end --

[10126333] <lvl=easy><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=10><bk=4><ch=03>
Two light bulbs A and B are connected in series to a 8 V power source as shown
below. The ratings of A and B are ‘5 V, 6 W’ and ’12 V, 10 W’ respectively.

(a) Calculate the resistances of A and B. (3 marks)

 (b) Calculate the voltage across bulb A. (3 marks)
(c) Find the power of each bulb. (3 marks)
(d) Which bulb is brighter? (1 mark)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks

(a) Apply P = R= . 1M

RA = = 4.167 Ω ≈ 4.17  1A

RB = = 14.4 Ω 1A

(b) By V = IR, 1M

I= = = 0.4309 A ≈ 0.431 A 1M

Voltage across bulb A = IRA = 0.4309  4.17 = 1.80 V 1A

(c) Apply P = I2R. 1M
Power of bulb A = 0.43092  4.17 = 0.774 W 1A
Power of bulb B = 0.43092  14.4 = 2.67 W 1A
(d) Bulb B is brighter. 1A
-- ans end --

[10126349] <lvl=avg><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=11><bk=4><ch=03>
 (a) A variable resistor (0–400 ) is connected to a 220-V power supply and a
10- resistor as shown. Calculate the minimum and maximum power
dissipated by the 10- resistor. (5 marks)
 (b) Electricity is supplied to a tram through a transmission cable so that the tram
can travel on the rails. The speed control circuit of the tram is similar to the
circuit shown in (a).

(Courtesy of [Link])
(i) State two functions of the rails. (2 marks)
–1
(ii) The tram moves at a uniform speed of 15 km h and the friction of the
ground is 1200 N. Find the output power of the tram. (2 marks)
(iii) Find the energy output in one hour. Give your answer in kW h.
(2 marks)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks

(a) By P = , 1M

maximum power consumption = = 4840 W 1A

When the resistance of the variable resistor is 400 , by V = IR, 1M

I= = = 0.537 A

By P = I2R, 1M
minimum power consumption = 0.5372  10 = 2.88 W 1A
(b) (i) To provide a complete circuit for the supply of electricity to the
tram. 1A
To provide the route for the tram. 1A
(ii) Output power of the tram = Fv 1M

= 5000 W 1A
(iii) Energy output = Pt 1M
 = 5 kW  1 h
= 5 kW h 1A
-- ans end --
[10126368] <lvl=easy><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=15><bk=4><ch=03>
The figure below shows a 220-V domestic lighting circuit.

(a) State two advantages in connecting the light bulbs in parallel instead of in
series. (2 marks)
(b) The light bulbs in the circuit are all rated at ‘220 V, 100 W’. If all the light
bulbs are switched on, find
(i) the total resistance of the lighting circuit, (3 marks)
(ii) the total current drawn from the mains supply. (3 marks)
(c) (i) Explain the use of the fuse in the circuit. (2 marks)
(ii) Is a 3-A fuse suitable in this circuit? Explain briefly. (2 marks)
(iii) Explain why the switches should not be connected to the neutral wire.
(3 marks)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks
(a) When the light bulbs are connected in parallel,
the voltage across each bulb bulbs is equal to the mains voltage. 1A
Also, if one of the bulbs is broken, it will not affect the others. 1A

(b) (i) By P = , 1M

resistance of a bulb R = = = 484  1A

 Total resistance of the lighting circuit =

= 121  1A
(ii) By P = VI, 1M

current through each bulb I = = = 0.4545 A 1A

Total current drawn = 0.4545  4 = 1.82 A 1A

(c) (i) The fuse melts when the current passing through is larger than the
fuse value. 1A
This prevents the cable from overheating and causing a fire when
the circuit overloads. 1A
(ii) The maximum current in normal situation is 1.82 A.
The fuse value should be slightly larger than this maximum
1A
current.
Therefore, a 3-A fuse is suitable. 1A
(iii) If the switches are placed in neutral wire, the circuit is still live
even
when the switches are open. 1A
It is dangerous to touch the electrical contact of the bulbs, 1A
since there is a potential difference between them and the person. 1A
-- ans end --

[10126613] <lvl=avg><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=13><bk=4><ch=03>
 (a) A household metal-cased heater used in Japan is rated at ‘110 V, 1100 W.’ In
Japan, the mains electricity is supplied at 110 V.

Tim brings it to Hong Kong where the supply voltage is 220 V.

 (i) Tim argues that as the supply voltage in Hong Kong is double, the
power of the heater will double to 2200 W theoretically. Comment on
his statement. (3 marks)

(ii) Indeed, the heater is designed for the use in Japan only. It is fitted with a
fuse to protect internal circuit from abnormal current. Which fuse, 5-A,
10-A or 12-A, is suitable for this heater? With the suitable fuse fitted,
what will happen when Tim connects the heater to the mains socket in
Hong Kong? Explain briefly. (5 marks)
(b) Another heater is manufactured for the use in Hong Kong. The heater is
connected to the mains through electrical wires.

(i) By referring to the colour of the wires in the above figure, name each of
the wires. (3 marks)
(ii) Suppose wire Z is damaged and disconnected from the heater due to
improper use. What is the potential danger in using the electric heater?
(2 marks)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks
(a) (i) Tim is wrong. 1A

By P = ,

resistance of the heater R = = = 11  1A

Operating power in Hong Kong P = = = 4400 W 1A

(ii) By P = VI, rated current I = = = 10 A 1A

As the fuse value should be slightly larger than the rated current, 1A
a 12-A fuse should be used. 1A
 By P = VI,

operating current in Hong Kong I = = = 20 A  12 A 1A

Therefore, the fuse will melt. 1A

(b) (i) X : live wire 1A
Y : neutral wire 1A
Z : earth wire 1A
(ii) If the live wire (X) touches the metal case of the heater
accidentally, the metal case will go 'live'. 1A
People touching the case may get an electric shock. 1A
(Or other reasonable answers)
-- ans end --

[10126656] <lvl=avg><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=16><bk=4><ch=03>
 The figure below shows a 3-pin plug and an iron.

(a) Which of the pins (A, B or C) should wires X, Y and Z of the iron be
connected to? (3 marks)
(b) Explain why pin A is longer than the other two pins. (3 marks)
(c) The following figure shows the label attached to the iron.

Model No. 223E

220 V 50 Hz

1000 W

(i) Which fuse, 3-A, 5-A or 15-A, should be fitted in the plug connecting
the iron to the mains socket? What are the problems of using the other
two fuses? (4 marks)
(ii) Which of the wires, X, Y or Z, should the fuse be placed in? Explain
your answer. (2 marks)
(iii) Calculate the resistance of the iron when it operates at its rated value.
(2 marks)
(iv) If 1 kW h of electrical energy costs $1.1, calculate the cost to switch on
the iron for 5 hours. (2 marks)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks
(a) X should be connected to B. 1A
Y should be connected to C. 1A
Z should be connected to A. 1A
(b) Pin A is used to open the 'shutters' of the live and the neutral holes on
the socket. 1A
These holes are normally closed to prevent accidental insertion of
metal objects. 1A
This design also ensures that the earth wire is connected before the
live wire. 1A
(c) (i) By P = VI,

current passing through the iron I = = 4.55 A 1A

Therefore, a 5-A fuse should be used. 1A

If a 3-A fuse is used, it melts when the iron starts to operate at its
rated power. 1A
If a 15-A fuse is used, a current larger than the rated one may not
blow the fuse and the cable may overheat. This means the fuse
cannot protect the appliance. 1A
(ii) The fuse should be placed in wire X. 1A
This ensures that no part of the iron and the cable is still 'live'
when
the fuse melts. 1A

(iii) By P = , 1M

resistance of the iron R = = = 48.4  1A

(iv) Cost = 1  5  1.1 1M

= $5.5 1A
-- ans end --
[10126947] <lvl=avg><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=10><bk=4><ch=03>
 In Hong Kong, the mains supply is at 220 V. The following figure shows a
household electrical wiring plan.

(a) Name the wires X and Y. (2 marks)

(b) Suggest one reason why the sockets are connected in parallel. (1 mark)
(c) A rice cooker and an electric kettle are plugged into sockets. Their rated
values are ‘220 V, 1000 W’ and ‘220 V, 2000 W’ respectively.
(i) If both appliances are switched on, what is the total current drawn from
the mains? (3 marks)
(ii) The cost of electrical energy is $1.1 per kW h. Find the total cost of
switching on these appliances for 10 hours. (2 marks)
(d) What is the purpose of the fuses in a consumer unit (‘fuse box’)? (1 mark)
(e) State one advantage of using ring mains. (1 mark)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks
(a) X is the neutral wire. 1A
Y is the live wire. 1A
(b) Any one of the following: 1A
This ensures the voltage at different sockets is equal to the mains
voltage.
This ensures that the fault in any socket does not affect the others.
(c) (i) Apply P = VI  I = . 1M

Current drawn by the cooker = = 4.55 A 0.5M

Current drawn by the kettle = = 9.09 A 0.5M

Total current drawn from the mains = 4.55 + 9.09 = 13.6 A 1A

(ii) Total power dissipated by appliances = 1000 + 2000 = 3000 W
Cost = 3  10  1.1 1M
= $33 1A
(d) Fuses in the consumer unit break the circuit when the current drawn is
too large. This prevents the circuit from overheating. 1A
(e) Thinner and cheaper cables can be used. 1A
(Or other reasonable answers.)
-- ans end --

[10127058] <lvl=avg><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=10><bk=4><ch=03>
 The figure below shows the structure of a hand-dryer, which produces hot air for
drying wet hands.

(a) Which pins (A, B, C) should wires X, Y and Z of the hand-dryer be connected
to? (3 marks)
(b) Explain why switch S1 of the hand-dryer is placed in wire X. (1 mark)
(c) The hand-dryer operates at 220 V and its heating element has a resistance of
50 .
(i) Calculate the current passing through the heating element. (2 marks)
 (ii) Find the power of the heating element. (2 marks)
(iii) The power of the fan motor is 200 W. If 1 kW h of electrical energy
costs $1.1, calculate the cost to switch on the hand-dryer for 5 hours.
(2 marks)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks
(a) X should be connected to B. 1A
Y should be connected to C. 1A
Z should be connected to A. 1A
(b) S1 is placed in wire X to ensure that no part of the hand-dryer is still
‘live’ when the switch is off. 1A
(c) (i) By V = IR, 1M

I= = = 4.4 A 1A

The current passing through the heating element is 4.4 A.

(ii) Power of the heating element P = 1M

= 968 W 1A
(iii) Total power of the hand-dryer = 968 + 200 = 1168 W
Cost = 1.168  5  1.1 1M
= $6.42 1A
-- ans end --
[10127205] <lvl=dif><part=core><type=lq><cur=phy,cs><mark=13><bk=4><ch=03>


(Courtesy of Laura Bittner)

Mavis has a set of Christmas tree lights. The set of lights consists of twenty light
bulbs rated at ‘11 V, 6 W’ connected in series to the 220-V mains. The figure
below shows the circuit diagram.

(a) Find the current passing through the bulbs. (2 marks)

(b) Find the resistance of each bulb. (2 marks)
(c) If the filament in one of the bulbs breaks, all bulbs will go out. Explain why
this happens. (2 marks)
(d) Mavis purchases another set of lights identical to the one above. She wants to
connect the two sets of light either in series or in parallel. How does the
brightness of each light bulb change in each case? Explain your answer.
(5 marks)
(e) Some manufacturers use the light bulbs as shown below for Christmas tree
lights. These light bulbs have resistors and filaments connected in parallel.
What is the purpose of this resistor? Explain your answer. (2 marks)
-- ans --

Solutions Marks
(a) By P = VI, 1M

I= = = 0.545 A 1A

The current passing through the bulbs is 0.545 A.

(b) By P = , 1M

R= = = 20.2  1A

The resistance of each light bulb is 20.2 .

(c) Since the light bulbs are connected in series, 1A
if the filament in one bulb breaks, the circuit will be broken. 1A
(d) When she connects the two sets of lights in series, the voltage across
each light bulb decreases. 1A

By P = , the power dissipated by each light bulb decreases. 1A

Therefore, each light bulb becomes dimmer. 1A

When she connects the two sets of lights in parallel, the voltage across
each light bulb is the same as that before. Hence the power dissipated
by each light bulb does not change. 1A
Therefore, the brightness of each light bulb does not change. 1A
(e) The resistor in the light bulb ensures the other light bulbs still work
properly when the filament of the bulb breaks. 1A
When the filament in a bulb breaks, current can still pass through the
resistor and the circuit is still complete. 1A
-- ans end --