GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT

GRADE 10

PHYSICAL SCIENCES TOPIC TEST

TOPIC: ELECTRIC CIRCUITS
& ELECTROSTATICS (PART 2)
APRIL 2023

MARKS: 50

TIME: 1 hour

This question paper consists of 8 pages including the data sheet

1
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This question paper consists of FIVE questions. Answer ALL the questions in

the ANSWER BOOK.

2. Start EACH question on a NEW page in the ANSWER BOOK.

3. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this

question paper.

4. Leave ONE line between two sub questions, for example between

QUESTION 2.1 and QUESTION 2.2.

5. You may use a non-programmable calculator.

6. You may use appropriate mathematical instruments.

7. You are advised to use the attached DATA SHEETS.

8. Show ALL formulae and substitutions in ALL calculations.

9. Round off your final numerical answers to a minimum of TWO decimal places.

10. Give brief motivations, discussions et cetera where required.

11. Write neatly and legibly.

2
QUESTION 1

Four options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each
question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter
(A – D) next to the question number (1.1 – 1.3) in the ANSWER BOOK,
for example 1.4 D.
1.1 A glass test tube is given a positive charge by rubbing it with a plastic shopping
bag, it obtains the positive charge because…

A protons transfer from the glass to the bag

B protons transfer from the bag to the glass

C electrons transfer from the glass to the bag.

D electrons transfer from the bag to the glass (2)

1.2 Consider the following diagram of a circuit. The light bulbs are NOT
identical.

The reading on A2 will be equal to:

A the reading on A1
B the reading on A1 minus the reading on A3
C the reading on A3 minus the reading on A1
D half the reading on A1 (2)

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1.3 Three identical bulbs, P,Q and R, are connected in the electrical circuit
as shown in the diagram.
•
P S

Q R

What will the effect be on the current through the bulbs when the switch S is
Opened?

Current through P Current through Q

A Decreases Increases

B Decreases Decreases

C Increases Increases

D Increases Decreases
(2)
[6]

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QUESTION 2
The diagram below shows a charged thundercloud. The base of the cloud has a
negative charge of 18 C. The potential difference between the base of the cloud and
the ground is 1,2 x 109 V.

Thundercloud

Tree

2.1 State the principle of conservation of charge. (1)

2.2 Give a reason why the tree below the thundercloud becomes positively (1)
charged?
2.3 Calculate:
2.3.1 The maximum energy that can be transferred to the ground by a
lightning strike. (3)

2.3.2 The magnitude of the current if the cloud discharges in 2 s. (3)

[8]

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QUESTION 3

Two identical metal spheres, X and Y, on an insulated surface carry charges of

-2,8 x 10-9 C and +4,5 x 10-9 C respectively. The spheres are brought in contact
with each other.

X Y
-2,8 x 10-9 C +4,5 x 10-9 C
- +

3.1 The two spheres move apart after contact. Briefly explain this observation. (3)

3.2 Calculate:

3.2.1 The new charge on each sphere after they moved apart. (2)

3.2.2 The number of electrons transferred from one sphere to the other
during contact. (4)
[9]

QUESTION 4

Three bulbs K, L and M are connected in the circuit as shown in the diagram below.
Each of bulbs K and L has a resistance of 2 Ω and bulb M has a resistance of 3 Ω.
The emf of each cell is 1,5 V and the reading on V3 is 1,2 V.
V1

L (2 Ω)

A M (3 Ω) S

V2
V3 1,2 V

4.1 Calculate the effective resistance of bulbs K and L. (3)

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 Switch S is now closed for a short time.

4.2 Determine the reading on:

4.2.1 Voltmeter V1 (1)

4.2.2 Voltmeter V2 (2)

4.3 Calculate the energy transferred in bulb M in 4 seconds if the current in the (5)
circuit is 1,6 A.
4.4 ALL the bulbs are now connected in parallel. How will the total current in the (1)
circuit be affected? Write down only INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS
THE SAME.
4.5 Write down ONE disadvantage of connecting resistors in series in a circuit. (2)
[14]

QUESTION 5

In the circuit below, potential difference V1 across the battery and potential difference
V2 across the 4 Ω resistor are unknown.
●
S

V1

2Ω 4Ω

6Ω
V2

v
4V
When switch S is closed briefly, the potential difference across the parallel
combination is 4 V.

5.1 Define the term potential difference in words. (2)

5.2 Calculate:

5.2.1 The effective resistance in the circuit. (4)

5.2.2 The reading on voltmeter V1 (4)

5.3 Explain why after some time the battery in the circuit goes flat. Refer to the
energy transformation in the battery and the resistors in the circuit. (3)
[13]
TOTAL: 50

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 DATA FOR PHYSICAL SCIENCES GRADE 10
PAPER 1 (PHYSICS)

TABLE 1: PHYSICAL CONSTANTS

NAME SYMBOL VALUE

Acceleration due to gravity g 9,8 m·s-2
Charge on electron e -1,6 x 10-19 C

TABLE 2: ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

1 1 1
Q I t    ...
R p R1 R 2
W
R s  R1  R 2  ... V
q

TABLE 3: ELECTROSTATICS
W Q1 + Q 2
V Q=
q 2

Q Q
n= or n=
e qe