RP i-v characteristics

Question 1

i-v characteristic of linear components

Answer 1

a straight line

Question 2

i-v characteristic of non-linear componenents

Answer 2

curved

Question 3

describe the i-v graph of an ohmic conductor

Answer 3

the current is directly proportional to potential difference so you get a straight line

Question 4

describe the i-v graph of a filament lamp

Answer 4

as the current increases, the temperature of the filament lamp increases, so the resistance increases

Question 5

why does the graph of a filament lamp get shallower?

Answer 5

less current can flow per unit pd so the graph gets shallower

Question 6

describe the i-v graph of a diode?

Answer 6

current will only flow through a diode in one direction, the diode has very high resistance in the reverse direction

Question 7

method ohmic conductor

Answer 7

1. set up the circuit, including a variable resistor, ohmic conducor, voltmeter, ammeter and battery
2. vary the variable resister
3. take several pairs of readings from the ammeter and voltmeter
4. swap over the wires connected to the battery so the direction of current is reverse
5. take several pairs of readings from the ammeter and voltmeter again
6. plot an IV graph for the ohmic conductor

Question 8

method filament lamp

Answer 8

1. set up the circuit, including a variable resistor, filament lamp, voltmeter, ammeter and battery
2. vary the variable resister
3. take several pairs of readings from the ammeter and voltmeter
4. swap over the wires connected to the battery so the direction of current is reverse
5. take several pairs of readings from the ammeter and voltmeter again
6. plot an IV graph for the lamp

Question 9

method diode

Answer 9

1. set up the circuit, including a variable resistor, diode, voltmeter, milliammeter and battery, resistor
2. vary the variable resister
3. take several pairs of readings from the ammeter and voltmeter
4. swap over the wires connected to the battery so the direction of current is reverse
5. take several pairs of readings from the ammeter and voltmeter again
6. plot an IV graph for the diode

Question 10

equipment list

Answer 10

voltmeter
(milli)ammeter
variable resistor
resistor
wire
battery/power supply
components (light, resistor, diode)