Grade 10 Physical Sciences · Electricity and Magnetism · Paper 1 (Physics)

Electric Circuits Grade 10

Real Electric Circuits past paper questions and answers from 2017 to 2024, with each memo split into the ticks examiners give. Try one, mark yourself, and see exactly which skill cost you marks.

past paper questions: 78 past paper questions
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Question 1.9 · November 2019 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question numbers (1.1 to 1.10). Each question has only ONE correct answer.

1.9 The SI unit for charge is the ...(2)

A ampere.
B volt.
C ohm.
D coulomb.

Work it out on paper first. Then mark yourself with the official memo, one tick at a time.

Electric Circuits skills

Each skill is one thing a memo gives a tick for. Tap one for its own questions, notes and videos.

More Electric Circuits Grade 10 questions and answers

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4. Question 11.1.2 · November 2018 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 4 marks
11.1 Consider the circuit diagram below.
Switch S is now CLOSED.
11.1.2 Calculate the equivalent resistance of the circuit.(4)
Show the memo (4 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Parallel formula $\frac{1}{R _{p}} = \frac{1}{R _{1}} + \frac{1}{R _{2}}$
  1 mark · Calculate equivalent resistance
2. ✓
  Parallel substitution $= \frac{1}{8} + \frac{1}{8}$
  $R_{p} = 4 Ω$
  1 mark · Calculate equivalent resistance
3. ✓
  Series addition $R_{T} = R_{s} + R_{p} = 8 + 4$
  1 mark · Calculate equivalent resistance
4. ✓
  Answer with unit $= 12 Ω$
  1 mark · Calculate equivalent resistance
5. Question 1.10 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Various 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.
1.10 The energy transferred per unit electric charge in a circuit is ...(2)
1. A current.
2. B charge.
3. C power.
4. D potential difference.
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct optionPotential difference is the energy transferred (work done) per unit charge: $V = \frac{W}{Q}$ . Current is charge per unit time, and power is energy per unit time.
  
  Answer: D
  2 marks · Define circuit terms and Ohm's law
6. Question 11.1 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Refer to Circuits A and B below and answer the questions that follow.
11.1 Define the term emf.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of emfWork done per charge by the source (battery).
  2 marks · Define circuit terms and Ohm's law
7. Question 1.5 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
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 (1.1–1.5) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.6 E.
1.5 In the circuit diagram below, the resistance of Resistor A is double that of Resistor B.

Which will be the correct relationship between the charge through Resistor A and the charge through Resistor B, in the same time?(2)
1. A The charge through resistor A is double the charge through resistor B.
2. B The charge through resistor A is half the charge through resistor B.
3. C The charge through resistor A is equal to the charge through resistor B.
4. D The charge through resistor A is four times larger than the charge through resistor B.
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct optionA and B are in parallel, so they have the same potential difference across them. With $I = \frac{V}{R}$ , the resistor with double the resistance carries half the current.
  In the same time, $Q = I Δ t$ , so the charge through A is half the charge through B.
  
  Answer: B
  2 marks · Use series and parallel circuit rules
8. Question 1.7 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
1.7 Consider the circuit diagram with three resistors given below:

How will the readings on voltmeters $V_{1}$ , $V_{2}$ and $V_{3}$ compare with each other?(2)
1. A $V_{1} = V_{2} = V_{3}$
2. B $V_{1} = V_{2} + V_{3}$
3. C $V_{1} > V_{2} + V_{3}$
4. D $V_{3} > V_{1} + V_{2}$
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Voltage divides in series $V_{1}$ measures the potential difference across the battery. The $3 Ω$ resistor ( $V_{2}$ ) is in series with the parallel pair of $2 Ω$ and $5 Ω$ ( $V_{3}$ ). In series the potential differences add up to the total: $V_{1} = V_{2} + V_{3}$ .
  
  Answer: B
  2 marks · Use series and parallel circuit rules
9. Question 6.1 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
Circuit 1 and Circuit 2 consist of two resistors of resistance $4 Ω$ and $8 Ω$ respectively, a bulb of resistance $R_{x}$ and an ammeter of negligible resistance connected to a $14$ V battery as shown below.

The ammeter reading in CIRCUIT 2 is $2$ A.
6.1 Define the term current in words.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of currentThe rate of flow of charge.
  2 marks · Define circuit terms and Ohm's law
10. Question 6.1 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
The circuit diagram below consists of four cells each with a voltage of $1, 5$ V.
The resistance of bulbs A, B and C are $3 Ω$ , $6 Ω$ and $8 Ω$ respectively.
Use the circuit diagram to answer questions that follow:

Switch S is closed.
6.1 Define the term current strength.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of current strengthRate of flow of charge.
  2 marks · Define circuit terms and Ohm's law

Electric Circuits Grade 10 videos

Short lessons from South African teachers first. Videos load only when you tap play, to save your data.

Ohm's Law Grade 11 Electric Circuits (Electricity grade 11 & 12)Miss Martins Maths and Science

What is electrical resistance? - Electricity Explained - (4)Into The Ordinary

Electricity grade 10 | 3 Triangle FormulasKevinmathscience

Series and Parallel Circuits | Electricity | Physics | FuseSchoolFuseSchool - Global Education

Electricity Grade 11: Without Internal resistanceKevinmathscience

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