Grade 12 Physical Sciences · Paper 1 (Physics)

Electricity and Magnetism Grade 12

Real past paper questions and answers from 2024 to 2025, with each memo split into the ticks examiners give. Try one, mark yourself, and see exactly which skill cost you marks.

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Question 1.8 · November 2025 · 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 numbers (1.1 to 1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.11 E.

1.8 Three identical light bulbs, X, Y and Z, are connected in a circuit, as shown in the diagram below. Switch S is initially closed.

Ignore the internal resistance of the battery.

Switch S is now opened.

How will the brightness of bulbs X and Y be affected?(2) Diagram for question 1.8

A Bulb X: Increases; Bulb Y: Decreases
B Bulb X: Decreases; Bulb Y: Increases
C Bulb X: Increases; Bulb Y: Increases
D Bulb X: Decreases; Bulb Y: Decreases

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What's in Electricity and Magnetism Grade 12

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Electric Circuits90 past paper questions

Electrodynamics55 past paper questions

More Electricity and Magnetism Grade 12 questions and answers

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1. Question 9.1.3 · May/June 2025 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 3 marks
9.1 The diagram below represents a simplified version of an AC generator.

The induced current flows from X to Y in the coil when the coil is rotated clockwise, as shown in the diagram below.

Answer the questions that follow.
9.1.3 Sketch a graph of induced current versus time for ONE complete rotation of the coil from the horizontal position, as shown in the diagram above.(3)
Show the memo (3 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Starts at maximum currentThe AC graph starts with maximum current (positive or negative maximum) at $t = 0$ .
  1 mark · Describe generators and motors
2. ✓
  One complete cycleThe graph is drawn for one cycle / one complete wavelength.
  1 mark · Describe generators and motors
3. ✓
  Correct shapeCorrect shape: a cosine graph.
  1 mark · Describe generators and motors
2. Question 1.8 · November 2024 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
1.8 The kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of ...(2)
1. A power.
2. B electric current.
3. C electrical energy.
4. D potential difference.
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct optionA kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power and an hour (h) is a unit of time. Power $\times$ time = energy ( $W = P Δ t$ ), so the kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy: $1$ kWh $= 1000$ W $\times 3600$ s $= 3, 6 \times 1 0^{6}$ J.
  
  A is the trap: kWh contains "watt", but it is power multiplied by time.
  
  Answer: C
  2 marks · Calculate electrical power and energy
3. Question 9.2 · November 2024 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
The graph below shows how the induced current in a generator varies with time.
9.2 State the energy conversion that takes place in this generator while it is in operation.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Energy conversionMechanical/Kinetic to Electrical
  2 marks · Describe generators and motors
4. Question 8.2 · May/June 2024 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 5 marks
A battery of emf $12$ V and internal resistance $0, 2 Ω$ is connected to three resistors, a high-resistance voltmeter and two switches, an ammeter and connecting wires of negligible resistance, as shown in the circuit diagram below. The three resistors have different and unknown resistances.

The resistance of $R_{Y}$ is TWICE the resistance of $R_{X}$ .

When both switches are CLOSED, the reading on the ammeter is $5, 5$ A.
8.2 Calculate the resistance of resistor $R_{Y}$ .(5)
Show the memo (5 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  $R_{p}$ formula $\frac{1}{R _{p}} = \frac{1}{R _{X}} + \frac{1}{R _{Y}}$ OR $R_{p} = \frac{R _{X} R _{Y}}{R _{X} + R _{Y}}$
  1 mark · Calculate equivalent resistance
2. ✓
  Substitution into $R_{p}$ formula $\frac{1}{R _{p}} = \frac{1}{R} + \frac{1}{2 R}$
  $R_{p} = 0, 67 R$
  1 mark · Calculate equivalent resistance
3. ✓
  emf formula $ε = I (R + r)$
  1 mark · Use emf and internal resistance
4. ✓
  Substitution into emf formula $12 = 5, 5 (0, 67 R + 0, 2)$
  $R = 2, 97 Ω$
  1 mark · Use emf and internal resistance
5. ✓
  Final answer $R_{Y} = 2 (2, 97) = 5, 95 Ω$
  1 mark · Use emf and internal resistance
5. Question 1.9 · May/June 2024 · 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 numbers (1.1 to 1.10).
1.9 A simplified diagram of an electrical machine is shown below.

What type of machine is this?(2)
1. A A DC motor
2. B An AC motor
3. C A DC generator
4. D An AC generator
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Choose the correct optionThe coil is connected to a BATTERY, so electrical energy is supplied to the coil: it is a motor, not a generator.
  
  The coil is connected through a split-ring commutator (not two separate slip rings), which keeps the coil turning in one direction with a DC supply: a DC motor.
  
  Answer: A
  2 marks · Describe generators and motors

Electricity and Magnetism Grade 12 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

Electricity Grade 11: Without Internal resistanceKevinmathscience

Grade 11 Electricity: Power (electrical power)Miss Martins Maths and Science

Electricity Grade 11 and 12: Internal resistanceKevinmathscience

Electric circuits Internal resistance Intro: PHYSICS grade 11 and 12Miss Martins Maths and Science

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