AQA AS Level Physics Paper 2, June 2022: Question 30

1 mark · Easy difficulty · Multiple Choice

Identify how the resistance of a copper wire changes as its temperature increases.

Practise this question

Question

Multiple choice question 30 asking how the resistance of a copper wire changes as its temperature increases, with four options: A remains constant, B increases, C decreases, and D remains constant at first and then decreases.
Question text

30 As the temperature of a copper wire increases, its resistance

[1 mark]

A remains constant.

B increases.

C decreases.

D remains constant at first and then decreases.

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme indicating the correct answer is B (increases).

30 B (AO1) increases.

How to answer it

Temperature and Resistance of a Copper Wire

Question 30 • Multiple Choice • [1 Mark]

What this question tests

This question assesses your foundational knowledge (AO1) of electrical conduction in metals. Specifically, it tests your understanding of how temperature changes affect the microscopic structure of metallic conductors (like copper) and how this subsequently impacts their macroscopic electrical resistance.

Question 30

As the temperature of a copper wire increases, its resistance...

✅ Correct Answer

B: increases.

Mark Scheme: B (AO1) – 1 mark

💡 Key Knowledge

  • Copper is a metallic conductor containing a lattice of positive ions and a sea of delocalised electrons.
  • As temperature increases, the positive metal ions vibrate with greater amplitude and frequency around their fixed positions.
  • This leads to more frequent and violent collisions between the drifting conduction electrons and the vibrating lattice ions.

🧠 Exam Technique

  • Recall instantly: Metallic conductors have a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. Do not confuse them with thermistors or semiconductors (NTC), where resistance decreases with temperature.
  • Quick check: Think of a standard metal filament lamp—as it gets hotter, its resistance goes up and current drops.

❌ Common Errors

  • Confusing metals with semiconductors/thermistors, incorrectly choosing option C (decreases).
  • Assuming resistance remains constant (option A) because Ohm's law states V = IR , forgetting that resistance is temperature-dependent in practice.

Topics

Physics · 3.5 Electricity

Question and mark scheme from the AQA AS Level Physics examination, Paper 2, June 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.