AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2022: Question 6
8 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Analyze a circuit diagram of a hairdryer with multiple heating elements, complete sentences about series and parallel circuits, identify necessary switches for operation and maximum power, recall and apply the energy-power-time equation, and identify circuit symbols including LEDs.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
06 A hair dryer contains three heating elements.
Figure 7 shows the circuit diagram for the heating elements in the hair dryer.
In Figure 7 the heating elements are represented by resistor symbols.
Figure 7
06.1 Complete the sentence.
[1 mark]
The three resistors in Figure 7 are connected in with
the power supply.
06.2 Which switch must always be closed for the hair dryer to work?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
S1
S2
S3 19
06.3 Which switches must be closed for the hair dryer to work at maximum power output?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
S1 and S2
S1 and S3
S1, S2 and S3
Use the Physics Equations Sheet to answer questions 06.4 and 06.5.
06.4 Write down the equation which links energy transferred (E), power (P) and time (t).
[1 mark]
06.5 The heating elements have a maximum power output of 1200 W.
The energy transferred to the heating elements to reach normal operating
temperature is 3600 J.
Calculate the time taken for the heating elements to reach normal operating
temperature at maximum power output.
[3 marks]
20 Time = s
06.6 The hair dryer has LEDs to indicate the power setting.
What is the circuit symbol for an LED?
[1 mark]
*19* Tick ( ) one box.
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 6
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
06.1 parallel 1 AO1
4.2.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
06.2 S1 1 AO1
4.2.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
06.3 S1, S2 and S3 1 AO2
4.2.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
06.4 energy transferred = power × 1 AO1
time 4.2.4.2
or
E = P × t – HYSICS – –
AO /
Spec. Ref.
06.5 3600 = 1200 × t 1 AO2
4.2.4.2
3600 1
t =
1200
t = 3 (s) 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
06.6 1 AO1
4.2.1.1
Total Question 6 8
How to answer it
Circuit Diagrams, Power and Energy
What this question tests
This question assesses your understanding of parallel electrical circuits, switch control in multi-loop circuits, standard circuit symbols (specifically the LED), and the relationship between energy transferred, power, and time.
Circuit Connections
✅ Correct Answer
parallel
💡 Key Knowledge
- Components connected across separate loops are in parallel.
- If one heating element breaks or is switched off, current can still flow through the other branches.
Master Switch Control
✅ Correct Answer
Tick the box for S₁
🧠 Exam Technique
Trace the wire from the power supply. Switch S₁ is located on the main wire before the circuit splits into parallel branches. Opening S₁ would break the circuit for the entire device.
Maximum Power Output
✅ Correct Answer
Tick the box for S₁, S₂ and S₃
💡 Key Knowledge
To get the maximum power output, all heating elements must be switched on so they draw current simultaneously. This requires all three control switches ( S₁ , S₂ , and S₃ ) to be closed.
Recall Energy-Power Equation
✅ Correct Answer
energy transferred = power × time (or E = P × t )
❌ Common Errors
Students often confuse energy and power units or write out word equations incorrectly (e.g., writing "voltage × current" instead of recalling the direct link requested).
Calculating Time Taken
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Substitute values into the equation:
3600 = 1200 × t - Rearrange for time ( t ):
t = 3600 / 1200 - Calculate final answer with units:
Time = 3 s
❌ Common Calculation Traps
Failing to rearrange properly or transposing numbers can result in inverted fractions (e.g., 1200 / 3600), leading to incorrect decimal answers. Always double-check your division!
Circuit Symbol for an LED
✅ Correct Answer
Tick the box containing the diode symbol with outward-pointing arrows (indicating light emission).
💡 Key Knowledge
An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is represented by a standard diode triangle inside a circle, accompanied by two arrows pointing away from it. (Note: Arrows pointing towards a component represent a Light Dependent Resistor, or LDR).
Topics
Physics · P2: Electricity · P1: Energy
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.