284453425.

doc

{{<P=41><C=03><S=core><T=LQ><M=13><L=1><X=H><id=001>}}
4133001
The figure below shows a 220-V domestic lighting circuit.

(a) Give two reasons why the lamps are all connected in parallel instead of in
series.
(2 marks)
(b) The light bulbs in the circuit are all rated at 220 V, 100 W. If all the light
bulbs are switched on, find
(i)

the total resistance of the lighting circuit,

(2 marks)

(ii) the total current drawn from the mains supply.

(2 marks)

(c) (i)

Explain the use of the fuse in the circuit.

(ii) Is a 3-A fuse suitable in this circuit? Explain briefly.

(2 marks)
(2 marks)

(iii) Explain why the switches should not be connected to the neutral wire.
(3 marks)
-- ans -Solutions
(a) They are connected in parallel so that the voltage across the bulbs

Marks
1A

are all equal to the mains voltage.

Also, if one of the bulbs is broken, it will not affect the others.
(b) (i)

Resistance of a bulb =

V 2 220 2
=
= 484
100
P

1A
1M

284453425.doc

Total resistance of the lighting circuit

1
1
1
1

484 484 484 484

= 121
(ii)

(c)

(i)

Current through each bulb =

1A
P 100
=
= 0.4545 A
V
220

1M

Total current drawn = 0.4545 4 = 1.82 A

1A

The fuse melts when the current passing through is larger than

1A

the fuse value.

This prevents the cable from overheating and causing a fire

1A

when the circuit overloads.

(ii)

The maximum current in normal situation is 1.82 A.

A correct fuse has a fuse value slightly larger than the normal

1A

current.
Therefore, a 3-A fuse is suitable.
(iii) If the switches are placed in neutral wire, the circuit is still live

1A
1A

even when the switches are open.

It is dangerous to touch the electrical contact of the bulbs,

1A

since there is a potential difference between them and the

1A

person.

-- ans end -{{<P=41><C=03><S=core><T=LQ><M=13><L=2><X=H><id=002>}}

4133002
(a) A household metal-cased heater used in Japan is rated at 110 V, 1100 W. In
Japan, the mains electricity is supplied at 110 V.

Tim brings it to Hong Kong where the supply voltage is 220 V.

284453425.doc

(i)

Tim argues that as the supply voltage in Hong Kong is double, the
power it generates will double to 2200 W theoretically. Comment on
his statement.
(3 marks)

(ii) Indeed, the heater is designed for the use in Japan only. It is fitted with
a fuse to protect internal circuit from abnormal current. Which fuse,
5-A, 10-A or 15-A, is suitable for this heater? Fitted with this fuse,
what will happen when Tim connects the heater (fitted with the correct
fuse) to the mains socket in Hong Kong? Explain briefly.
(5 marks)
(b) Another heater is manufactured for the use in Hong Kong. The heater is
connected to the mains through electrical wires.

(i)

By referring to the colour of the wires in the above figure, name each
of the wires.
(3 marks)

(ii) Suppose wire Z is damaged and disconnected from the heater due to
improper use. What is the potential danger in using the electric heater?
(2 marks)
--ans -Solutions
(a) (i)

Marks

Tim is wrong.
By P =

1A
1A

V2
,
R

resistance of the heater =

V 2 110 2
=
= 11
P 1100

Theoretical operating power in Hong Kong

=
(ii)

1A

V 2 220 2
=
= 4400 W
R
11

By P = VI,
rated current through the heater =

1A
P 1100
=
= 10 A
V
110

284453425.doc

As the fuse value should be slightly larger than the normal

1A

current,
a 15-A fuse should be used.

1A

Working current in Hong Kong =

(b) (i)

(ii)

P 4400
=
= 20 A 15 A
V
220

1A

Therefore, the fuse will melt.

1A

X : live wire

1A

Y : neutral wire

1A

Z : earth wire

1A

In this case, if the live wire (X) touches the metal case of the
heater accidentally the metal case will go 'live'.

1A

People touching the case may get an electric shock.

1A

(Or other reasonable answers)

-- ans end -{{<P=41><C=03><S=core><T=LQ><M=16><L=2><X=H><id=003>}}

4133003
The following figure shows a 3-pin plug and an iron.

(a) To which of the pins A, B and C of the plug should each of the wires X, Y
and Z of the iron be connected?
(3 marks)
(b) Explain why the pin A is longer than the other two pins.

(3 marks)

(c) The following figure shows the label attached to the iron.
Model No. 223E
220 V 50 Hz
1000 W

(i)

Which fuse should be fitted in the plug connecting the iron to the
mains socket, 3-A, 5-A or 15-A? What happens if the other two fuses
are used?
(4 marks)

284453425.doc

(ii) On which of the wires X, Y and Z should the fuse be placed? Explain
your answer.
(2 marks)
(iii) Calculate the resistance of the iron when it operates at its rated value.
(2 marks)
(iv) If 1 kW h of electrical energy costs $0.9, calculate the cost to switch on
the iron for 5 hours.
(2 marks)
-- ans -Solutions

Marks

(a) X should be connected to B.

1A

Y should be connected to C.

1A

Z should be connected to A.

1A

(b) The pin A is used to open the 'shutters' of the live and the neutral

1A

holes on the socket.

These holes are normally closed to prevent accidental insertion of

1A

metal objects.
This design also ensures that the earth wire is connected before the

1A

live wire.
(c)

(i)

Current passing through the iron

=

1A

P 1000

= 4.55 A
V
220

Therefore, a 5-A fuse should be used.

1A

If a 3-A fuse is used, it melts before the iron operates at its rated

1A

power.
If a 15-A fuse is used, the cable would overheat before the fuse

1A

melts. This means the fuse cannot protect the appliance.

(ii)

The fuse should be placed in wire X.

1A

This ensures that no part of the iron and the cable is still 'live'

1A

when the fuse melts.

(iii) By P =

1M

V2
,
R

resistance of the iron =

(iv) Cost = 1 5 0.9
= $4.5

V 2 220 2
=
= 48.4
P
1000

1A
1M
1A

284453425.doc

-- ans end -{{<P=41><C=03><S=core><T=LQ><M=11><L=2><X=H><id=004>}}

4133004
In Hong Kong, the mains supply is at 220 V. The following figure shows a
household electrical wiring plan.

(a) Name the wires X and Y.

(b) Suggest one reason why the sockets are connected in parallel.

(2 marks)
(1 mark)

(c) The following electrical appliances are plugged into sockets.

Rice cooker: 220 V, 1000 W
Kettle: 220 V, 2000 W
(i)

If these appliances are switched on, what is the total current drawn
from the mains?
(4 marks)

(ii) The cost of electrical energy is $0.9 per kW h. Find the total cost to
switch on these appliances for 10 hours.
(2 marks)
(d) What is the purpose of the fuses in a consumer unit (fuse box)?

(1 mark)

(e) State one advantage of using ring main.

(1 mark)

-- ans -Solutions
(a) X is the neutral wire.
Y is the live wire.

Marks
1A
1A

284453425.doc

(b) Any one of the following:

1A

This ensures the voltage at different sockets is equal to the mains

voltage.
This ensures that the fault in any socket does not affect the others.
(c)

(i)

By P = VI,

1M

current drawn by the cooker =

current drawn by the kettle =

P 1000
=
= 4.55 A
V
220

2000
= 9.09 A
220

Total current drawn from the mains = 4.55 + 9.09 = 13.6 A

(ii)

1M
1M
1A

Total power dissipated by appliances = 1000 + 2000 = 3000 W

Cost = 3 10 0.9
= $27

(d) Fuses in the consumer unit prevent the circuit from overheating by

1M
1A
1A

breaking the circuit.

(e) Thinner and cheaper cables can be used.

1A

(Or other reasonable answers.)

-- ans end -{{<P=41><C=03><S=core><T=LQ><M=11><L=2><X=H><id=005>}}

4133005
The following figure shows the structure of a hand-dryer, which produces hot air
for drying wet hands.

(a) To which of the pins (A, B, C) of the plug should each of the wires (X, Y, Z)
of the hand-dryer be connected?
(3 marks)

284453425.doc

(b) Explain why switch S1 of the hand-dryer is placed in wire X.

(1 mark)

(c) The hand-dryer operates at 220 V and its heating element has a resistance of
50 .
(i)

Calculate the current passing through the heating element.

(ii) Find the power of the heating element.

(2 marks)
(2 marks)

(iii) The power of the fan motor is 200 W. If 1 kW h of electrical energy

costs $0.9, calculate the cost to switch on the hand-dryer for 5 hours.
(3 marks)
-- ans -Solutions

Marks

(a) X should be connected to B.

1A

Y should be connected to C.

1A

Z should be connected to A.

1A

(b) S1 is placed in wire X to ensure that no part of the hand-dryer is still

1A

live when the switch is off.

(c)

(i)

By V = IR,

1M

current through the heating element =

(ii)

Power of the heating element =

=

V 220
=
= 4.4 A
R
50

1A

V2
R

1M

220 2
50

1A

= 968 W
(iii) Total power of the hand-dryer = 968 + 200 = 1168 W
Cost = 1.168 5 0.9
= $5.26

1M
1M
1A

-- ans end -{{<P=41><C=03><S=core><T=LQ><M=14><L=3><X=H><id=006>}}

4133006
Mavis has a set of Christmas tree lights as shown in the following figure. The set
of lights consists of twenty light bulbs rated at 11 V, 6 W connected in series to
the 220-V mains.

284453425.doc

(a) Find the current passing through the bulbs.

(2 marks)

(b) Find the resistance of each bulb.

(2 marks)

(c) If the filament in one of the bulbs breaks, then all bulbs go out. Explain why
this happens.
(2 marks)
(d) Mavis purchases another set of lights identical to the one above. How does
the brightness of the light bulbs change if she connects two sets of lights in
series and in parallel? Explain your answer.
(5 marks)
(e) Some manufacturers use the light bulbs as shown in the following figure for
Christmas tree lights. These light bulbs have resistors and filaments
connected in parallel.

What is the purpose of the resistor in the light bulb? Explain your answer.
(3 marks)
-- ans -Solutions
(a) By P = VI,
current through the bulbs =
(b) By P =

Marks
1M

P
6
=
= 0.545 A
V 11

1M

V2
,
R

resistance of each light bulb =

1A

V 2 112
=
= 20.2
P
6

1A

284453425.doc

(c)

Since the light bulbs are connected in series,

1A

if one bulb blows, the circuit will be broken and other light bulbs will all
go out.

1A

(d) When she connects the two sets of lights in series, the voltage across

1A

each light bulb decreases.

By P =

V2
, the power dissipated by each light bulb decreases.
R

1A

Therefore, the light bulbs become dimmer.

1A

When she connects the two sets of lights in parallel, the voltage

1A

across each set of lights is the same as that before. Hence the power
dissipated by each light bulb does not change.
Therefore, the brightness of light bulbs does not change.
(e) The resistor in the light bulb ensures that the circuit does not break

1A
1A

even if the filament melts.

Since the resistor and the filament are connected in parallel,

1A

when the filament melts, current can still pass through the resistor

1A

and the circuit is still complete.

-- ans end --

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