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Cells and batteries — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 118 practice questions · 8 syllabus objectives

38 easy40 medium40 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Explain why a high-resistance voltmeter is preferred; draw circuits for measuring cell properties

Define electromotive force (EMF) and internal resistance; distinguish between EMF and terminal potential difference

Apply the formula E = V + Ir to calculate EMF, terminal pd, internal resistance or current for a cell circuit

Describe primary and secondary cells; state the advantages of connecting cells in series and in parallel

Distinguish between primary and secondary cells; describe the dry cell and state its components and limitations

Describe the lead-acid accumulator, its maintenance, charging indicators, and advantages of alkaline batteries

Calculate total EMF and current for cells connected in series and parallel; state factors affecting battery capacity

Cells and batteries

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Identify the main differences between primary and secondary cells, and give one advantage of connecting cells in series. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 3 marks
A primary cell is non-rechargeable, while a secondary cell can be recharged. (1 mk)
Primary cells have a limited lifespan based on chemical depletion, whereas secondary cells can be reused multiple times. (1 mk)
Primary cells typically have lower energy density compared to secondary cells. (1 mk)
Part (b) — 1 mark
Connecting cells in series increases the total voltage output, allowing for greater energy supply to the circuit. (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

A cell has an electromotive force (EMF) of 12 V and an internal resistance of 2 Ω. If it is connected to a load resistor of 4 Ω, calculate the current flowing through the circuit. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 3 marks
Total resistance in the circuit = internal resistance + load resistance = 2 Ω + 4 Ω = 6 Ω (1 mk)
Current (I) = EMF / Total resistance = 12 V / 6 Ω = 2 A (1 mk)
Final answer: Current flowing is 2 A (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

Name the difference between electromotive force (EMF) and terminal potential difference in a battery when a current flows. Explain why the terminal potential difference is lower than the EMF. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 1 mark
EMF is the voltage provided by the battery when no current flows; terminal pd is the voltage across the load when current flows. (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
Terminal pd is less than EMF due to the voltage drop across the internal resistance of the battery. (1 mk)
As current flows, some energy is converted to heat within the battery, resulting in lower terminal pd. (1 mk)
4

List three characteristics of a dry cell that make it suitable for portable electronic devices. (3 marks)

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