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Date May 2022 Marks available 1 Reference code 22M.1.SL.TZ1.22
Level Standard level Paper Paper 1 Time zone 1
Command term Question number 22 Adapted from N/A

Question

Two cylinders, X and Y, made from the same material, are connected in series.

The cross-sectional area of Y is twice that of X. The drift speed of the electrons in X is vX and in Y it is vY.

What is the ratio vXvY?

A.  4

B.  2

C.  1

D.  12

Markscheme

B

Examiners report

Responses from SL candidates were split between options B and D. Candidates appeared to recognize the factor of two in the drift speed ratio, but were unclear as to whether it was 2:1 or 1:2. Candidates are encouraged to think if their answer makes sense given the context of the question; it is likely that common sense would help candidates in this instance. Practice manipulating ratios to compare changing variables is a useful skill, and this question could be put to good use in this regard.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 5: Electricity and magnetism » 5.1 – Electric fields
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Core » Topic 5: Electricity and magnetism
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