Hey, so below is a question from PMT, on A Level Physics (Edexcel), I understand the content however I’ve never mentioned amplitude of oscillations in this context, ever or seen a question mentioning this ever. Normally, I’ve seen that the resistance increases due to the increase in heat causing the lattice ions to gain more kinetic energy and vibrate more, leading to more frequent collisions between them and making it harder for current to flow.
Now, how would I ever know to mention the amplitude of oscillations??? This is my main struggle in physics, the mark scheme always phrases it some, to me, random way and I’m just sat there thinking well, my answer was not factually wrong but not what they are talking about. It’s right and I understand what they’re talking about but like.. I just don’t know how to predict how to phrase it. I have no idea what to do and it is getting so frustrating. Could anyone please help? Not just with this specific example but any idea on… how to know what they’d want for a question
1. A student investigates how the current through a filament light bulb varies with the potential difference across it.
*(c) Describe and explain the change in the resistance of the bulb as the potential difference across it is increased. (4)
Mark scheme:
(QWC – Work must be clear and organized in a logical manner using technical wording where appropriate)
• The resistance increases (Because)
• the temperature increases (accept heats up)
• Increasing the amplitude of the oscillation of the lattice ions
• Leading to more (frequent) collisions of electrons with lattice ions
Allow converse marks for an explanation explicitly based on decreasing potential difference