Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsElectric fields9702/23 · May/June 2020 · Q712 Marks

A potential difference is applied between two horizontal metal plates that are a distance of 6.0 mm apart in a vacuum, as shown in Fig. 7.1. [Figure 7.1] The top plate has a potential of –450V and the bottom plate is earthed. Assume that there is a uniform electric field produced between the plates. A radioactive source emits a β⁻ particle that travels through a hole in the bottom plate and along a vertical path until it reaches the top plate.

  1. (a)(i)Determine the magnitude and the direction of the electric force acting on the β⁻ particle as it moves between the plates.[4]
  2. (a)(ii)Calculate the work done by the electric field on the β⁻ particle for its movement from the bottom plate to the top plate.[2]
  3. (b)The β⁻ particle is emitted from the source with a kinetic energy of 3.4 x 10⁻¹⁶ J. Calculate the speed at which the β⁻ particle is emitted.[2]
  4. (c)(i)Complete the equation below to represent the decay of a neutron. ⁰₁n → ⁻₁⁰β + ______ + ______[2]
  5. (c)(ii) 1.neutrons[1]
  6. (c)(ii) 2.β⁻ particles.[1]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [C1] E = V/d or E = F/Q
  2. [C1] F = (450 × 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹) / 6.0 × 10⁻³
  3. [A1] = 1.2 x 10⁻¹⁴ N
  4. [B1] direction: vertically downwards
  5. [C1] work done = Fs or Fd or EQd
  6. [A1] = (-)1.2 × 10⁻¹⁴ × 6.0 × 10⁻³ = (-)7.2 × 10⁻¹⁷ J
  7. [(C1)] or work done = VQ
  8. [(A1)] = (-)450 × 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ = (-)7.2 × 10⁻¹⁷ J
  9. [C1] E = ½mv²
  10. [A1] 3.4 × 10⁻¹⁶ = ½ × 9.11 × 10⁻³¹ x v² = 2.7 x 10⁷ m s⁻¹
  11. [A1] ⁰₁p
  12. [A1] ⁰₀ν(e)
  13. [B1] hadrons
  14. [B1] leptons

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Electric fields, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 12 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, May/June 2020 Paper 2 Variant 3, question 7.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Physics questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep