Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsElectric fields9702/41 · May/June 2020 · Q57 Marks

State one similarity and one difference between the fields of force produced by an isolated point charge and by an isolated point mass.

  1. (a)State one similarity and one difference between the fields of force produced by an isolated point charge and by an isolated point mass.[2]
  2. (b)An isolated solid metal sphere A of radius R has charge +Q, as illustrated in Fig. 5.1. [Figure 5.1] A point P is distance 2R from the surface of the sphere. Determine an expression that includes the terms R and Q for the electric field strength E at point P.[2]
  3. (c)A second identical solid metal sphere B is now placed near sphere A. The centres of the spheres are separated by a distance 6R, as shown in Fig. 5.2. [Figure 5.2] Point P lies midway between spheres A and B. Sphere B has charge –Q. Explain why: (i) the magnitude of the electric field strength at P is given by the sum of the magnitudes of the field strengths due to each sphere[1]
  4. (c)(ii)the electric field strength at point P due to the charged metal spheres is not, in practice, equal to 2E, where E is the electric field strength determined in (b).[2]

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. [B1] similarity: both are radial / both have inverse square (variations)
  2. [B1] difference: direction is always/only towards the mass / direction can be towards or away from charge
  3. [C1] field strength = Q / 4πε₀x²
  4. [A1] E = Q / 36πε₀R²
  5. [B1] fields (due to each sphere) are in same direction
  6. [B1] charges on spheres attract/affect each other / charge distribution on each sphere distorted by the other sphere / charges on the surface of the spheres move
  7. [B1] spheres are not point charges (at their centres)

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, 7 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, May/June 2020 Paper 4 Variant 1, question 5.

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