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A-LevelPhysicsMagnetic fields9702/41 · May/June 2021 · Q99 Marks

State what is meant by a magnetic field.

  1. (a)State what is meant by a magnetic field.[2]
  2. (b)A rectangular piece of aluminium foil is situated in a uniform magnetic field of flux density B, as shown in [Figure 9.1]. The magnetic field is normal to the face PQRS of the foil. Electrons, each of charge –q, enter the foil at right angles to the face PQTV.
  3. (b)(i)On [Figure 9.1], shade the face of the foil on which electrons initially accumulate.[1]
  4. (b)(ii)Explain why electrons do not continuously accumulate on the face you have shaded.[3]
  5. (c)The Hall voltage VH developed across the foil in (b) is given by the expression VH = BI / ntq where I is the current in the foil.
  6. (c)(i)State the meaning of the quantity n.[1]
  7. (c)(ii)Using the letters on [Figure 9.1], identify the distance t.[1]
  8. (d)Suggest why, in practice, Hall probes are usually made using a semiconductor material rather than a metal.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] (a) region where there is a force exerted on
  2. [1] a current-carrying conductor
  3. [1] a moving charge
  4. [1] a magnetic material/magnetic pole
  5. [1] (b)(i) face PSWV shaded
  6. [1] (b)(ii) accumulating electrons cause an electric field (between the faces)
  7. [1] force due to electric field opposes force due to magnetic field
  8. [1] accumulation stops when magnetic force equals electric force
  9. [1] (c)(i) number density of charge carriers
  10. [1] (c)(ii) PV or QT or SW
  11. [1] (d) (for semiconductor,) n is (much) smaller so VH (much) larger

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About this question

Topic
Magnetic fields, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 9 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, May/June 2021 Paper 4 Variant 1, question 9.

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