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A-LevelPhysicsElectric fieldsMay/June 2021Paper 4 Q59 Marks

An isolated metal sphere of radius r is charged so that the electric potential at its surface is V₀. [Figure 5.1] On Fig. 5.1, sketch the variation with distance x from the centre of the sphere of the electric potential. Your graph should extend from x = 0 to x = 3r. Photons having wavelength λ are incident on a metal surface. The maximum wavelength for which there is emission of electrons is λ₀. For photons of wavelength λ₀/2, the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons is E_MAX. On [Figure 5.2], sketch the variation with wavelength λ of the maximum kinetic energy for values of wavelength between λ = λ₀/3 and λ = λ₀. A pure sample of a radioactive isotope contains N₀ nuclei. The half-life of the isotope is T½. The product of the radioactive decay is stable. The variation with time t of the number N of nuclei of the radioactive isotope is shown in [Figure 5.3].

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This structured question tests Electric fields in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 9 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2021 examination, Paper 4 Variant 2.

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