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A-LevelPhysicsElectric fieldsOct/Nov 2019Paper 1 Q101 Mark

A positively charged oil droplet falls in air in a uniform electric field that is vertically upwards. The droplet has a constant terminal speed v₀ and the electric field strength is E. The magnitude of the force due to air resistance acting on the droplet is proportional to the speed of the droplet. Which graph shows the variation with E of v₀?

AGraph of v₀ against E, showing a straight line with negative gradient.
BGraph of v₀ against E, showing a curve with negative gradient that approaches the E-axis asymptotically.
CGraph of v₀ against E, showing a curve with positive gradient that approaches a constant v₀ value asymptotically.
DGraph of v₀ against E, showing a horizontal line (v₀ is constant).

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: Graph of v₀ against E, showing a straight line with negative gradient.

📋 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 multiple-choice question tests Electric fields in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics Oct/Nov 2019 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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