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A-LevelPhysicsElectric fields9702/41 · Oct/Nov 2019 · Q610 Marks

State an expression for the electric field strength E at a distance r from a point charge Q in a vacuum. State the name of any other symbol used.

  1. (a)State an expression for the electric field strength E at a distance r from a point charge Q in a vacuum. State the name of any other symbol used.[2]
  2. (b)(i)Two point charges A and B are situated a distance 10.0cm apart in a vacuum, as illustrated in [Figure 6.1]. A point P lies on the line joining the charges A and B. Point P is a distance x from A. The variation with distance x of the electric field strength E at point P is shown in [Figure 6.2]. State and explain whether the charges A and B: have the same, or opposite, signs[2]
  3. (b)(ii)have the same, or different, magnitudes.[2]
  4. (c)An electron is situated at point P. Without calculation, state and explain the variation in the magnitude of the acceleration of the electron as it moves from the position where x = 3cm to the position where x = 7 cm.[4]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [M1] (Ε =) Q/ 4πε₀r²
  2. [A1] where ε₀ is permittivity (of free space)
  3. [M1] field does not change direction/field does not become zero
  4. [A1] so (charges have) opposite (sign)
  5. [M1] minimum is at the midpoint (between the charges)
  6. [A1] so (magnitudes are the) same
  7. [B1] force = field strength x charge and force = mass × acceleration
  8. [B1] or acceleration is proportional to field strength
  9. [B1] (from x = 3.0 cm) to x = 5.0 cm: acceleration decreases
  10. [B1] at x = 5.0 cm: acceleration is a minimum
  11. [B1] from x = 5.0 cm (to x = 7.0 cm): acceleration increases

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About this question

Topic
Electric fields, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2019 Paper 4 Variant 1, question 6.

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