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A-LevelPhysicsCapacitance9702/52 · Feb/Mar 2019 · Q115 Marks

A student is investigating the behaviour of a capacitor-resistor circuit as shown in Fig. 1.1. [Figure 1.1] A neon lamp flashes on and off when it is connected across the capacitor with a potential difference V_F across the lamp of approximately 90 V. The student has a number of unmarked resistors. It is suggested that the period T of the flashes of the lamp is related to the resistance R of the resistor by the expression T = RCK where C is the capacitance of the capacitor and K is a constant. The constant K is given by K = ln ( (V_I - V_F) / V_L ) where V_I is the potential difference across the input, V_F is the potential difference required to make the lamp flash and V_L is a constant. Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between T and R. Explain how your results could be used to determine a value for K and V_L. You should draw a diagram, on page 3, showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your account you should pay particular attention to: • the procedure to be followed • the measurements to be taken • the control of variables • the analysis of the data • any safety precautions to be taken.

  1. (a)A student is investigating the behaviour of a capacitor-resistor circuit as shown in Fig. 1.1. [Figure 1.1] A neon lamp flashes on and off when it is connected across the capacitor with a potential difference V_F across the lamp of approximately 90 V. The student has a number of unmarked resistors. It is suggested that the period T of the flashes of the lamp is related to the resistance R of the resistor by the expression T = RCK where C is the capacitance of the capacitor and K is a constant. The constant K is given by K = ln ( (V_I - V_F) / V_L ) where V_I is the potential difference across the input, V_F is the potential difference required to make the lamp flash and V_L is a constant. Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between T and R. Explain how your results could be used to determine a value for K and V_L. You should draw a diagram, on page 3, showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your account you should pay particular attention to: • the procedure to be followed • the measurements to be taken • the control of variables • the analysis of the data • any safety precautions to be taken.[15]

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Mark scheme

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

  1. [1] R is the independent variable and T is the dependent variable, or vary R and measure T
  2. [1] keep C constant
  3. [1] labelled diagram or correct symbols of workable circuit including: • (d.c.) power supply correctly positioned • (neon) lamp correctly positioned do not accept ohmmeter in circuit
  4. [1] circuit diagram to determine resistance of resistors e.g. using ammeter and voltmeter OR ohmmeter
  5. [1] method to determine period or T, e.g. use a stopwatch / timer / oscilloscope do not accept counting the flashes in a specified time
  6. [1] circuit diagram showing voltmeter(s) or oscilloscope(s) to determine Vi and VF
  7. [1] plots a graph of T against R
  8. [1] K = gradient / C
  9. [1] V_L = V_I - (V_I - V_F)e^(-gradient/C) = V_I - (V_I - V_F)e^(-K)
  10. [D1] switch off (high voltage) circuit (before changing the resistor) / wear insulating gloves to prevent electrocution / shock
  11. [D2] resistance of resistors linked to diagram is V/I for ammeter / voltmeter method or gradient of appropriate graph or resistance from ohmmeter
  12. [D3] input voltage or V_I is constant
  13. [D4] repeat experiment for each value of R and average T
  14. [D5] 90 V (or larger) power supply do not accept a.c. or signal generator
  15. [D6] for stopwatch method: time 10 or more flashes and divide by number of flashes for oscilloscope method: length of wave × timebase
  16. [D7] record value of capacitance from the capacitor or method to determine capacitance
  17. [D8] appropriate circuit to enable capacitance to be determined
  18. [D9] relationship valid if a straight line passing through the origin is produced
  19. [D10] method to obtain a measurable time period e.g. do a preliminary experiment to choose appropriate resistors, use large values of R or C

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About this question

Topic
Capacitance, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 15 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, Feb/Mar 2019 Paper 5 Variant 2, question 1.

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