A-LevelPhysicsElectric fieldsMay/June 2011Paper 1 Q301 Mark

The diagram shows two parallel metal plates connected to a d.c. power supply through a resistor. [Figure 30.0] There is a uniform electric field in the region between the plates. Which change would cause a decrease in the strength of the electric field?

Q: What topic does this question test?

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

Asmall increase in the distance between the plates

Bsmall increase in the potential difference between the plates

Csmall increase in the value of the resistor

Dsmall increase to the area of both plates

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: small increase in the distance between the plates

📋 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.

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Analysis

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

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 May/June 2011 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

Practice on Oracle Prep

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers across 29 subjects.