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A-LevelPhysicsElectric fieldsMay/June 2015Paper 1 Q291 Mark

A positive charge and a negative charge of equal magnitude are placed a short distance apart. Which diagram best represents the associated electric field?

A[Diagram A: Electric field lines originating from a positive charge and terminating on a negative charge, with incorrect direction arrows near the positive charge.]
B[Diagram B: Electric field lines originating from a positive charge and terminating on a negative charge, with correct direction arrows (away from positive, towards negative), forming a dipole field.]
C[Diagram C: Electric field lines as concentric circles around each charge.]
D[Diagram D: Electric field lines as parallel vertical lines between charges, resembling a parallel plate capacitor, with curved lines outside.]

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: [Diagram B: Electric field lines originating from a positive charge and terminating on a negative charge, with correct direction arrows (away from positive, towards negative), forming a dipole field.]

📋 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 May/June 2015 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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