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A-LevelPhysicsElectric fieldsMay/June 2016Paper 1 Q291 Mark

Which diagram shows the pattern of the electric field between a positively charged metal sphere and a negatively charged metal plate?

Adiagram showing electric field lines originating from the positive sphere and terminating on the negative plate, with lines curving, and some lines from the sphere also going outwards into space without terminating on the plate.
Bdiagram showing electric field lines originating perpendicular to the positive sphere and terminating perpendicular to the negative plate, with all lines from the sphere terminating on the plate.
Cdiagram showing electric field lines originating from the positive sphere and terminating on the negative plate, but with lines not perpendicular to the sphere surface.
Ddiagram showing electric field lines originating from the positive sphere and terminating on the negative plate, but with lines not perpendicular to the plate surface.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: diagram showing electric field lines originating perpendicular to the positive sphere and terminating perpendicular to the negative plate, with all lines from the sphere terminating on the plate.

📋 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 2016 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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