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A-LevelPhysicsElectric fields9702/51 · May/June 2018 · Q115 Marks

A student is investigating the force between two charged metal spheres S and T, as shown in Fig. 1.1. [Figure 1.1] Each sphere may be charged by connecting the positive lead from a power supply to the sphere and then removing the lead. The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the power supply used to charge sphere T is V. The force F between the two charged spheres may be determined by attaching sphere S to a top pan balance. For a constant charge on sphere S, it is suggested that the relationship between F and V is F = αν / r² where r is the distance between the centres of the spheres and α is a constant. Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between F and V. Explain how your results could be used to determine a value for α. 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 student is investigating the force between two charged metal spheres S and T, as shown in Fig. 1.1. [Figure 1.1] Each sphere may be charged by connecting the positive lead from a power supply to the sphere and then removing the lead. The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the power supply used to charge sphere T is V. The force F between the two charged spheres may be determined by attaching sphere S to a top pan balance. For a constant charge on sphere S, it is suggested that the relationship between F and V is F = αν / r² where r is the distance between the centres of the spheres and α is a constant. Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between F and V. Explain how your results could be used to determine a value for α. 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 (May/June 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] V is the independent variable and F is the dependent variable or vary V and measure F.
  2. [1] keep r constant
  3. [1] labelled diagram of workable experiment including: T suspended (clamp or ceiling); S on top-pan balance vertically below T; T and S labelled and at least one other label.
  4. [1] F = difference/change in balance readings when sphere(s) (S) is uncharged and charged.
  5. [1] voltmeter across a power supply (with flying lead) or read V from high voltage power supply/EHT power supply
  6. [1] measure r with a rule
  7. [1] plot a graph of F against V (allow valid log-log graphs)
  8. [1] relationship valid if a straight line passing through the origin is produced
  9. [1] α = gradient × r² (consistent with graph)
  10. [Max. 6] (D1) safety precaution linked to avoiding shock/high voltages, e.g. insulating gloves to hold flying lead/to charge sphere/to avoid electrocution or use shrouded leads/ensure that there no bare connections/avoid touching metal parts
  11. [Max. 6] (D2) use of insulator between sphere S and balance or between sphere T and stand
  12. [Max. 6] (D3) discharge sphere(s) by earthing or connecting to the negative of the power supply
  13. [Max. 6] (D4) additional detail to determine r e.g. determine radius of each sphere and add distance between spheres or measure from top of S to top of T etc.
  14. [Max. 6] (D5) use of calipers/micrometer to measure diameter of spheres (and halve) to determine r or use of calipers/micrometer to measure diameter of spheres to check that spheres are the same diameter to determine r or use of fiducial mark and ruler from top of spheres etc.
  15. [Max. 6] (D6) use of Δmg to determine F
  16. [Max. 6] (D7) repeat experiment for each value of V and average F
  17. [Max. 6] (D8) take reading of balance quickly to avoid discharge/keep other charged objects away
  18. [Max. 6] (D9) method to ensure charge on S is constant, e.g. re-charge S periodically/regularly (with initial value of p.d.)/keep S connected to a separate positive terminal
  19. [Max. 6] (D10) avoid draughts to prevent T moving

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About this question

Topic
Electric fields, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 15 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, May/June 2018 Paper 5 Variant 1, question 1.

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