Name of student:

\4od*J hr*r^x;> LFxanR"ryS

Physics Teacher:

Physics

OCR

A2 Syllabus H55B rePlacing 7883

Module: G485 Fields rParticles and

Frontiers of PhYsics

Topic:

5.1.1
5.2.1

Electric fields
Capacitance

Tlrese questions have been taken from recent papers up to 20A9,

based on specification 3883.

The old specification is a close but not perfect match: and some
parts of the new specification are not bovered. ']
Remember a separate formulaldata sheet is available in the
examination. You may need to look at this to answer these
questions

Fs

Fsnire/s
{,&e

Fig. 4-1 shows two horizontal parallel metal plates, '1.2 x 10-2m apart, connected to a 60OV
power supply.

Fig.4.1
{a}

(i)

On Fig. 4.1 draw lines to represent the etectric field between the central region of
the plates.
TzJ

{ii} Calculate the electric field strength between the plates, expressing your answer

tb)

(i)

(ii)

.*--gi

,...
charge =.....:...t..,..*.i.................C t1I

2 the energy stored

in the charged capacitor.

*; --* i-. *-. f

ts*
'a'l

.. !
d -*.t

( f)

^'o" \Y

-- ''

-. I

z
(c) A tiny sphere of weight 3.3 x 10-14N has acquired a charge so that
equilibrium midway between the plates by the electric field. See Fig. 4.2.

it is

10-2m

lr,.

A,l.l-Ow

tc[

4.0 x

For
Examiner
Use

Fig.4.1 shows two large paratlel insulated capacitor plates, separated by an air gap of
4.0 x 10-3m. The capacitance of the arrangement is 2O0pF. The plates are connected by a
switch to a 2000V d.c. power supply. The switch is closed and then opened.

_l
1Fm

2000v

d.c. supply

1
Fig.4.1

(a)

Calculate

(i) the magnitude of the electric field strength between the plates giving a suitable
unit for your answer
fn. * *tsa
z
rlL;{.Jt-r

='Ya

-a

s tl. gi F{,*1

4'fi};$"

electric field strength =

(ii) the magnitude in pC of the charge on each

*-:*1,
L-\r

*
-*!**=}}t Atf,;

'*.;'-:tra{al
-.

.-?.. :*r'-

.1
,"tJ

121

= ..0..:..11..0-...pc

t3l

i/

plate

- eA{-rr
Ijf-..o.-fl
'* 19
F

(r)
\/'

-.Es

'O

*.".*

rr-rc{-f

$.:*jf,.*1unit

charse

l= **" s ;l' f.F [i:

t3l

For

l+
(b)

Examiner
Use

With the switch remaining open, the plates are pulled apart until their separation is
doubled. The capacitor miintains the same charge. The electric field strengthbetween
the plates is unchanged. State ihe new

(i) voltage between the Plates

* =FA so \/ *&J
(ii)

10

Ld-()C)*

capacitance of the Plates

/F=r-'-,f
t{ *\Fv

;=L}"j.
tu
7,J

capacitanc* =

..t*..*Q,

trr

(iii) energy stored in the capacitor.

"-1=

!2(r'' = l"$'J

[Turn over

{
.J

For
Examine/s

In a thunder ctoud, thermally induced vertical winds separate out electrical charges. The
base of the cloud acquires a negative charge while the centre of the cloud,11.5 km above it,
becomes positively charged. See Fig.5.1. Lightning flashes occur inside the cloud on
average every 25 s, dischirging the cloud, which is then recharged by the wind. Th-e typical
cnarg! at breakdown is 20C wnen the electric field strength in the cloud is 3.0 x 1OsVm-l.
Fig.5.2 shows two cloud-sized uniformly-charged parallel plates 1.5 km apart, which can be
imigined as a very simple modelto simulate the electrical mechanism within a thundercloud.
thunder cloud

O 0t kcur 3 WJcr

Lc.

$ h p\cl-

++++++++++++

+'+ + + + + + + +'+ +'+

centre

c{a^'n

Fig.5.2

Fig.5.1

(a) (i)

arc*.

On Fig.5.2, draw arrows to represent the electric field between the plates-

l1l

(b) The theoretical circuit of Fig.5.3

can be used to model the charging process in the

thundercloud.

Fig.5.3
Explain what part each component in the circuit plays so that the circuit models the
charging of ihe cloud.

2a24 JrnO3

Use

6
(c) Use the data above to calculate for the theoretical circuit

(i) the mean

current through the resistor R during charging

-q

(ii) the value of R, taking

the initial current to be 5 times the mean current

tD

resistance = "r..:t.h'.1"i."" ei I2l

(iii) the value of C

a
,ri

-,1J'

-"'to

cl-' *., f 'q

(iv) the time constant of the circuit.

:,
i"

ls

&-.* f
a-.q
!d*'

f ,,,o ''

y'\

-_,

.+_

lzJ

. i-1,

l{

"p* "

*,

sq"d

f'
time constant = ....:f'.1...i.x....

-'o

rt lt0\^, AcLUW (\
I

t2l

[Total: 14]

\,

[Turn over

-7!

For

Lxamne
1

Fig.4.1 shows two capacitors, A of capacitance C, and B of capacitance 2 C connected in

parallel. Fig.4.2 shows them connecied in series. The capacitors caqt be connected by a
two-way switch S either to a d.c. supply, of e,m.f. V, or lo a voltmeter.

Fig.4.1

Fig-4-2

{a) ln terms of C, find the total capacitance of the capacitors

(i)

when connecied as in Fig.4.1

.)
'fl

t.+LL
rE

a;u

?*

capacitance =

(ii)
-}-:"1

\-f;!

when connected as in Fig.4.2.

.=

i
.l*'+
(*

..

t
-\.:{(-

r..

/..,*=
(..
V

--*

I)

s*i

ro
c'l +

**

,-lr

capaciianc e

(b)

I1l

-.L*.''-

........

/....S..............

121

For the circuit shown in Fig.4.1, find

(i) in terms of V, the voltage across capacitor A

r\
\u ftfs-el:
YAE;"Lr$ C=i"'r .l- :jr
:J
" C';: --'15
\j
(ii)

K;;'li

** i:ier.,.i-i.ii;

vottage =

.........V.

t1l

in terms of Vand C, the total charge stored on the capacitors'

ql=kv 0
: 3LV

0
charge

=.

.....S".1

t21

Use

For

Examint
Use

(c)

the totat enelgy stored in the

For the circuit shown in Fig. 4.2,find,in terms of Vand C,
two caPacitors.
.rA
;'+
!\.' F * $*
.i.
n.*-'<i'+
:f-"*

"o \

i
energy

A(l)
|"-i

= ....'-.*...':1.].-'.'."....'.

[2]

to the voltmeter in both

(d) The switch S is changed to connect the charged capacitors
circuits.
possibly very slowly'
Explain why the capacitors will discharge, although

(i)

[Total: 12]

'i,

i,-",,.,,' .

J
,.

t.. '!,

*.*

i.

q.

.r*,.

;:,,g A, P

,i,"

.!,

2824 Jano4

[Turn over

(a)

(b)

Fig.3.1 shows two point charges of equal magnitude, 1.6 x 10-1eC, and opposiie sign,
lretO a distance 8.0 x 10-10m apart at points A and B. The charge at A is positive'
8.0 x 10-1om

@ s.:,teb\r
5Y bph")44,r

Oq"o!h)

'-**-

$$

$pa..drJ,

loir.oA b

6 art"^l -YP*raod
$r-

Fig.3.1

(i)

So$/\L t\^os

On Fig.3.1, draw electric field lines to represent the field in the region around the
t3l

two charges.

(ii)

Calculate the magnitude of the electric field strength at the mid point between the
charges. Give a suitable unit for your answer.

( a 4r'o I't$'oc" O
r-F= b q-ct rh
\Y
*.
+fib

bhersh'" '-l$ b! $^e

qch.i.
t-*\tf
"8
4q'^r e{tar1

**qirrl**
;fr ot\J +*J -qu,a,\ {si^s d"r*- {" t'^'o
,\t--11
x{g:^..lgJg
Y- J* h -S- ? {:uQt
**
n = &*
6atzo

rL

t+.o r/o*o)^

o -tb

[,?tE xfo''*
electric field strength =

l:8 r{Q

o
unit

..flJ..*-.1 u'

r/rw'

cF--tno^t

For
Examinefs
Use

equal but opposite

lmagine two equal masses, connected by a light rigid link, carrying
3.3 show the dipole placed
charges. This is a sy"tem called a dipotg. fig. S-2, ind Figcharged plates'
in diierent orientations between two uniformly and oppdsitely
i

lll
H

!-q

uc.i +

-flxo:

ll

"p'P"sul'e
Su'"Folote
or

i.f*rct PqlFd,ro- ,..a^

ill

il

Fig.3.2

hPn^ digcatur
Fig.3.3

15l

aN{
J

[Total:15]

0
[Turn over

'300281 08'

I iFFtEI

lllil

EElil

Eilll iillilElli lllll tElEl

iEil lEEi

rt

(a)

For
Examinefs

. c'

Use

,tb* L

(b)

::::

energy

t 'ttr

= .:...'-"i';str:'.n't".'...' J

[Zl

f = 0 to discharge the capacitor'

o
current =

lzl

."0
ii

time constant =

t2)

*
*

:i:it
2824 JunO4

fr

lL

ffinff iltilllilt Hiliiiiil tfliitttll llnl llilllil

(c}Fig'3.2showsthevariationincurrentintheresistorwithtimeforpartofthedischarge.

For
Examiner's
Use

current/mA

l/ms

(i)

(ii)
;

{
c

{ *I
x

{
*

* {

t3
t

o
,i

I.$ -..

f,
;:

g
g

[Total: 14]

=
i=

=
=

*=?r
*

:=

*
*

,d

il

t
t
$

.i::,!

fr

lr
E
T
"i

[Turn over

.^,

\3

ia)

Fig. 4.1 shows the gr-aoh of charge

nrn=nitnr

Q/pG

r-rt*lro.,'s

stored acainst pctential diffei'ence v acrcss a

25
2A

15
10
5
0

v/v
Fig'
ttl

i-Jse itre grapir

io finci ihe capac;ila-nce cf iite r:npa'.:iior'

''r; - -'

"

(/\

V-/

t-''.

j,i

ltil

4-1

.*_ -.::

..v

n\
capacitance = '-...."...,"""" $F [2i

ta'3-*
calculate ine energy in the capacliar when it is charged
.i. .-r

t'*

{t

r i.j

0
enerqY =

(lll,r

"';:"""""""'PJ

t2]

ciiarg* iaiis to fi'37 of iis irriiiai

Tire capaciroi' is ciiscirarged iiiror-rgii.a. resisior'. Tiie
of the circuii' Calculate the
value in a time of A.C+ds. This ii the time constant
resistance cf the resistcl"

.\

n
I

r:'.

2824Jan0s

E-.

l+

Frtmrners
!Jce

iiv)

Explain why the discharge time af the capacitcr is independent cf the initial charge
nn iha
nrn:nitnr
Liiv
Vii

.'"'\+:.'*$";""ur1"J"u"v*"'i"'r"''*'u'-<"J""'alo"'-'flr"'r"-J"d'i"'s'*'t'r:']""$"""t*R*t'':'

,*.......-r..:l'..' :g

^ot' .,",*
- 1.,*.......'..
r4l

(bi ibu are provideci wiin a number

of identicai

capacitors

, eacn ci capaciiance 3-0 ptF'

4.2.
Three are connecfed in a serles and pai'allel combination as shown in ?ig.

3.0pF
3.0

^+
3'0PF
Fig- 4.2

iii

pF'
Shaw that the toia! cepacitance bet'rse+n the ternrlnais +- and B is 2-0
-+

,t
i

i: r-.'

rn".*.-

!&

i *

tt'

L*

t-

l'A'-

{-.s
''
L'a

.i-

r l:

n'3-

-t'
+-'

**!

{31

iii)

Draw

a 'jiagram in ihe space beiow io show how

capacitot's'
pF using six 3'0

:)

I - )*-rJ.ti
.

Cp

'

T.-

d\. --

q-

;i't"l

I
ttL-5

!,CI Lr;
;

r1' rr-q
I l) l
l-r

F:
{

3'D S.o 1,)

LS

ca* Praduce a iaial

irF

capacitance cf 2.C

-ri F\ t-l
ryo
l pl \{ t*i
f|

.vou

.-,,- f ; Li"t

"

It

ll l.Frrra
2s24Janos

Jttrr.tl

rrrar

vYqr

fi\oots

l.
lfi+
I
I

I
I
I
I
I

g
"

a i '*

3'1 shctrvs
This questicn is about changing the motion of electrons using electric fields' Fig'
h*!e !n the
a
r,,acuum.
tnrougn'
The
electron=
in
a
!*==
noriron,*t bea.m cf electrans nnsr;ing
pass'19:-."
ea.r
whieh
eiestrons
ihe
g,iJtru.,ugir
pr"'" e. Ai.B is a rrieiai
in"tnr*e rr+rticat i'Ciductcrs are maintained at voltages cf +600v at
ar B and +'1200 i/ at C. The distance from plate A to grid B is 4tf,

;;1*;f ;;-i-r
r,;rh;;il;5i.
t*

mm-

|"ni
;;i-fl
Lxi#!>i
|
r,i
^$

|
I

,*,

li[
il

[li
ll

fl

"E

ptaie A a*d grid E

Show.ihat the magiiiiude of ihe elecii'ic field sirengih bei-r;een

= =;0"'-'

I:::S,*
t{o@

e = "'QQ =-

I
ll

o';aor

,r,

hsie in
Calculate the har.izonta!farce sn an electrcn after passlng through the

,-,

F{o-'r

i
I

il
A'

I
A

rorce=.9no,p-]l*r,:

au,

in ihe beam musi have

aiihe haie in

,i;:jnil3;.il,:i!';l;ffii,:?i?[,?.:-'i"

-]:"=w
t.+<x/o.

r\r'

*^ NorL Q^r onsw{r

.-e'ranoi

Gccofrfr-fiflh

6r dn^os va

ti?.l,ol:rs.,o* o
= 2'+

is

l'sn'o*

-1g3i

A, ii

+12oov

.6oov ov

2l I
LLi

E-.

tb
{e}

Frar#re/=<

calculate ihe speed of ih*se electi'cns when they callide lvith sheet

{le*

c'

{w\.0- V so },-r\tr- Ls
t\o^d tnlot^tg

= F n,

&.oSr to7
speed =

(f)

..*.:.9.*tf,

s-l I:i

the voltaEe of the grid

Describe and exolain the effect on the current detected at G when
B is increased negati"'eli'.

:.IeA-ref...

.elschfs*) ....I^liil heAcla ,qAA 9...4n.(:...--..

d; h\*i{\J'i-J -_e*4
Q,
:l.tirD
,: ::
(*"
hson
)'{
xn"
i*
*
i*o*+V
rk
**tJ
is Nrn*Ecssses+ O

rF..--

ar*r
LiLrrrr t Yqr

For

i-1

Exaninefs
Use

This question is about electric forces'

by an insulating thread
A very small negatively-charged conducting sphere.is.suspended a positive charge' The
metal plate carrying
from,support S. lt is placed close to a vertLai

sphereisattractedtowardstheplate"non"ng'withthethreadatanangleof20"tothe
vertical as shown in Fig. 3.1'

Oom*PHcJa-

0 \ir,q L+'
{r Sphose
gu}e

0 ar.^^u toutcrcl
SP\us{--

Fig.3.1

- -" . 'r
(a)Drawatleastfive'electricfieldlinesonFig.S.ltoshowthepatternofthefieldbetween
i3l
the plate and the

(b)

sphere.

of
The sphere of weight 1 .0 x 10-5 N carries a charge

-1 '2x

10-e

c'

(i)ShowthatthemagnitudeoftheattractiveJorcebetweenthesphereandtheplateis
about 3.6 x 10-6 N.

Fco>

!s

ry
=Usi1zs ft '{'t'a***
,{-i*"**, til

suo..ls

E 5'futt-T. tc-S

*- [- * btr-" +6^i*

SGk^hu \trt'"ict

J*'S"P

-**4n6t

r\r'-

t3l

(ii}Henceshowthatthevalueoftheelectricfieldstrengthatthesphere,treatedasa
\-''
unit'
point unutge, is 3.0 x 103 in Sl units' State the

E=FQ

7 t*1*'1-b
i'Ll

t')-

&"e T i*b

.^lV
unit for electric field strength is

t\JL"""""'t3l
.,

Vff' -\

i8
removed. Fig. 3.2 shows an identical sphere carrying a charge of
sphere
+1.2 x 10-eC, mounted on an insulating stand. lt is placed so that the hanging
remains at 20o to the vertical.

(c)
\-' The plate is

i0 rnin 5

l)r'or

6qnr.nnc["vrcal abc":r

hq jo\nr t1 cs,"
f,...i;h^- C-rc&.J)

Fig.3.2
their centres'
Treating the spheres as point charges, calculate the distance rbetween

Ftt<

-.

, *-1"- ts i'r-tl.rq U
t

3-

,,j 4gra

4. fi:.r{*f*
-''{'*-

o
f

<

= ........E*..h.t.:-.......... m [3]

(d)

l -hJ'
+
.t2l

flotal:

2824 Jan06

141

[Turn over

\q
I

This question is about the discharge of combinations of capacitors.

ln Figs.4.1 and 4.2,lhe capacitors are charged through a 10kO resistor from a 10Vd.c.
supply when the switch S is connected to X. They discharge when the switch is moved to Y.
The ammeters A.,, A2, As and Ao monitor the currgrits in the circuits. lnitially, the switch is
connected to X and the capacitors are fully charged.

10v
5A

Ftg.4.2

Fig.4.1

(a) State

(i)

the voltage across each capacitor in Fig. 4.1

(ii)

the voltage across each capacitor in Fig.4-2

(b) (i)

pF

sO

vrll

.[Q...O ....... ......v I1l

Calculate the total qharge stored in the circuit of Fi1.4.2.

D {= SO/'rtSOfF=@7F

Q =LV

l@116oXtc
t- I .o Fto -3

Q:

charge

(ii)

= ....1..:.QI!0.4.....

rrl

Explain why the total charge stored in the circuit of Fig. 4.1 is the same as in the
circuit of Fi1.4.2.

so$

"

b-eca^"5t, $,o?pg totlq# ;r

Q-r{ 0

A
9

q''&a* Sarne -{'

LA

For
Examinefs

{c} Fig.4.3 shows how the reading 1on ammeter A, in the circuit of Fig.4.l varies with
time f as the capacitors discharge, after the switch is moved from X to Y at f = 0.

fftr*
ctfiruer
(ii)

rg6dift*.*\$ Ae...O

a,.,a..'.l

ru.
^.irlU*1i-Pb*t
to
f = 0,

Caa*ase

rnir4c

tzt

Stdtch curves on
4.3 to show how you expect the readings on ammeters A,
and Ao
vary with time from
when the switch is moved from X to Y in
Fig.4.2. Label your curves A, and Au respectively.
t3l
[Total: 11]

[Turn over

Use

1-1

Fig.4.'l shows a football balanced above a metal bench on a length of plastic drain pipe. The
surface of the ball is coated with a smooth layer of an electrically conducting paint. The pipe
insulates the ball from the bench.

bench

Fig.4.1

(a)
.

The ball is charged by touching it momentarily with a wire A connected to the. positive
terminal of a SObOV power supply. The capacitance C of the batl is 1.2 x 10-11 F. Calculate
the charge Oo on the ball. Give a suitable unit for your answer'
g

t,{n f-rt,/t\i

-ll
l Ct,C
i.:Lxlf:-"I
6.-r' n i,3-*

rf,

o" =..t,:fifff..unit

(b)

The charge on the ball leaks slowly to the bench through the plastic pipe, which has a
resistance F of 1 .2 x 1015 fl.

(i)

Show that the time constant for the ball to discharge through the pipe is about
1.5x104s.
r'i
il ,*
$, a r*{ o-"
?*.lCtt*
l
I a \('L*

.-i

h
n
l,i&r4onf6}Ys, k-l .frl$$*g"
nO lrW:L f,r _
fi^J o^\('q'

(ii)

rl
L'rr

Show that the initial value of the leakage current is about 4 x 1A-12 A.

lxFg

**cc

* -r)

tle?{crtU

=. $, I & n j s-'a

*3

r+ o ,* -,ni

*J,
ff
fir,*
(iii) Suppose that the ball continues to discharge at the constant rate calculated in (ii). Show
that the charge A. wouldrie,qk away in a time equal to the time constant.

q =I[

t;

?U "

6-ur-ri'
,F

ioolc

t-

llilll illil ililt llilr ililt iltil ililt ilfi ililt ilil fft

t,++ FrDB

zz
(iv)

Using the equation for the charge Q at time f

e = eoe-uRc
show that, in practice, the ball only loses about 2/3 of its charge in a time equal to one
time constant.

Q.C*. o
a = 9.37Q"
Q=

5o

Ql*U -- O'b 3Q"

*e

t2]

{c)

A.

The ball is now

connected in parallel via wire B to an uncharged capacitor of capacitance 1.2 x 10-8.F and a

The ball is recharged to 5000V by touching it momentarily with wire

voltmeter as shown in Fig.4.2.

1-2 x 10

Fig,4.2
(i)

(ii)

The ball and the uncharged capacitor act as two capacitors in parallel. The total charge

Hence or otherwise calculate the initialreading Von the voltmeter.

lf:a{* F k:?JJq:O:

5-o

';il
rsr."'?*v
-!**;o *'
t-

Ztco-"

gur,"t

V*lid

\N0\i"0&

\)

r-Jr

S:9. .v r2l
[Total: 14]

rn over
I

lllilt tlllt ilililtil lllil

ffi

ililt ilIil ililt ilil lllt

a1
J

\Z

This question is about the energy stored in a capacitor.

(a) (i)

One expression for the energy Wstored on a capacitoi'is

W=LOV
where Q is the charge stored and l/is the potential difference across the capacitor.
Show that another suitable expression for the energy stored is

w =L

cvz

where C is the capacitance of the capacitor.

\.-t

(li

t21

(ii)

Draw a graph on the axes of Fig. 1.1 to show how the energy Wstored on a2.2F capacitor
varies with the potential difference Vacross the capacitor.

O p,*.t:t\rt

i.i

fl
a

S\"CUl. tltrtu,S*
cr

\1i

fi

il
a4

il

{
A

,{
i+

picileC ereeutccle

tl

:t
,.ii
!t
|L
j1!

v/v

i&

l2l
Fig. 1.1

it:r1
li
ie

(b) The 2.2F capacitor is connected

in parallel with the power supply to a digital display for a

video/DVD recorder. The purpose of the capacitor is to keep the display working during any

disruptions to the electrical power supply. Fig.1.2 shows the 5.0V power supply, the capacitor
and the display. The input to the display behaves as a 6.8 k() resistor. The display will light up
as long as the voltage across it is at or above 4.0V.

}r
!ln

Itt

:t.
i!
i.{g

:il

i
.tri

ff

:{i

i{J

,rt

i{!
.!.&

n
ifi

tfl

i{l
itr

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ilil

l#
:ti

o+
.0v
.)_

rI
I

6.8 k()

-/'

_display

Fig. 1.2
Suppose the power supply is disrupted.

(i)

Show that the time constant of the circuit of Fig. 1.2 is more than 4 hours.

-= 8'f,_x b,8 rro3 (D

T=Rc C)
\
'/ = l.f F llJ\S
= +' t b h ttc flrncsf {a'r af\5u-}<l(ii)

Find the energy lost by the capacitor as it discharges from 5.0V to 4.0V.

4{6\

:I

C(V,. -V..)

=
=

l.rx (zs -rb) O

q-q

enersytost=

{iii)

.....9tqO

...JI2l

The voltage V across the capacitor varies with time f according to the equation

v=

voe-t/Rc'

Calculate the time that it takes for the voltage to fall to 4.0V.

tf = 5n e-'V'srro't O
'f't'rv
i'srro\
g =g-%rrr.,\
5=-?'sY'o*'
q=,:
s

, @^

r^'({)=k,o* .=1:!r),:T:::":j
(iv)

Calculate the mean power consumption of the displayluring this time.

P=Ag a 35-*,_ F^ 3.ortd3

-,^.L

{.3*\o"

o3
^2

.9'.:-........w

6. Elrob

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[Total: 11]

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a-

i$,1

oi

H
'"#1

T{

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:#l
$-i

This question is about charging and discharging capacitors.

,rfrJ

Fig. 4.1 shows a capacitor G in series with a centre-zero ammeter A and a two-way switch S.
When the switch S is in position 't, the capacitor is connected to a 12V supply through a resistor R.
The ammeter then shows the charging current in the circuit. To discharge the capacitor, the switch
is moved to position 2. The magnitude of the current through the ammeter A during the charge or
discharge period is shown in Fig.4.2"

igt

'
:St
ffi
.1

-i

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i,,Si

',*il

ffi
i$f
ffi

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trr;\i

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st
:1lt
,,(

|$1
:,${

t$t

$(
i$

$,x

ffi
i+?t
ie

Fig.4.1

a,C

.iff

&c

,#E

pf
;{Jt

:{JIJ
i

:.{}g

ii1-r!

ffi
j6g
i

r:.0

;96
i6,ie
iir'z\

i{*C

!s,s
ira\fj
i&}
i1B*e

i,#

iiite
:r;a,A

time/s

.$6

irie
iee
:ffiG

Fig" 4,2

(a)

#$l
ggl

The following two statements about the charging and discharging processes are both true.
1 The variation with time of the magnitude of the current is the same in each case, as shown
in Fig.4.2.
2 The needle on the centre-zero ammeter is in a different position in each case.

itJ!'l

i#$

jta1h!

;ffi
.oct
;s'6]
i.g6f
$-e1

Explain how both of these statements are correct.

; l',
\:-/|

.-+*

' .\
ft:-'"\
{-$r
\;

, -.\\-

l:.\o&*
il-\
\s-'
\----

[
IL-

fi

\L

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Lb
(b)

The supply voltage is 12V. Use data from Fig. 4.2to show that the value of the resistor R is

-!r'
F
lo
*
f.*^ anapt,r fo b'o * ei
20

ka.

=T.(

t? = b.oh {d r

e'=

*F

ro-.{ ;^#^i:-l

.r. c,r,rr-.Fnk fa*r:..."113....

l'e (orR d in-fr*ls

'lm.tr*g. i.n. . \. .*\rs,*. c#rhs^k

'k;;l;*T;;;;;;i:,f'*t
(ii)

a=

q"S*

The time constant of the circuit is 5.0s. Explain how Fig. 4.2 shows this to be the case'
you may find it uselul to draw suitable lines on Fig.4.2 to aid your explanation.

(c) (i)

ffit

R.

(t :

6-os$

.elr-q3-eA

$';'a'"pu

g rr cr$ \-,'
e- < r(o-+

eSogf

no ff\a*- fl- aruwqt

l2l

(d) (i)

ffit
ffi:
ffi
ffi
B*

ffi
ffi
ffi

ffi
ffi
RI

Use the value of Cto calculate the total charge stored on the capacitor'

Q=at6 = t?hlSbf{o-t'

: 3'oFrc-3

charse=.............3.:'o-..f.19:= c
(ii)
E)

Pl

lt is suggested that the total charge stored on the capacitor is equal to the initial current,
that is the current at f = 0 in Fig. 4.2, multiplied by the time constant. Verify that this is
true.

: :r"b,

b'o nto-\ n 5.',o

3. o^to -34

l1l

(iii)

ffi
GHI

Explain how else you could use Fig. 4.21o find the charge calculated in (i).

.:.....Qft1.e'.+r.!r+1g...

**

,oles ..$.ff1**..$r*a-

q.n*#.1r..,.{.41.0.:.f

LX

ffi
ffiJ

EEF

ffif

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Fiffi

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ffi#

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r-_

l9i- A small conducting

sphere is attached to the end of an insulating rod.

lt carries a charge of

+5.0x 10-eC.

(a)

plates
Fig.4.1shows the sphere held at the midpoint between two parallel metal plates' The
parts
th6
on
ar6 uncharged. When the sphere was inserted, negative charges were induced
of the plates closest to it.

0 ofe-Pr,o"{<. shc,Pq
O lir,as ] 1. o-r{d l="tuf
f's'rctc/ t
O
\--i o*fi-cu'rs*u
*

i,gia

PhF

lthot"

Fig.4.1
Draw at least six electric field lines between the sphere and the plates'

(b) The plates, which are 4.0cm apart, are now connected to a 50000V supply'
Calculate

(i)

the magnitude of the electric field strength E between the plates

L="r-'A z'

*?-.0

,. ZS Xrc{"

(ii)

= ...........{:.*F ..r.{.9t............. N c-1 r2l

x 1 0-e C'
the magnitude F of the force on the sphere, treated as a point charge of +5'0

f =

: t.eS)./*Lx 6fl61-E0
t:r'Ci

i^.

,G -a

ilrilt llil lilll lllll lllil

llil lllll lllll lllil llll llll

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(c)

Fig.4.2 shows a second identically charged sphere attached to a top-pan balance by a vertical
insulating rod. The original charged sphere is clamped vertically above the second sphere
such that their centres are 4.0cm apart.
il

il

&

I
I

4.0cm

Fig.4.2
(i)

Show that the force between the two spheres acting as point charges is about 0.14 mN.

F =

_L- '_qrg /n
\Y

4TIZo

Qt

1-L

F
' -- -L *trl(**

= Qe-

= 51t tc-.t'

1:-'gJ9r**}lo
rr*-L.j L

+fi#

t+

{c-'{ O
ftr
*' t+ p. r'*i nD NaYI(
r.r<f'

l. <+o t"

ts

Q71J

(ii)

l3l

The balance can record masses to the nearest 0.001 g. The initial reading on the
balance before the original charged sphere is clamped. above the second sphere is
8.2059. Calculate the final reading on the balance.

lbnn

/,\t r ({i-i-43 O

*.ot43

$c' ..e*g1o'(}t({

[.J

finat reading

.&tq

= ..............3.:.;i.!.ci..

.... .............. s t2l

[Total: 12]

n over

iltill

tilll

rilil

rilil

llllt tiil ilil lilil tilil ilil ilil

Fig.5.1 shows two capacitors of capacitance'l50pF and 300prF connected in parallel to a 9-0V
d.c. supply. Fig.5-Z shows them connected in series to the supply-

Fig.5.2

Fig.5.1

(a)

Determine the voltage Vacross the 300pF capacitor in the circuit of

(i)

Fis.5.1

V=

(ii)

Fig.5.2.

ScrroLS 'sQ \f -EL

tuhe

Vn

\nwrre io

Fig.5.1

[1]

3r-ff"il;*ffir"*

=o
L \fa}^r{,>

v=

(b) Calculate the charge Q in pC stored

(i)

. s.CD vIzI

in the 150pF capacitor in the circuit of

Q:Cv = \s?^q E 13rc

o= ..."13,5P
(ii)

.-

pc t2l

Fis.5.2.

frt
x. =CV

\Sohb

= loo
tlI

Lto"*r*n
I

iltilt lllil

lllll llil lllillllillllil lil llil

lllll lllil-701891512'

)
1r:

:r

rl
,*l

3o

(c) Calculate the ratio f where

.i

,_

,$
F*

i"
+4i"
al ,

the total energy stored in the capacitors in Fig.5.1

the total energy stored in the capacitors in Fig.5.2 '

r!i.v' O

dr=

n {Tt
,.J F
t
-&r
n \** e n"o
.6*
t

(.. I
\-} r !
i

ir-- {*.

Ei/{
\q

.t:
't: f.+'Je*

!*
[.
4',

)r t*c

ebgrE:

eI
--' r'
r* ot*-'

.*- "+)"

.&

sl=

'*, -T U'a n" llb r.,t

!-- +.-{!
-'

i|c;

\-;L.

iI
h

"

{r-.
s-

i*:
-'

' ,.d-l'
r+*\,,

|(lt't-

'

14I

[Total:10]

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1b

-1

3r
This question is about charging and discharging a capacitor.

Fig. 4.1 shows a circuit, consisting of two resistors, a capacitor and two milliameters A., and Ar,
which can be connected to a 12V supply through a switch S. lnitially, the switch S is open and the

capacitor is uncharged.

Fig.4.1

(a)

When the switch S is closed, explain why the initial current readings are

(i)

zero on

A.,

'

f ,\
..t{*....'*.k*i.i*.....flri...*+4+j*#.i......L.f......f.**..e.....";x-h ....'':-.{-'...V..--.

...*-{....;&q.:.

(ii)

3.0mA on

\.^Cl

...?.p"9.*...1*:s.hnr.:9....f***rr.s...ff#...*ArFF.Rnr..i$...f,.l,.Yt2t

Ar.

a\

: ilV &gsres F*h-q- \, ..

: s\rlk+ *r:. r*e*d-l';g c*rsri. o

.,i

: lfr*- r

+*r",-:

:Pl

(b)

After the capacitor has fully charged

(i)

l-to".

state the readings of

A.,

ammeter

ammeter A,

qatr/

q\fr U
'o tll
ffi(U
tll

&L#?-

tS:G

mA

too,

ililfi illil illl lilll

lllll

lllll

lllll lllll lill llil

- 912303810 -

llll

"

_20

l.YrQ.

O(c)

-. .. ct2I

The switch S is now oPened.

(i)

State the initial reading of ammeters A, and

Ar.

A:o.O

fr, Ar = J-op"A
=

(ii)

mA [r]

Calculate the value of the time constant for the decay of charge on the capacitor.

11

=Rc =7-a6a.961D'6

=o.SO

time constant= ...................,....4...-b...... ........

(iii)

tll

Plot a graph on the axes of Fig.4.2 of the reading l of ammeter A, from I = 0, when the
t3I
switch is opened, to f = 1.5s. Labelthe y-axis with a suitable scale.

'0

+
sirlFc,hb- sm"lll*
O*{ar,n.pr

& MY

Cr;t'l{.

IlmA

d.l_tq eri\-!a-

sl^ru4r

(lt'Ld,L'0,

o'r
4 O usiD [L=
\as -fPvrt
P Ots

t/s

tc s, o 13,
Ir:t,0 ,

Fig.4.2

[-t

o",

*.gU
tr'o ,o z-)
[rorar:15]

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,oon

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lffil

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33.
ln this question, four marks are available for the quality of written communication.

Many laws of physics can be described using mathematical functions and rela-tionships and
displayed graphical ly.
(a)

tl
i
l

:\r
rl

10

x
Fig.7.1
Show that the graph of Fig.7..l displays an inverse square relationship between the variables
x and y.
Choose one law of physics which follows an inverse square relationship. State the law in both
word and mathematical forms. lndicate which physical quantities would be represented by x
and y in Fig. 7.1.
Describe any physical conditions necessary for the law to be obeyed.

: $s.lF-ah\s" lcsb .....i2 ,r1.)cl; 9A**a*lr etr* uU

-.....Qftsligd ...slY..... $.urs*ssGs\r'*4..

'J.r

.....[;........

:..

3ke&e.n**nV..i, *r... tol.a{dr ......O

g$
..

....

. (srls&Alsb l-e*r [ .rue**oJt Ls-** Qis*,k"}.*

:...

11

*kli.

*.Y

-5 F...f......*.....)t..=...d,mtEN* k
...

fxfoex*s

\ t- *"". q*

........t#.b**s.....*g"h**,\***r;s.

...

..ft{

...

qis:.+*s: G*l*y. ri**.r"*f

.-R4oi,.++*s***J.

....

.q{

S..f.,s# -rf-

""".'.i'3,

Nyrt 19,

'5

L.o",,*,
Iililillililllil

lllll
lllll
-701

lllilllllllllll lllll llil llil

89151 6-

7+
5

v
4
3
2
1

Fig.T.2
Show that the graph of Fig. 7.2 displays an exponential relationship between the variables
x
and y.
choose one law of physics which foilows an exponential relationship.
State the law in both word and mathematical forms. lndicate which physical quantities
would
be represented by x and yin Fig.7.2.

Ou't$
15l

Quality of Written Communication [4]

[Total:15]

L'**

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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