Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Electric field of a point charge

Electric field of a point charge — practice question

As shown in Fig. 6.1, two identical metal spheres A and B are both positively charged, and the distance between their centres is 24\,\text{cm}. Fig. 6.2 plots how the electric field strength E produced by the two spheres changes with distance x from the centre of A along the line joining the centres.
(a)[1]

State the radius of each sphere.

(b)[3]

Sphere A carries a charge of $3.6 \times 10^{-9}\,\text{C}$. Find the charge $Q_{B}$ on sphere B, assuming that spheres A and B may be treated as point charges at their centres. Show your working.

(c(i))[2]

Sphere B is taken away. Use the information from (b) to find the electric potential at the surface of sphere A.

(c(ii))[2]

Calculate the capacitance of sphere A in this situation.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: 2.0 cm

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI