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

Electric field of a point charge — practice question

(a)[1]

What does electric field strength mean?

(b)[2]

An isolated metal sphere A, with radius $26\,\text{cm}$, carries a positive charge. Electrical breakdown (a spark) happens when the electric field strength at the sphere’s surface goes above $2.0 \times 10^{4}\,\text{V m}^{-1}$. Calculate the greatest charge $Q$ that can be held on the sphere.

(c)[2]

A second isolated metal sphere B, which also has charge $+Q$, has a radius of $52\,\text{cm}$. Calculate the additional charge, in terms of $Q$, that can be stored on this sphere before electrical breakdown takes place.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Force divided by charge

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