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

Electric field of a point charge — practice question

(a)[2]

State what electric field strength means.

(b)

Charges A and B are two point charges separated by $15\,\text{cm}$ in a vacuum, as shown in Fig. 5.1. Point P is on the line joining the charges and lies a distance $x$ from charge A. Fig. 5.2 shows how the electric field strength $E$ at point P changes with distance $x$.

(b(i))[2]

By referring to the direction of the electric field, state and explain whether charges A and B have the same sign or opposite signs.

(b(ii))[1]

State why, even though charge A is a point charge, the electric field strength between $x = 3\,\text{cm}$ and $x = 7\,\text{cm}$ does not follow an inverse-square law.

(b(iii))[3]

Use Fig. 5.2 to find the ratio \( \dfrac{\text{magnitude of charge A}}{\text{magnitude of charge B}} \).

(i)[2]

Using the direction of the electric field, state and explain whether charges A and B carry like signs or unlike signs.

(ii)[1]

State why, even though charge A is a point charge, the electric field strength between $x = 3\,\text{cm}$ and $x = 7\,\text{cm}$ does not follow an inverse-square law.

(iii)[3]

Use Fig. 5.2 to determine the ratio $\dfrac{\text{magnitude of charge A}}{\text{magnitude of charge B}}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Force acting per unit charge

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