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

Electric field of a point charge — practice question

(a)[2]

State an equation for the electric field strength $E$ at distance $r$ from a point charge $Q$ in a vacuum. Also give the name of any other symbol used.

(b)

Two point charges A and B are separated by $10.0\,\text{cm}$ in a vacuum, as shown in Fig. 6.1. A point $P$ lies on the straight line joining A and B. Point $P$ is at distance $x$ from A. Figure 6.2 shows how the electric field strength $E$ at $P$ changes with $x$.

(b(i))[2]

State and explain whether charges A and B have equal signs or opposite signs.

(b(ii))[2]

State and explain whether charges A and B have the same magnitude or different magnitudes.

(c)[4]

An electron is placed at point $P$. Without doing any calculation, state and explain how the size of the electron’s acceleration changes as it moves from the position where $x = 3\,\text{cm}$ to the position where $x = 7\,\text{cm}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $E = \frac{Q}{4\pi\varepsilon_0 r^2}$

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