Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Electric force between point charges

Electric force between point charges — practice question

Two point charges A and B each carry a charge of $+6.4 \times 10^{-19}\,\text{C}$. The charges lie in a vacuum and are $12.0\,\mu\text{m}$ apart, as illustrated in Fig. 4.1. Points P and Q lie on the straight line AB. Point P is $3.0\,\mu\text{m}$ from charge A, while point Q is $3.0\,\mu\text{m}$ from charge B.
(a)[3]

Calculate the repulsive force between charges A and B.

(b)[2]

Explain why, without using any calculation, the net work done is zero when a small test charge is transferred from point P to point Q.

(c)[4]

Calculate the work done by an electron as it moves from the midpoint of line AB to point P.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $F = q^2/(4\pi\varepsilon_0 x^2)$

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