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

Electric force between point charges — practice question

In vacuum, an $\alpha$-particle and a proton are shown in Fig. 4.1, both initially at rest and separated by $20\ \mu\text{m}$.
(a(i))[2]

State Coulomb’s law in words.

(a(ii))[2]

Treat the $\alpha$-particle and the proton as point charges. Calculate the electric force between the $\alpha$-particle and the proton.

(b(i))[2]

Define electric field strength in words.

(b(ii).1)[2]

Explain why the two electric fields on their own have opposite signs.

(b(ii).2)[3]

On Fig. 4.2, sketch how the combined electric field due to the $\alpha$-particle and the proton varies with $x$ for $x$ from $4\ \mu\text{m}$ to $16\ \mu\text{m}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Force is proportional to the product of the two charges

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