Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Electric potential

Electric potential — practice question

(a)[2]

Define electric potential at a point in an electric field.

(b)

A positively charged isolated solid metal sphere is shown. The way the potential $V$ varies with distance $x$ from the centre of the sphere appears in Fig. 5.1. Use Fig. 5.1 to suggest

(b(i))[1]

why the sphere’s radius cannot be more than $1.0\,\text{cm}$.

(b(ii))[3]

that the charge on the sphere acts as though it were a point charge.

(c)[2]

Assuming that the charge on the sphere does act like a point charge, use data from Fig. 5.1 to find the charge on the sphere.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Gives potential as the work done in moving unit positive charge from infinity to the point

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