Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Electric potential

Electric potential — practice question

A solid metal sphere carrying positive charge is isolated in space. The electric field strength $E$ is recorded at various distances $x$ from the sphere’s centre. Fig. 5.1 shows how the field strength $E$ changes with $x$.
(a)[2]

Suggest why the electric field strength is zero for $x<4.0\,\text{cm}$.

(b)[3]

A point charge of $+8.5 \times 10^{-9}\,\text{C}$ travels from the position where $x = 7.0\,\text{cm}$ to the position where $x = 5.0\,\text{cm}$. Use Fig. 5.1 to estimate the change in electric potential energy for this point charge.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The charges in the metal are unable to move freely

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