Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Force on a moving charge
Force on a moving charge — practice question
A sphere with mass $1.6 \times 10^{-10}\,\text{kg}$ carries a charge of $+0.27\,\text{nC}$. It is placed in a uniform electric field acting vertically upwards, as shown in the side view in Fig. 2.1. The force from the electric field keeps the sphere at a fixed vertical height in a horizontal plane. A uniform magnetic field is also present in the electric-field region. The sphere travels at a speed of $0.78\,\text{m s}^{-1}$ in the horizontal plane. This magnetic field makes the sphere follow a circular path of radius $3.4\,\text{m}$, as shown in the view from above in Fig. 2.2.
(a(i))[1]
Determine the direction of the uniform magnetic field.
(a(ii))[2]
Explain why the sphere’s motion in the horizontal plane is circular.
(b)[2]
Calculate the strength of the uniform electric field.
(c)[3]
Using the magnetic force on the sphere, show that the flux density of the uniform magnetic field is $0.14\,\text{T}$.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Vertically downward” …