For

1
Examiner’s
Use

1 (a) Define capacitance. [May/June 2005]

..........................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) (i) One use of a capacitor is for the storage of electrical energy.
Briefly explain how a capacitor stores energy.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

a
...............................................................................................................................[2]

ky
Calculate the change in the energy stored in a capacitor of capacitance 1200 µF

ha
(ii)
when the potential difference across the capacitor changes from 50 V to 15 V.

aS
dr
an
Ch
it
aj
yS
db

energy change = ....................................... J [3]

ge
an
rr
r ea
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co
 2 For
Examiner’s
Use

2 (a) Define potential at a point in an electric field. [May/June 2002]

..........................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) An isolated metal sphere of radius r carries a charge +Q. The charge may be assumed
to be concentrated at the centre of the sphere.

(i) State, in terms of r and Q, the electric potential V at the surface of the sphere.
Identify any other symbols you use.

...................................................................................................................................

a
ky
...................................................................................................................................

ha
(ii) Write down the relationship between capacitance C, charge Q and potential V.

aS
...................................................................................................................................

dr
an
(iii) Hence show that the capacitance C of the sphere is given by

C = 4πε0r. Ch
jit
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd

[3]
da
le
pi
m
Co
 3 For
Examiner’s
Use

(c) The sphere in (b) has a radius of 15 cm and carries a charge of 2.0 × 10–6 C.

Calculate

(i) the capacitance of the sphere,

a
ky
ha
capacitance = .............................. µF

aS
dr
(ii) the energy stored on the sphere.

an
Ch
jit
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra

energy = .............................. J
[4]
ar
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co
 4 For
Examiner’s
Use
[May/June 2003]
3 In a particular experiment, a high voltage is created by charging an isolated metal sphere, as
illustrated in Fig. 4.1.

metal sphere

a
ky
insulating

ha
column

aS
dr
Fig. 4.1

an
Ch
The sphere has diameter 42 cm and any charge on its surface may be considered as if it
were concentrated at its centre.
jit
Sa

The air surrounding the sphere loses its insulating properties, causing a spark, when the
electric field exceeds 20 kV cm–1.
by
ed

(a) By reference to an atom in the air, suggest the mechanism by which the electric field
causes the air to become conducting.
ng
ra

..........................................................................................................................................
ar

..........................................................................................................................................
re
nd

..........................................................................................................................................
da

..................................................................................................................................... [3]
le

(b) Calculate, for the charged sphere when a spark is about to occur,
pi
m

(i) the charge on the sphere,

Co

charge = ………………………………. C [3]

 5 For
Examiner’s
Use

(ii) its potential.

a
ky
potential = ………………………………. V [2]

ha
(c) Under certain conditions, a spark sometimes occurs before the potential reaches that

aS
calculated in (b)(ii). Suggest a reason for this.

dr
..........................................................................................................................................

an
Ch
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
jit
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co
 For
6
Examiner’s
[May/June 2006] Use

4 An isolated conducting sphere of radius r is placed in air. It is given a charge +Q. This charge
may be assumed to act as a point charge situated at the centre of the sphere.

(a) (i) Define electric field strength.

...................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) State a formula for the electric field strength E at the surface of the sphere. Also,
state the meaning of any other symbols used.

...................................................................................................................................

a
ky
...................................................................................................................................

ha
.............................................................................................................................. [2]

aS
(b) The maximum field strength at the surface of the sphere before electrical breakdown

dr
(sparking) occurs is 2.0 × 106 V m–1. The sphere has a radius r of 0.35 m.

an
Ch
Calculate the maximum values of jit
(i) the charge that can be stored on the sphere,
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da

charge = ………...……………… C [2]

le
pi

(ii) the potential at the surface of the sphere.

m
Co

potential = ………...……………… V [2]

 For
7
Examiner’s
Use

(c) Suggest the effect of the electric field on a single atom near the sphere’s surface as
electrical breakdown of the air occurs.

..........................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

a
ky
ha
aS
dr
an
Ch
jit
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co
 For
8
Examiner’s
[November/December 2006] Use

5 An alternating supply of frequency 50 Hz and having an output of 6.0 V r.m.s. is to be

rectified so as to provide direct current for a resistor R. The circuit of Fig. 6.1 is used.

50 Hz
R
6.0 V r.m.s

a
ky
ha
B

aS
dr
Fig. 6.1

an
The diode is ideal. The Y-plates of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) are connected between

Ch
points A and B. jit
(a) (i) Calculate the maximum potential difference across the diode during one cycle.
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da
le

potential difference = ………………………… V [2]

pi
m

(ii) State the potential difference across R when the diode has maximum potential
difference across it. Give a reason for your answer.
Co

...................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [1]
 For
9
Examiner’s
Use

(b) The Y-plate sensitivity of the c.r.o. is set at 2.0 V cm–1 and the time-base at 5.0 ms cm–1.

On Fig. 6.2, draw the waveform that is seen on the screen of the c.r.o. [3]

a
ky
ha
aS
dr
an
Ch
jit
Sa

1.0 cm
by
ed

1.0 cm
ng

Fig. 6.2
ra
ar

(c) A capacitor of capacitance 180 µF is connected into the circuit to provide smoothing of
re

the potential difference across the resistor R.

nd

(i) On Fig. 6.1, show the position of the capacitor in the circuit. [1]
da

(ii) Calculate the energy stored in the fully-charged capacitor.

le
pi
m
Co

energy = ………………………… J [3]

 For
10
Examiner’s
Use

(iii) During discharge, the potential difference across the capacitor falls to 0.43 V0,
where V0 is the maximum potential difference across the capacitor.
Calculate the fraction of the total energy that remains in the capacitor after the
discharge.

a
ky
ha
aS
fraction = ………………………… [2]

dr
an
Ch
jit
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co
 For
11
Examiner’s
[November/December 2007] Use

6 A small charged metal sphere is situated in an earthed metal box. Fig. 4.1 illustrates the
electric field between the sphere and the metal box.

a
ky
ha
aS
dr
an
Fig. 4.1

(a) By reference to Fig. 4.1, state and explain

Ch
jit
(i) whether the sphere is positively or negatively charged,
Sa
by

..................................................................................................................................
ed

..................................................................................................................................
ng

..............................................................................................................................[2]
ra
ar

(ii) why it appears as if the charge on the sphere is concentrated at the centre of the
re

sphere.
nd

..................................................................................................................................
da

..............................................................................................................................[1]
le
pi

(b) On Fig. 4.1, draw an arrow to show the direction of the force on a stationary electron
m

situated at point A. [2]

Co
 For
12
Examiner’s
Use

(c) The radius r of the sphere is 2.4 cm. The magnitude of the charge q on the sphere is
0.76 nC.

(i) Use the expression

Q
V=
4πε0r
to calculate a value for the magnitude of the potential V at the surface of the
sphere.

a
ky
ha
aS
dr
an
Ch
jit V = ...............................................V [2]

(ii) State the sign of the charge induced on the inside of the metal box. Hence explain
Sa

whether the actual magnitude of the potential will be greater or smaller than the
value calculated in (i).
by
ed

..................................................................................................................................
ng

..................................................................................................................................
ra
ar

..................................................................................................................................
re

..............................................................................................................................[3]
nd

(d) A lead sphere is placed in a lead box in free space, in a similar arrangement to that
da

shown in Fig. 4.1. Explain why it is not possible for the gravitational field to have a similar
le

shape to that of the electric field.

pi
m

..........................................................................................................................................
Co

..........................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................[1]
 13

[May/June 2008]
For
7 A capacitor C is charged using a supply of e.m.f. 8.0 V. It is then discharged through a Examiner’s
resistor R. Use
The circuit is shown in Fig. 5.1.

8.0V R
C

a
ky
Fig. 5.1

ha
The variation with time t of the potential difference V across the resistor R during the

aS
discharge of the capacitor is shown in Fig. 5.2.

dr
8

an
V/V
Ch
jit
6
Sa
by
ed

4
ng
ra
ar

2
re
nd
da

0
le

0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0

pi

t/s
m
Co

Fig. 5.2

(a) During the first 1.0 s of the discharge of the capacitor, 0.13 J of energy is transferred to
the resistor R.
Show that the capacitance of the capacitor C is 4500 µF.
 14

For
(b) Some capacitors, each of capacitance 4500 µF with a maximum working voltage of 6 V, Examiner’s
are available. Use

Draw an arrangement of these capacitors that could provide a total capacitance of

4500 µF for use in the circuit of Fig. 5.1.

a
ky
ha
[2]

aS
dr
an
Ch
jit
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co
 15
For
[November/December 2007] Examiner’s
Use
8 (a) State one function of capacitors in simple circuits.

..........................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) A capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 15 V and then connected in series with
a switch, a resistor of resistance 12 kΩ and a sensitive ammeter, as shown in Fig. 5.1.

12 kΩ

a
ky
ha
aS
A

dr
an
Fig. 5.1
Ch
jit
The switch is closed and the variation with time t of the current I in the circuit is shown in
Sa

Fig. 5.2.
by

1.5
ed
ng
ra

I/mA
ar
re
nd

1.0
da
le
pi
m
Co

0.5

0
0 5 10 15 t /s 20

Fig. 5.2
 For
16
Examiner’s
Use

(i) State the relation between the current in a circuit and the charge that passes a
point in the circuit.

..................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) The area below the graph line of Fig. 5.2 represents charge.
Use Fig. 5.2 to determine the initial charge stored in the capacitor.

a
ky
ha
aS
dr
an
Ch
charge = ............................................ µC [4]
jit
(iii) Initially, the potential difference across the capacitor was 15 V.
Sa

Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.

by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da

capacitance = ............................................ µF [2]

le
pi

(c) The capacitor in (b) discharges one half of its initial energy. Calculate the new potential
m

difference across the capacitor.

Co

potential difference = ...............................................V [3]

 17
[May June 2008]
10 (a) Define electric potential at a point. For
Examiner’s
.......................................................................................................................................... Use

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) Two isolated point charges A and B are separated by a distance of 30.0 cm, as shown in
Fig. 4.1.

30.0 cm

A B

ya
ak
x

Sh
Fig. 4.1

a
dr
The charge at A is + 3.6 × 10–9 C.

an
The variation with distance x from A along AB of the potential V is shown in Fig. 4.2.

600 Ch
jit
Sa

V/V
by

400
ed
ng
ra

200
ar
re
nd

0
da

0 5 10 15 20 25 30
x / cm
le
pi
m

–200
Co

–400

–600

Fig. 4.2
 18

(i) State the value of x at which the potential is zero. For

Examiner’s
x = ........................................... cm [1] Use

(ii) Use your answer in (i) to determine the charge at B.

ya
ak
charge = ........................................... C [3]

a Sh
(c) A small test charge is now moved along the line AB in (b) from x = 5.0 cm to x = 27 cm.

dr
State and explain the value of x at which the force on the test charge will be maximum.

an
..........................................................................................................................................

Ch
..........................................................................................................................................
jit
Sa

..........................................................................................................................................
by

...................................................................................................................................... [3]
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co
 19
[May June 2008]
11 A capacitor C is charged using a supply of e.m.f. 8.0 V. It is then discharged through a For
resistor R. Examiner’s
The circuit is shown in Fig. 5.1. Use

8.0V R
C

ya
Fig. 5.1

ak
The variation with time t of the potential difference V across the resistor R during the

Sh
discharge of the capacitor is shown in Fig. 5.2.

a
dr
8

an
Ch
V/V jit
6
Sa
by
ed

4
ng
ra
ar

2
re
nd
da

0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
le

t/s
pi
m

Fig. 5.2
Co

(a) During the first 1.0 s of the discharge of the capacitor, 0.13 J of energy is transferred to
the resistor R.
Show that the capacitance of the capacitor C is 4500 µF.

[3]
 20

(b) Some capacitors, each of capacitance 4500 µF with a maximum working voltage of 6 V, For
are available. Examiner’s
Use

Draw an arrangement of these capacitors that could provide a total capacitance of

4500 µF for use in the circuit of Fig. 5.1.

ya
ak
[2]

a Sh
dr
an
Ch
jit
Sa
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co
 21
[May June 2009]
12 A solid metal sphere, of radius r, is insulated from its surroundings. The sphere has For
charge +Q. Examiner’s
This charge is on the surface of the sphere but it may be considered to be a point charge at Use

its centre, as illustrated in Fig. 5.1.

+Q

ya
Fig. 5.1

ak
Sh
(a) (i) Define capacitance.

a
..................................................................................................................................

dr
an
............................................................................................................................ [1]

(ii) Show that the capacitance C of the sphere is given by the expression Ch
jit
Sa

C = 4πε0r.
by
ed
ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da

[1]
le

(b) The sphere has radius 36 cm.

pi

Determine, for this sphere,

m
Co

(i) the capacitance,

capacitance = ............................................ F [1]

 22

(ii) the charge required to raise the potential of the sphere from zero to 7.0 × 105 V. For
Examiner’s
Use

charge = ........................................... C [1]

ya
(c) Suggest why your calculations in (b) for the metal sphere would not apply to a plastic

ak
sphere.

Sh
..........................................................................................................................................

a
dr
..........................................................................................................................................

an
..........................................................................................................................................

Ch
.................................................................................................................................... [3]
jit
Sa

(d) A spark suddenly connects the metal sphere in (b) to the Earth, causing the potential of
the sphere to be reduced from 7.0 × 105 V to 2.5 × 105 V.
by
ed

Calculate the energy dissipated in the spark.

ng
ra
ar
re
nd
da
le
pi

energy = ............................................ J [3]

m
Co
 23
[October November 2009]
13 (a) Define electric potential at a point. For
Examiner’s
.......................................................................................................................................... Use

..........................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................... [2]

(b) An α-particle is emitted from a radioactive source with kinetic energy of 4.8 MeV.

The α-particle travels in a vacuum directly towards a gold ( 197

79Au) nucleus, as illustrated
in Fig. 5.1.

path of gold

ya
α - particle nucleus

ak
Sh
Fig. 5.1

a
dr
The α-particle and the gold nucleus may be considered to be point charges in an isolated

an
system.

(i)
Ch
Explain why, as the α-particle approaches the gold nucleus, it comes to rest.
it
aj
..................................................................................................................................
yS

..................................................................................................................................
db

............................................................................................................................ [2]
ge
an

(ii) For the closest approach of the α-particle to the gold nucleus determine
rr

1. their separation,
r ea
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co

separation = ........................................... m [3]

 24

14 (a) Define capacitance. [October November 2009]

For
Examiner’s
.......................................................................................................................................... Use

.................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) An isolated metal sphere of radius R has a charge +Q on it.

The charge may be considered to act as a point charge at the centre of the sphere.

Show that the capacitance C of the sphere is given by the expression

C = 40R

ya
where 0 is the permittivity of free space.

ak
a Sh
dr
an
Ch
it
aj
yS
db

[1]
ge

(c) In order to investigate electrical discharges (lightning) in a laboratory, an isolated metal

sphere of radius 63 cm is charged to a potential of 1.2 × 106 V.
an
rr

At this potential, there is an electrical discharge in which the sphere loses 75% of its
ea

energy.
r
nd

Calculate
da

(i) the capacitance of the sphere, stating the unit in which it is measured,
le
pi
m
Co

capacitance = ................................................ [3]

 25

(ii) the potential of the sphere after the discharge has taken place. For
Examiner’s
Use

potential = ............................................. V [3]

 26

15 (a) State two functions of capacitors in electrical circuits. For

Examiner’s
1. ..................................................................................................................................... Use

2. .....................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Three capacitors, each marked ‘30 μF, 6 V max’, are arranged as shown in Fig. 5.1.

ya
ak
A B

Sh
d ra
an
Fig. 5.1

Ch
Determine, for the arrangement shown in Fig. 5.1,

(i) the total capacitance, jit

Sa
by
ed
ng
r ra

capacitance = ......................................... μF [2]

ea

(ii) the maximum potential difference that can safely be applied between points A
r

and B.
nd
da
ile
mp
Co

potential difference = ........................................... V [2]

© UCLES 2010 9702/43/M/J/10

 27
(c) A capacitor of capacitance 4700 μF is charged to a potential difference of 18 V. It is then For
partially discharged through a resistor. The potential difference is reduced to 12 V. Examiner’s
Calculate the energy dissipated in the resistor during the discharge. Use

ya
ak
Sh
energy = ........................................... J [3]

d ra
an
Ch
jit
Sa
by
ed
ng
r ra
r ea
nd
da
ile
mp
Co

© UCLES 2010 9702/43/M/J/10 [Turn over

 28
16 (a) Define capacitance. For
Examiner’s
.......................................................................................................................................... Use

...................................................................................................................................... [1]

(b) An isolated metal sphere has a radius r. When charged to a potential V, the charge on

ya
the sphere is q.
The charge may be considered to act as a point charge at the centre of the sphere.

k
ha
(i) State an expression, in terms of r and q, for the potential V of the sphere.

aS
.............................................................................................................................. [1]

(ii) This isolated sphere has capacitance. Use your answers in (a) and (b)(i) to show

dr
that the capacitance of the sphere is proportional to its radius.

an
Ch
jit
Sa
by

[1]
ed

(c) The sphere in (b) has a capacitance of 6.8 pF and is charged to a potential of 220 V.
ng

Calculate
ra

(i) the radius of the sphere,

ar
re
nd
da
ile

radius = ........................................... m [3]

mp
Co

© UCLES 2010 9702/41/O/N/10

 29
(ii) the charge, in coulomb, on the sphere. For
Examiner’s
Use

k ya
ha
aS
charge = ........................................... C [1]

(d) A second uncharged metal sphere is brought up to the sphere in (c) so that they touch.

dr
The combined capacitance of the two spheres is 18 pF.

an
Calculate

Ch
(i) the potential of the two spheres,

jit
Sa
by
ed
ng

potential = ............................................ V [1]

ra

(ii) the change in the total energy stored on the spheres when they touch.
ar
re
nd
da
ile

change = ........................................... J [3]

mp
Co

© UCLES 2010 9702/41/O/N/10 [Turn over

 30
17 (a) (i) State what is meant by electric potential at a point. For
Examiner’s
.................................................................................................................................. Use

..................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................. [2]

ya
(ii) Define capacitance.

k
ha
..................................................................................................................................

aS
............................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The variation of the potential V of an isolated metal sphere with charge Q on its surface

dr
is shown in Fig. 4.1.

an
200

Ch
jit
150 Sa
V / kV
by

100
ed
ng

50
ra
ar

0
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
re

Q / µC
Fig. 4.1
nd
da
ile
mp
Co

© UCLES 2010 9702/43/O/N/10

 31
An isolated metal sphere has capacitance. For
Examiner’s
Use Fig. 4.1 to determine Use

(i) the capacitance of the sphere,

k ya
ha
aS
dr
capacitance = ............................................. F [2]

an
(ii) the electric potential energy stored on the sphere when charged to a potential

Ch
of 150 kV.

jit
Sa
by
ed
ng

energy = ............................................. J [2]

ra

(c) A spark reduces the potential of the sphere from 150 kV to 75 kV.
Calculate the energy lost from the sphere.
ar
re
nd
da
ile
mp

energy = ............................................. J [2]

Co

© UCLES 2010 9702/43/O/N/10 [Turn over

 6

3 A capacitor consists of two metal plates separated by an insulator, as shown in Fig. 3.1. For
Examiner’s
Use

metal plate

a
insulator

ky
ha
metal plate

aS
Fig. 3.1

dr
The potential difference between the plates is V. The variation with V of the magnitude of the

an
charge Q on one plate is shown in Fig. 3.2.

Ch
20

jit
Sa
15
by

Q / mC
ed

10
ng
rra

5
a
re

0
0 5 10 15
nd

V/V
da

Fig. 3.2
le

(a) Explain why the capacitor stores energy but not charge.
pi

..........................................................................................................................................
m

..........................................................................................................................................
Co

..........................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................... [3]

© UCLES 2011 9702/42/M/J/11

 7

(b) Use Fig. 3.2 to determine For

Examiner’s
(i) the capacitance of the capacitor, Use

a
ky
ha
aS
capacitance = .......................................... μF [2]

dr
(ii) the loss in energy stored in the capacitor when the potential difference V is reduced

an
from 10.0 V to 7.5 V.

Ch
jit
Sa
by
ed

energy = ......................................... mJ [2]

ng
a rra
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co

© UCLES 2011 9702/42/M/J/11 [Turn over

 8

(c) Three capacitors X, Y and Z, each of capacitance 10 μF, are connected as shown in For
Fig. 3.3. Examiner’s
Use

a
ky
A B

ha
Z

aS
dr
Fig. 3.3

an
Initially, the capacitors are uncharged.
A potential difference of 12 V is applied between points A and B.

Ch
Determine the magnitude of the charge on one plate of capacitor X.

jit
Sa
by
ed
ng

charge = ......................................... μC [3]

a rra
re
nd
da
le
pi
m
Co

© UCLES 2011 9702/42/M/J/11

 8

4 (a) Define electric potential at a point. For

Examiner’s
.......................................................................................................................................... Use

..........................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................... [2]

a
ky
(b) Two small spherical charged particles P and Q may be assumed to be point charges
located at their centres. The particles are in a vacuum.

ha
Particle P is fixed in position. Particle Q is moved along the line joining the two charges,

aS
as illustrated in Fig. 4.1.

particle P particle Q

dr
an
x

Ch
Fig. 4.1

The variation with separation x of the electric potential energy EP of particle Q is shown
in Fig. 4.2.
jit
Sa
0
by

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
x / 10–10 m
ed

–1
ng
rra

–2
a

E P / eV
re

–3
nd
da

–4
le

Fig. 4.2
pi

(i) State how the magnitude of the electric field strength is related to potential
m

gradient.
Co

..................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................. [1]

© UCLES 2011 9702/41/M/J/11

 9

(ii) Use your answer in (i) to show that the force on particle Q is proportional to the For
gradient of the curve of Fig. 4.2. Examiner’s
Use

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

a
.............................................................................................................................. [2]

ky
(c) The magnitude of the charge on each of the particles P and Q is 1.6 × 10–19 C.

ha
Calculate the separation of the particles at the point where particle Q has electric
potential energy equal to –5.1 eV.

aS
dr
an
Ch
jit
Sa
separation = ............................................ m [4]

(d) By reference to Fig. 4.2, state and explain

by

(i) whether the two charges have the same, or opposite, sign,
ed

..................................................................................................................................
ng

..................................................................................................................................
rra

.............................................................................................................................. [2]
a

(ii) the effect, if any, on the shape of the graph of doubling the charge on particle P.
re

..................................................................................................................................
nd

..................................................................................................................................
da

.............................................................................................................................. [2]
le
pi
m
Co

© UCLES 2011 9702/41/M/J/11 [Turn over