Capacitance PhysicsAndMathsTutor.

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Mark schemes
(a) (Dielectric constant is) and is equal to 6 ✔
1.
OR
The permittivity of the dielectric is 6 times the permittivity of free space
Allow: = 6.
Its not enough to quote relative permittivity = 6
1

(b) (Electric field exists between plates)

Polar molecules align with their positive side facing the negative plate (owtte) ✔1
✔1 or vice versa.

producing a counter electric field/reducing the field between the plates ✔2

The pd V reduces between the capacitor plates but charge Q remains the same so
capacitance Q/V increases. ✔3
✔3 This mark may be approached from the idea that more charge
would be required to maintain pd hence C increases by referencing
C = Q/V
3

(c) Q remains the same ✔1

New C is 6 × previous C ✔2
✔2 May be seen in the substitution in the energy difference
calculation

Energy difference = 3.8 × 10−9 J ✔3

✔3 Calculates change in energy using E = ½Q2 = 4.58 x
10-9 – 7.64 x 10-10
Where Q = 7.6 × 10−10 C : c1 = 63 × 10−12 F
and c2 = 6 × 63 × 10−12 E = 378 × 10−12 J
Condone a negative final answer
If no marks given award single mark for the initial energy stored =
4.58 x 10-9 J
3

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(d) showing a linear decrease and increase ✔

points correct at 0, 180 and 360 degrees ✔

Ignore graph beyond 360 degrees

2

(e) Insert dielectric between plates/attach dielectric to one plate

OR reduce air gap explained ✔

Dielectric has εr = 4 ✔

air gap reduced to ¼ ✔

1st mark for quantitative answer for air gap or dielectric or both.
(Allow: more plates when explained)
2nd and 3rd marks for numerical analysis for air gap and dielectric
change. Do not allow incorrect physics.
3
[12]

D
2.

[1]

C
3.
[1]

A
4.
[1]

5. (a)

{allow 11 V to 2 sig figs}

1

(b) (Peak voltage 3 divisions corresponding to 15 V)

y-voltage gain = 5 (V div–1) ✔

1

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(c) A horizontal line drawn at 10.6 V ✔

Tolerance – must be between 10 and 11 up from the centre
Allow ecf from (a)
1

(d) (Period T = corresponds to 8 divisions

T = 8 × 5.0 × 10–4 s = 0.0040 s
Frequency = 1/T = 1/0.0040) = 250 (Hz) ✔
Answer only gains the mark.
1

(e) Time constant = 4 × 10–4 (s) ✔1 {only needs 1 sig fig}

The second and third mark can come from the following alternatives.
Note the mark is for the method so allow arithmetic slips and imprecise measurements.
To use a number of small divisions rather than grid divisions is not
an arithmetic error. This error comes from not knowing how the
oscilloscope is used.
Full marks can be awarded from consideration of the charging part
of the cycle.
The equation can be presented in a number of variations using RC
or τ for example.

Make use of the equation

Substitute values for Vt and Vo (confirmed by the graph) and calculate the (unknown) time
constant. ✔3a
Typical calculation might be:
in 2 time divisions. Substitution into the equation will give τ

Vt and Vo both need to be defined in relation to the graph

OR
Ln2 (= 0.69)

Substitute time for V to decrease to half its value (confirmed by the graph) and calculate
the time constant ✔3b
OR
V halves its value in 0.5 time divisions.
Substituting gives τ
needs to be defined in relation to the graph

OR
The voltage falls to 1/e or 37% in a time constant ✔2c {owtte}
Find the time that corresponds to this fall in voltage confirmed by the graph (normally the
start of the discharge This gives the τ directly) ✔3c

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OR
37% of 3 divisions is 1.1 divisions which occurs in time ¾ time
divisions giving τ
3

(f) Reduce the time-base setting ✔1a

Uncertainty is due to the smallness of the divisions and this action means the
waveform/trace stretched horizontally/in x-direction. ✔2a {owtte}

OR

Increase the y-gain ✔1b

Uncertainty is due to the smallness of the divisions and this action means the
waveform/trace stretched vertically/in y-direction. (The trace will need to be moved
vertically to fit on the screen) ✔2b {owtte}
1 Stated answer must be a practicable change
2Explanation must refer to both the trace and its relation to
uncertainty and follow a correct change.
2
[9]

A
6.
[1]

A
7.
[1]

A
8.
[1]

(a) tick in first box (2.7 V) ✔

9.
[cao]
1

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(b) move position until needle / pointer hides / is aligned with its reflection in the
mirror or wtte 1✔
for 1✔ allow ‘view scale so needle / pointer hides reflection’;
condone ‘there is no reflection’

this reduces / eliminates parallax error

OR

to ensure scale is read from directly above 2✔

for 2✔ reject ‘reduces / eliminates human error’
allow ‘reading is made when at right angles’ / ‘perpendicular to the
scale’;
reject ‘view scale at eye level’ / ‘so not looking at an angle’ / ‘so not
looking straight at needle’
2

(c) average correct

OR

uncertainty in correct 1✔
for 1✔ average = 12.04 (s); reject 12.0
allow credit for correct seen in working for percentage
uncertainty;
uncertainty in (from half range) = 0.11 (s)
1

percentage uncertainty in correct 2✔

for 2✔ minimum 2 sf;
correct answer rounds to 0.91(4)%
1

(d) time constant =

OR

expect 17.37 (s);

allow minimum 3 sf 17.4 / use of ln 2 = 0.69 for leading to 17.45;

reject use of = 12 leading to 17.31;

reject (ignoring −sign in result)

1

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(e) ways ensure pd across C doesn’t exceed 3 V

before connecting C to X 1✔

as X is connected 2✔
for 1✔ discharge C / connect flying lead to Y / ‘reset to 0 V’ (before
reconnecting);
reject ‘reset equipment’
for 2✔ reduce the output pd / socket X (or wtte) to ≤ 3 V (then
reconnect C and adjust pd so meter reads full-scale);
reject ‘only charge C to 3 V’
idea of adding resistance to limit pd is neutral
Max 3

suggests timing for ∆V > 1.5 V or wtte 3a✔

OR

take repeated readings (of or time constant);

any valid processing eg calculate an average value / reject anomalies / check results are
concordant or wtte 3b✔

check / correct / compensate for any zero error (on the voltmeter) 4✔

suggests a valid quantitative test of theory by comparison with the result obtained using the
15 V range 5✔
for 3a✔ accept ‘increase timing interval’ / time for concurrent half
lives or wtte;
reject ‘measure time for C to fully discharge’
for 3b✔ accept ‘repeat the experiment and calculate a mean’ only if
this refers to
reject ‘repeat etc to get more reliable result’
for 4✔ accept ‘check etc for systematic error’
‘student’ is repeating previous experiment so reject idea of making
V the dependent variable / plot V against t / using data logging
(theory will be correct if) half-life / time constant is one fifth / 20% (of
previous value) / about 3.5 s / time constant reduced by 80% / ratio
of time constant to range / ratio of half-life to range is same / similar
reject ‘plot ln V against t, find (−gradient−1)’
1

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(f) in answer space 1:

any valid comment about the values of V in Table 2 1✔

corresponding explanation 2✔ (contingent on 1✔)

give credit for any good physics, eg
V recorded to nearest volt 1✔
because of (low) scale resolution / hard to interpolate between
markings; reject ‘values easier to plot’ 2✔

in answer space 2:

different valid comment about the values of V in Table 2 3✔

corresponding explanation 4✔ (contingent on 3✔)

different / decreasing intervals between values of V / more lower
values of V 3✔
to make intervals between t readings about the same / or wtte;
allow ‘to distribute data on graph’ or wtte / to allow (convenient
interval for) t to be read / recorded 4✔

only credit one comment and explanation per answer space

comments about the number of data sets are neutral

no readings for V < 2 V / smallest V = 2 V 5✔
because difficult to establish exact moment to read stopwatch /
needle is moving too slowly / sensible comment about parallax 6✔
V data over wide range / from 14 to 2 (V) 7✔
to maximise evidence available (for graph / Figure 8) or wtte 8✔
no readings for V > 14 V / largest V = 14 V 9✔
can begin discharge C before starting stopwatch 10✔
4

(g) attempts gradient calculation using ∆ln(V / V) divided by ∆t;

use of

for 1a✔ expected gradient is −0.077;

condone one read-off error in gradient calculation or missing sign;
allow any subject / (at least) substitution of their gradient into a valid
calculation for R
condone missing / wrong POT for capacitance

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OR

reads off ln V0, ln V and corresponding ∆t from Figure 3;

use of

for 1b✔ condone one read off error;

allow any subject / (at least) substitution of all their data into a valid
calculation for R
condone missing / wrong POT for capacitance
1b✔variation below:
reads off ln V0 and finds V0 = 14.1 (V);

reads of ln 5.2 = 1.65; ∆t ≈ 13 (s)

valid working leading to

voltmeter resistance ≥ 3 sf in range 15.0 kΩ to 16.6 kΩ 2✔

voltmeter resistance ≥ 3 sf in range 15.5 kΩ to 16.1 kΩ 3✔

accept > 3 sf that rounds to 3 sf in range
allow 23✔ = 1 MAX for POT error
allow 123✔ = 1 MAX for using Table 2 data
3

(h) reads ln(V10 / V) from Figure 8;

deduces V10 in range 6.36 to 6.69 (V) 1✔

for 1✔ V10 to ≥ 3 sf required;
accept > 3 sf that rounds to 3 sf in range;
accept V0 from ln V0 read off and V10 deduced
from

condone use of V0 = 15(V);

if V10 is not recorded allow 1✔ for use of in the calculation of
I10 where ln(V10 / V) is in the range 1.85 to 1.90

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1

≥ 2 sf result in range 3.9 to 4.3 × 10−4 (A) 2✔

for 2✔ allow use of resistance = 16 × 103 (Ω);
accept ≥ 3 sf result that rounds to 2 sf in range
allow ECF if V10 is correctly obtained from an incorrect ln(V10 / V)
read off and I10

1
[19]

C
10.
[1]

C
11.
[1]

B
12.
[1]

(a) (Refers to a capacitor that) stores/holds/changes by 370 μC of charge ✔

13.
For every (1) volt/volt change (of pd across its plates) ✔

OR

Reference to charge to pd OR charge to voltage ratio ✔ includes units C or coulomb and V

or volt ✔
“Unit of pd” is no substitute for using volt and “unit of charge” is no
substitute for coulomb.
However the alternative marking could give a single mark for 370 ×
10–6 units of charge per unit of pd.
An equation may contribute towards the first mark but only if the
symbols are identified. A second mark can be given if the units are
identified.
Ignore poor phrasing like ‘per unit volt passing through’.
2

(b) (Using time constant = R C)

(R = 1.0 / 370 × 10–6)

R = 2.7 × 103 (Ω) ✔

Check that the unit on answer line has not been altered.
1

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(c) First mark for marking a cross at 2 s and 8.5 V (by eye) ✔

Second mark for graph starting at the origin and having a decreasing gradient ie not
reaching horizontal ✔

Cross must be in the bottom half but not on the 8.0 V major grid line
or exactly half way up (9.0 V).
If a series of plotting crosses are given only consider the one placed
at 2 s for the first mark.
2

(d) (Using T½ = 0.69 RC = 0.69 × 1.0)

T½ = 0.69 (s) ✔
1 sig fig is not acceptable
1

(e) (Use of Q = Qo(1 − )= CVo (1 − ))

Mark for max charge = CVo which may come from substitution or seeing 3.6(2) × 10–3 C ✔

3.0 × 10–3 = 370 × 10–6 × 9.8 (1 – e–t) ✔

Mark for substitution (0.8274 = (1 – e–t) so et = 1/0.173 = 5.79)

t = 1.7 s or 1.8 s ✔

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OR

Voltage V = Q/C = 3 × 10–3 / 370 × 10–6

= 8.1(1) V ✔

(Substitute into V = Vo(1 − ))

8.1 = 9.8 (1 – e–t) ✔

t = 1.7 s or 1.8 s ✔
Alternative mark scheme uses the voltage as proportional to the
charge.
Do not allow use of the graph for 2nd mark and 3rd mark.
An answer only gains only the last mark.
Evidence of working must be shown which shows substitution into a
(1 – e–t) form of the equation.
3
[9]

B
14.
[1]

C
15.
[1]

C
16.
[1]

(a) peak (to peak) voltage = 6.3(0) (V) ✔

17.
accept any answer that rounds to 6.3 V
do not allow power of ten errors, eg 0.0063 V
1

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(b) period = 8 divisions

(= 8 × 0.5 × 10–3 (s))

= 4 ms 1 ✔

= 250 (Hz) 2 ✔
award both marks if 250 Hz seen
accept 4.0(0) ms for 1 ✔ but reject 4.05, 3.95 etc
ecf2 ✔ for wrong period
2

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(c) any valid approach leading to RC in range

2.1 ×10–4 to 3.4 ×10–4 or 3 ×10–4 (s)

OR

their T in 02.2 × 0.069 ± 10 % 12 ✔ ✔

1 mark can be awarded for use of any valid

approach in which RC is seen with
substitutions or with rearranged equations, eg

OR

1.75 × 10–4 = RC × ln 2

OR

valid approaches;
reads off t when C starts to discharge and t at a lower value of V:

rearranges to calculate RC

for ecf 2 ✔ ∆t used must correspond to interpretation of time base

used in determining the frequency in (b); there is no ecf for
misinterpretation of the voltage scale
OR
reads off t when C starts to charge and t at a higher value of V:

rearranges to calculate RC etc

OR

determines half-life t0.5 and finds RC from

for ecf 2 ✔ t0.5 used must correspond to etc

OR
uses idea that during discharge V falls to 0.37V0 in one time
constant: determines suitable V and reads off RC directly
for ecf 2 ✔ time interval used must correspond to etc
OR

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uses idea that during charging V rises to 0.63V0 in one time
constant: determines suitable V and reads off RC directly
reject idea that V falls to zero in 5RC
2

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(d) qualitative comment

idea that the waveform will stretch horizontally 1 ✔

quantitative comment

by a factor of ✔

OR

half a cycle now covers 10 (horizontal) divisions on the screen 2 ✔

(and also earns 1 ✔ )

(so the) resolution of the time axis has increased 3 ✔ (and also
earns 1 ✔ )

measuring larger distance / across more divisions from the screen

reduces (percentage) uncertainty in reading the time (constant /
interval / half life) 4 ✔
for 1 ✔ look for reference to time axis or direction waveform is
re-scaled
accept ‘graph is longer/stretched’ or ‘ will not see whole cycle’ or
‘fewer cycles shown’ or ‘period takes more space’ or ‘distance being
measured is larger’ or ‘time per division is less’ or ‘larger in x
direction’ or ‘time is stretched’
reject ‘waveform becomes larger’ or ‘ may not see whole cycle’ or
‘measuring larger time’
for 2 ✔ there needs to be valid quantitative detail
award 12 ✔ ✔ for ‘ half a cycle now fills the screen’ or ‘ half a cycle is
displayed’ as these clearly recognise the stretching is along the
time axis and ‘half’ is quantitative
accept ‘new distance (on screen corresponding to half life or time
constant) is 2.5 × answer shown in working for (c)’
the candidate who realises that half a wave now covers the
complete width of the screen cannot claim this is a disadvantage;
they would still be able to bring either half cycle into view by using
the X-shift and find RC for 3 ✔ uses technical language correctly
ignore (but do not penalise) ‘times are more precise’ or ‘more
accurate’
reject ‘smaller resolution’ or ‘lower resolution’
for 4 ✔ there needs to be a qualifying explanation for the comment
about uncertainty
reject ‘advantage because the (time) scale is easier to read’
3 MAX

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(e) valid sketch on Figure 7 showing discharge time to 0 V reduced and charging time to peak
voltage reduced (see below) 1 ✔

connecting resistor in parallel with R halves [reduces by 50%] circuit

[total] resistance [time constant] 2 ✔

do not insist on seeing second discharge although if shown this

must look correct
2

(f) amendment to Figure 8 showing waveform across R with approximately the correct shape,
amplitude ± V and the correct phase

correct waveform shown while signal generator output is low (0 V):

only the complete negative half cycle needs to be shown but if
second negative half cycle is included it must be correct 1 ✔

correct waveform shown while voltage across signal generator

output is high; condone no signal or signal = 0 V before going to –V
for the first time 2 ✔

don’t insist on seeing vertical lines

2

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(g) reduce the (sensitivity of) (Y-voltage)) gain 1 ✔

(change) to 2 V division–1 2 ✔ (and earns 1 ✔ )

adjust the Y (vertical) shift 3 ✔

‘make (Y-) gain smaller’ or ‘increase the volts per division’ or
‘reduce the Y-resolution’ are acceptable substitutes for ‘reduce the
(Y-)gain’
increase the (Y-) gain to 2 V division–1 2 ✔ not 1 ✔
reduce the (Y-) gain to 0.5 V division–1 1 ✔ not 2 ✔
ignore any comment about time base or ‘X-gain’
if all positive waveform is given for (f) allow sensible comment about
triggering/stability control, eg
waveform may not be stable 1 ✔ ; adjust triggering 2 ✔
2 MAX
[14]

A
18.
[1]

D
19.
[1]

C
20.
[1]

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