magnetic field [258 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.17

Two long parallel wires P and Q are a distance d apart. They each carry a
current.

A magnetic force per unit length F acts on P due to Q.

The distance between the wires is increased to 2d and the current in Q is

decreased to I

2
.

What is the magnetic force per unit length that acts on P due to Q after the
changes?

A. F

B. F

C. F

D. F [1]

2. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.19

A charged rod is brought near an initially neutral metal sphere without
touching it.

When the sphere is grounded (earthed), there is an electric current for a short
time from the sphere to the ground.
 The ground connection is then removed.

What are the charge on the rod and the charge induced on the sphere when
the connection is removed?

[1]

3. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.SL.TZ0.20

A positive point charge of magnitude 1.0 μC and a point charge q are
separated by a distance d.

An electron is placed at a distance d from the +1.0 μC charge. The electric

force on the electron is zero.

What is q?

A. −4.0 μC
 B. −2.0 μC

C. 2.0 μC
[1]
D. 4.0 μC

4. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.24

A solid metallic sphere is positively charged and isolated from all other
charges.

The electric potential due to the sphere

A. is constant inside the sphere.

B. is constant outside the sphere.

C. is smallest at the surface of the sphere.

D. increases with distance from the sphere. [1]

5. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.26

Two long parallel wires P and Q are a distance d apart. They each carry a
current.

A magnetic force per unit length F acts on P due to Q.

The distance between the wires is increased to 2d and the current in Q is

decreased to I

2
.
 What is the magnetic force per unit length that acts on P due to Q after the
changes?

A. F

B. F

C. F

2 [1]
D. F

6. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.27

P is a point in a uniform electric field.

What is the direction in which the electric potential increases at P?

[1]

7. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.31

A charged rod is brought near an initially neutral metal sphere without
touching it.

When the sphere is grounded (earthed), there is an electric current for a short
time from the sphere to the ground.
 The ground connection is then removed.

What are the charge on the rod and the charge induced on the sphere when
the connection is removed?

[1]

8. [Maximum mark: 1] SPM.1A.HL.TZ0.32

A positive point charge of magnitude 1.0 μC and a point charge q are
separated by a distance d.

An electron is placed at a distance d from the +1.0 μC charge. The electric

force on the electron is zero.

What is q?

A. −4.0 μC
 B. −2.0 μC

C. 2.0 μC
[1]
D. 4.0 μC

9. [Maximum mark: 20] SPM.2.SL.TZ0.7

The diagram shows two parallel conducting plates that are oppositely charged.

(a.i) Draw the electric field lines due to the charged plates. [2]

(a.ii) The potential difference between the plates is 960 V and the distance
between them is 8.0 mm. Calculate the electric field strength E
between the plates. [2]

In an experiment, an oil drop is introduced into the space between the plates through a
small hole in the upper plate. The oil drop moves through air in a tube before falling
between the plates.
(b) Explain why the oil drop becomes charged as it falls through the tube. [1]

(c) The oil drop is observed to be stationary in the space between the
plates. Buoyancy is one of the forces acting on the drop.

The density of oil is 730 times greater than that of air.

(c.i) Show that the buoyancy force is much smaller than the weight. [3]

(c.ii) Draw the forces acting on the oil drop, ignoring the buoyancy force.
 [2]

(c.iii) Show that the electric charge on the oil drop is given by

ρogV
q =
E

where ρ is the density of oil and V is the volume of the oil drop.
o [2]

(c.iv) State the sign of the charge on the oil drop. [1]

(d) The electric field is turned off. The oil drop falls vertically reaching a
constant speed v.

(d.i) Outline why, for this drop, ρ gV = 6πηrv where η is the viscosity of
o

air and r is the radius of the oil drop. [2]

(d.ii) Show that the charge on the oil drop is about 4. 8 × 10 −19
.
C

The following data for the oil drop are available:

r = 1. 36 μm
−5
η = 1. 60 × 10 Pa s

v = 0. 140 mm s
−1
[3]

(d.iii) The oil drop splits into two parts of equal mass. Both are charged.
Deduce the net charge on each part. [2]
10. [Maximum mark: 20] SPM.2.HL.TZ0.9
The diagram shows two parallel conducting plates that are oppositely charged.

(a.i) Draw the electric field lines due to the charged plates. [2]

(a.ii) The potential difference between the plates is 960 V and the distance
between them is 8.0 mm. Calculate the electric field strength E
between the plates. [2]

In an experiment, an oil drop is introduced into the space between the plates through a
small hole in the upper plate. The oil drop moves through air in a tube before falling
between the plates.

(b) Explain why the oil drop becomes charged as it falls through the tube. [1]
(c) The oil drop is observed to be stationary in the space between the
plates. Buoyancy is one of the forces acting on the drop.

The density of oil is 730 times greater than that of air.

(c.i) Show that the buoyancy force is much smaller than the weight. [3]

(c.ii) Draw the forces acting on the oil drop, ignoring the buoyancy force.

[2]

(c.iii) Show that the electric charge on the oil drop is given by

ρogV
q =
E

where ρ is the density of oil and V is the volume of the oil drop.
o [2]
(c.iv) State the sign of the charge on the oil drop. [1]

(d) The electric field is turned off. The oil drop falls vertically reaching a
constant speed v.

(d.i) Outline why, for this drop, ρ gV = 6πηrv where η is the viscosity of
o

air and r is the radius of the oil drop. [2]

(d.ii) Show that the charge on the oil drop is about 4. 8 × 10 −19
C.

The following data for the oil drop are available:

r = 1. 36 μm
−5
η = 1. 60 × 10 Pa s

v = 0. 140 mm s
−1
[3]
 (d.iii) The oil drop splits into two parts of equal mass. Both are charged.
Deduce the net charge on each part. [2]

11. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.15

Two long parallel wires X and Y carry equal currents I. The magnetic force exerted
per unit length of each wire is F .

The current in X is halved and the current in Y is doubled. What is the force per unit
length of each wire after the change?

Force per unit length of X Force per unit length of Y

A. F F

B. F

2
2F

C. 2F
F

[1]
D. 2F 2F
12. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.16
The force per unit length between two long parallel current-carrying wires is
F.

The distance between the wires is halved and the current in each wire is
doubled. What is the force per unit length of the wires after the change?

A. F

B. 2F

C. 4F

D. 8F [1]

13. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.17

Three current-carrying wires lie in the same plane and carry currents of 6 A, 2
A and 4 A. The currents are all in the same direction.

The 2 A wire is 4 cm from the 4 A wire and 6 cm from the 6 A wire.

What magnetic force per unit length acts on the 2 A wire?

A. 0

B. 40 μN m−1
 C. 80 μN m−1

D. 160 μN m−1
[1]

14. [Maximum mark: 1] EXE.1A.SL.TZ0.18

A 4.0 cm length of a conducting wire carries a current of 2.5 A. The length is
parallel to another long straight wire that carries a current of 10 A. The
distance between the wires is 1.0 cm. The currents are in opposite directions.

What is the magnitude of the force and the direction of the force acting on
the 4.0 cm length?

Magnitude of force / μN Direction of force

A. 1.3 Towards other wire
B. 20 Towards other wire
C. 1.3 Away from other wire
D. 20 Away from other wire
[1]

15. [Maximum mark: 7] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.14

Two long parallel current-carrying wires P and Q are separated by 0.10 m. The current in
wire P is 5.0 A.
The magnetic force on a length of 0.50 m of wire P due to the current in wire Q is 2.0 ×
10−5 N.
(a) State and explain the magnitude of the force on a length of 0.50 m of
wire Q due to the current in P. [2]

(b) Calculate the current in wire Q. [2]

(c) Another current-carrying wire R is placed parallel to wires P and Q and

halfway between them as shown.

The net magnetic force on wire Q is now zero.

(c.i) State the direction of the current in R, relative to the current in P. [1]
 (c.ii) Deduce the current in R. [2]

16. [Maximum mark: 6] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.15

(a) State the fundamental SI units for permeability of free space, μ . 0 [1]

A long straight wire carries a current of 2.0 A. A square conducting loop ABCD of side
length 0.20 m is placed near the straight wire, with side AB at a distance of 0.30 m from
the wire. There is a current of 1.0 A in the loop. The directions of the currents are shown.
 (b) State the direction, due to the current in the straight wire, of the

(b.i) magnetic field at A; [1]

(b.ii) magnetic force on section AB of the loop. [1]

(c) Determine the

(c.i) magnitude of the net force acting on the loop; [2]

(c.ii) direction of the net force acting on the loop. [1]

17. [Maximum mark: 7] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.16

Two parallel conducting wires both of length 0.25 m are arranged 0.20 m apart in a
circuit. The resistance of one wire is 15 Ω and the resistance of the other wire is 30 Ω.
The current in the 15 Ω wire is 10 A.

Assume that the magnetic force due to the Earth can be ignored.

(a) Determine the magnetic force acting on the 15 Ω wire due to the
current in the 30 Ω wire. [4]

(b) The magnetic field strength of Earth’s field at the location of the wires
is 45 μT.

Discuss the assumption made in this question.

 [3]

18. [Maximum mark: 7] EXE.2.SL.TZ0.17

Two parallel wires A and B both carry an electrical current into the page.

(a.i) Draw the magnetic field lines due to A. [2]

(a.ii) State and explain, using your diagram, why a force acts on B due to A
in the plane of the paper. [3]
(b) Both wires are 7.5 m long and are 0.25 m apart. The current in both
wires is 12 A. Determine the force that acts on one wire due to the
other. [2]
19. [Maximum mark: 1] 24M.1A.SL.TZ1.18
Electrons are moving in a long wire that is normal to the plane of the paper.
The electrons move into the paper.

What is the direction of the magnetic field at point P? [1]

20. [Maximum mark: 1] 24M.1A.HL.TZ1.6

A particle X has a small positive charge and is free to move. Y has a large
positive charge and is fixed. X is initially moving towards Y.

Y exerts an electric force F on X. Gravitational forces are negligible.

The magnitude of the force exerted by X on Y is

 A. zero.

B. less than the magnitude of F.

C. equal to the magnitude of F.

D. greater than the magnitude of F. [1]

21. [Maximum mark: 1] 24M.1A.HL.TZ1.15

Electrons are moving in a long wire that is normal to the plane of the paper.
The electrons move into the paper.

What is the direction of the magnetic field at point P? [1]

22. [Maximum mark: 1] 24M.1A.HL.TZ1.17

A particle with charge Q is accelerated from rest through a potential difference
V over a distance s.

The particle then enters a magnetic field of strength P at right angles to the
magnetic field direction.
 What single change will make the radius of curvature of the path of the
particle smaller?

A. Increase P

B. Decrease s

C. Increase V [1]

D. Decrease Q

23. [Maximum mark: 1] 24M.1A.HL.TZ1.32

Four positive charges are fixed at the corners of a square that has a diagonal
length of d. Three of the charges have a charge of +Q.

The total electric potential at the centre of the square is .

10kQ

What is the magnitude of the fourth charge?

A. Q

B. Q√ 2

C. 2Q

D. 4Q [1]

24. [Maximum mark: 1] 24M.1A.HL.TZ2.15

A sphere of mass m and positive charge q is at rest midway between two
horizontal parallel plates separated by a distance s. The potential difference
across the plates is V .
 What is q?

A. s

mgV

[1]
B. V

mgs

C.
mgV

D.
mgs

25. [Maximum mark: 1] 24M.1A.HL.TZ2.17

Electrons in a conductor are moving down the page. A proton outside the
wire is moving to the right.
 What is the direction of the magnetic force acting on the proton?

A. Down the page

B. Up the page

C. Out of the page

D. Into the page [1]

26. [Maximum mark: 1] 24M.1A.HL.TZ2.31

A positively charged particle is positioned in an electric field. Three
equipotential lines are shown. The particle is released.

What is the initial direction of the velocity of the particle? [1]

27. [Maximum mark: 9] 24M.2.SL.TZ2.4

(a) The diagram shows a junction in a circuit.
 [1]

The currents in the three wires are related by I1 = I2 + I3.

State the fundamental law of Physics from which this relation is

derived.

(b) A cell of emf 1.50 V and internal resistance r is connected to a resistor

of resistance 5.00 Ω and an ideal voltmeter V.

The reading of the voltmeter is 1.20 V.

(b.i) Determine the internal resistance r of the cell. [2]

(b.ii) A second 5.00 Ω resistor is connected in parallel to the first resistor.

State and explain the change, if any, in the voltmeter reading without
further calculation. [2]

(c) A proton moves on a circular path in a region of uniform magnetic

field of magnetic flux density B that is directed into the plane of the
page.
 (c.i) On the diagram, draw an arrow to indicate the velocity of the proton
at the position shown. [1]

(c.ii) Show that the frequency of revolution of the proton is given by

f =
π2
.
eB

mp
[3]

28. [Maximum mark: 10] 24M.2.HL.TZ2.4

(a) The diagram shows a junction in a circuit.

The currents in the three wires are related by I1 = I2 + I3.

 State the fundamental law of Physics from which this relation is [1]
derived.

(b) A cell of emf 1.50 V and internal resistance r is connected to a resistor

of resistance 5.00 Ω and an ideal voltmeter V.

The reading of the voltmeter is 1.20 V.

(b.i) Determine the internal resistance r of the cell. [2]

(b.ii) A second 5.00 Ω resistor is connected in parallel to the first resistor.

 [2]

State and explain the change, if any, in the voltmeter reading without
further calculation.

(c) A proton moves on a circular path in a region of uniform magnetic

field of magnetic flux density B that is directed into the plane of the
page.

(c.i) On the diagram, draw an arrow to indicate the velocity of the proton
at the position shown. [1]

(c.ii) Show that the frequency of revolution of the proton is given by

f =
π
2
.
eB

mp
[3]
 (c.iii) The magnitude of B is 2.5 T. Calculate the frequency of revolution of
the proton. [1]

29. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.SL.TZ1.18

Two point charges of +4q and −q are placed a fixed distance apart. Where is
the electric field strength equal to zero?

[1]

30. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.SL.TZ1.21

The path of three particles with identical magnitude of charge but different
mass is shown as they enter a region of uniform magnetic field. The particles
have the same initial velocity. The magnetic field is directed into the plane of
the paper.
 What is the mass of particle X compared to the other particles and what is the
sign of the charge on particle X?

[1]

31. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.SL.TZ2.18

Two point charges of +4q and −q are placed a fixed distance apart. Where is
the electric field strength equal to zero?

[1]

32. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.SL.TZ2.21

The path of three particles with identical magnitude of charge but different
mass is shown as they enter a region of uniform magnetic field. The particles
have the same initial velocity. The magnetic field is directed into the plane of
the paper.
 What is the mass of particle X compared to the other particles and what is the
sign of the charge on particle X?

[1]

33. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ1.15

Two point charges of +4q and −q are placed a fixed distance apart. Where is
the electric field strength equal to zero?

[1]

34. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ1.17

The path of three particles with identical magnitude of charge but different
mass is shown as they enter a region of uniform magnetic field. The particles
have the same initial velocity. The magnetic field is directed into the plane of
the paper.
 What is the mass of particle X compared to the other particles and what is the
sign of the charge on particle X?

[1]

35. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ1.27

An isolated point charge q is located at point X. Two other points Y and Z are
such that YZ = 2 XY.

What is electric
electric
f ield
f ield
at Y
at Z
?

A. 1

B. 1

C. 3
 D. 9
[1]

36. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ1.28

Two very long parallel plates, X and Y, have equal and opposite charges. The
potential on X is VX and that on Y is VY where VX>VY . A point particle of
positive charge q and mass m is held at rest midway between the plates.

The particle is then released. Which plate will the particle move toward and
what kinetic energy does it have when it reaches the plate?

[1]

37. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ1.29

A hollow metallic sphere of radius R has a positive charge Q. P is a point a
distance R

2
from the centre of the sphere.
 What are the electric potential and the electric field at point P?

[1]

38. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ2.15

Two point charges of +4q and −q are placed a fixed distance apart. Where is
the electric field strength equal to zero?

[1]

39. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ2.17

The path of three particles with identical magnitude of charge but different
mass is shown as they enter a region of uniform magnetic field. The particles
 have the same initial velocity. The magnetic field is directed into the plane of
the paper.

What is the mass of particle X compared to the other particles and what is the
sign of the charge on particle X?

[1]

40. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ2.27

An isolated point charge q is located at point X. Two other points Y and Z are
such that YZ = 2 XY.

What is electric
electric
f ield
f ield
at Y
at Z
?

A. 1

9
 B. 1

C. 3

D. 9
[1]

41. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ2.28

Two very long parallel plates, X and Y, have equal and opposite charges. The
potential on X is VX and that on Y is VY where VX>VY . A point particle of
positive charge q and mass m is held at rest midway between the plates.

The particle is then released. Which plate will the particle move toward and
what kinetic energy does it have when it reaches the plate?

[1]

42. [Maximum mark: 1] 23N.1A.HL.TZ2.29

 A hollow metallic sphere of radius R has a positive charge Q. P is a point a
distance R

2
from the centre of the sphere.

What are the electric potential and the electric field at point P?

[1]

43. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ1.15

Two positive charges of magnitude q and 2q are fixed as shown. At which
position is the electric field, due to these charges, equal to zero?

[1]
44. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ1.18
An electron enters a region of uniform magnetic field at a speed v. The
direction of the electron is perpendicular to the magnetic field. The path of
the electron inside the magnetic field is circular with radius r.

The speed of the electron is varied to obtain different values of r.

Which graph represents the variation of speed v with r?

[1]

45. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ1.19

P and R are parallel wires carrying the same current into the plane of the
paper. P and R are equidistant from a point Q. The line PQ is perpendicular to
 the line RQ.

The magnetic field due to P at Q is X. What is the magnitude of the resultant

magnetic field at Q due to both wires?

A. X

B. X

C. X√2

D. 2X [1]

46. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ1.18

Two positive charges of magnitude q and 2q are fixed as shown. At which
position is the electric field, due to these charges, equal to zero?

[1]

47. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ1.21

An electron enters a region of uniform magnetic field at a speed v. The
direction of the electron is perpendicular to the magnetic field. The path of
 the electron inside the magnetic field is circular with radius r.

The speed of the electron is varied to obtain different values of r.

Which graph represents the variation of speed v with r?

[1]

48. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ2.15

Three point charges, +Q, +Q and −Q, are fixed at the three corners of a square.

What is the direction of the electric field at the fourth corner?

 [1]

49. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ2.18

A negatively charged sphere is falling through a magnetic field.

What is the direction of the magnetic force acting on the sphere?

A. To the left of the page

B. To the right of the page

C. Out of the page

D. Into the page [1]

50. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ2.19

Three point charges, +Q, +Q and −Q, are fixed at the three corners of a square.
 What is the direction of the electric field at the fourth corner?

[1]

51. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ2.21

A negatively charged sphere is falling through a magnetic field.

What is the direction of the magnetic force acting on the sphere?

A. To the left of the page

B. To the right of the page

C. Out of the page

D. Into the page [1]

52. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.SL.TZ2.22
An electron is accelerated from rest through a potential difference V.

What is the maximum speed of the electron?

A. √
2eV

me

B. eV

me

C. 2eV
me

D. √
2V

me [1]

53. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.HL.TZ1.31

A negatively charged particle is stationary halfway between two horizontal
charged plates. The plates are separated by a distance d with potential
difference V between them.

What is the magnitude of the electric field and direction of the electric field at
the position of the particle?

Magnitude of Direction of
electric field electric field
A. 2V

d
up

B. V

d
up

C. 2V

d
down
[1]
D. V

d
down
54. [Maximum mark: 1] 23M.1A.HL.TZ2.30
Two spheres have the same positive charge. A point M is midway between
the two spheres.

Along the line joining the spheres, what is true about the electrical field and
the electric potential at M?

Electric field Electric potential

A. zero minimum positive value

B. maximum minimum positive value

C. zero maximum positive value

[1]
D. maximum maximum positive value

55. [Maximum mark: 12] 23M.2.HL.TZ2.4

An electrically heated pad is designed to keep a pet warm.

The pad is heated using a resistor that is placed inside the pad. The dimensions of the
resistor are shown on the diagram. The resistor has a resistance of 4.2 Ω and a total
length of 1.25 m.

diagram not to scale

When there is a current in the resistor, the temperature in the pad changes from a room
temperature of 20 °C to its operating temperature at 35 °C.
(a) The designers state that the energy transferred by the resistor every
second is 15 J.

Calculate the current in the resistor. [1]

(b) The designers wish to make the resistor from carbon fibre.

The graph shows the variation with temperature, in Kelvin, of the

resistivity of carbon fibre.
(b.i) The resistor has a cross-sectional area of 9.6 × 10−6 m2.

Show that a resistor made from carbon fibre will be suitable for the
pad. [3]

(b.ii) The power supply to the pad has a negligible internal resistance.

State and explain the variation in current in the resistor as the

temperature of the pad increases. [2]
(c) When there is a current in the resistor, magnetic forces act between
the resistor strips.

For the part of the resistor labelled RS,

(c.i) outline the magnetic force acting on it due to the current in PQ. [1]

(c.ii) state and explain the net magnetic force acting on it due to the
currents in PQ and TU. [2]

(d) The design of the pad encloses the resistor in a material that traps air.
The design also places the resistor close to the top surface of the pad.
 [3]

Explain, with reference to thermal energy transfer, why the pad is

designed in this way.

56. [Maximum mark: 12] 23M.2.SL.TZ2.4

An electrically heated pad is designed to keep a pet warm.

The pad is heated using a resistor that is placed inside the pad. The dimensions of the
resistor are shown on the diagram. The resistor has a resistance of 4.2 Ω and a total
length of 1.25 m.

diagram not to scale

When there is a current in the resistor, the temperature in the pad changes from a room
temperature of 20 °C to its operating temperature at 35 °C.
(a) The designers state that the energy transferred by the resistor every
second is 15 J.

Calculate the current in the resistor. [1]

(b) The designers wish to make the resistor from carbon fibre.

The graph shows the variation with temperature, in Kelvin, of the

resistivity of carbon fibre.
(b.i) The resistor has a cross-sectional area of 9.6 × 10−6 m2.

Show that a resistor made from carbon fibre will be suitable for the
pad. [3]

(b.ii) The power supply to the pad has a negligible internal resistance.

State and explain the variation in current in the resistor as the

temperature of the pad increases. [2]
(c) When there is a current in the resistor, magnetic forces act between
the resistor strips.

For the part of the resistor labelled RS,

(c.i) outline the magnetic force acting on it due to the current in PQ. [1]

(c.ii) state and explain the net magnetic force acting on it due to the
currents in PQ and TU. [2]

(d) The design of the pad encloses the resistor in a material that traps air.
The design also places the resistor close to the top surface of the pad.
 [3]

Explain, with reference to thermal energy transfer, why the pad is

designed in this way.

57. [Maximum mark: 11] 23M.2.HL.TZ1.6

(a) The centres of two identical fixed conducting spheres each of charge
+Q are separated by a distance D. C is the midpoint of the line joining
the centres of the spheres.

(a.i) Sketch, on the axes, how the electric potential V due to the two
charges varies with the distance r from the centre of the left charge.
No numbers are required. Your graph should extend from r = 0 to r = D.
 [3]

(a.ii) Calculate the work done to bring a small charge q from infinity to
point C.

Data given:

Q = 2.0 × 10−3 C,

q = 4.0 × 10−9 C

D = 1.2 m [2]

(b) The small positive charge q is placed a distance x to the right of C. The
distance x is very small compared to D.

(b.i) The magnitude of the net force on q is given by

32kQq
3
. Explain why
x
D

the charge q will execute simple harmonic oscillations about C. [2]

(b.ii) The mass of the charge q is 0.025 kg.

Calculate the angular frequency of the oscillations using the data in

(a)(ii) and the expression in (b)(i). [2]

(c) The charges Q are replaced by neutral masses M and the charge q by a
neutral mass m. The mass m is displaced away from C by a small
distance x and released. Discuss whether the motion of m will be the
same as that of q. [2]
58. [Maximum mark: 12] 23M.2.HL.TZ1.7
A vertical rectangular loop of conducting wire is dropped in a region of horizontal
magnetic field. The diagram shows the loop as it leaves the region of the magnetic
field.

(a) Explain, by reference to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction,

why there is an electromotive force (emf ) induced in the loop as it
leaves the region of magnetic field. [2]

(b) Just before the loop is about to completely exit the region of
magnetic field, the loop moves with constant terminal speed v.

The following data is available:

 Mass of loop m = 4.0 g
Resistance of loop R = 25 mΩ
Width of loop L = 15 cm
Magnetic flux density B = 0.80 T [4]
Determine, in m s−1 the terminal speed v.

(c) Three capacitors C1 = 3.0 μF, C2 = 2.0 μF and C3 = 4.0 μF are connected
to a cell of emf 12 V and negligible internal resistance. The capacitors
are initially uncharged.

Calculate
 (c.i) the total capacitance of the circuit. [2]

(c.ii) the total energy stored in the three capacitors. [1]

(c.iii) the charge on C2. [3]

59. [Maximum mark: 11] 23M.2.HL.TZ1.6

(a) The centres of two identical fixed conducting spheres each of charge
+Q are separated by a distance D. C is the midpoint of the line joining
 the centres of the spheres.

(a.i) Sketch, on the axes, how the electric potential V due to the two
charges varies with the distance r from the centre of the left charge.
No numbers are required. Your graph should extend from r = 0 to r = D.

[3]

(a.ii) Calculate the work done to bring a small charge q from infinity to
point C.

Data given:

Q = 2.0 × 10−3 C,

q = 4.0 × 10−9 C

D = 1.2 m [2]

(b) The small positive charge q is placed a distance x to the right of C. The
distance x is very small compared to D.
(b.i) The magnitude of the net force on q is given by
32kQq
3
x. Explain why
D

the charge q will execute simple harmonic oscillations about C. [2]

(b.ii) The mass of the charge q is 0.025 kg.

Calculate the angular frequency of the oscillations using the data in

(a)(ii) and the expression in (b)(i). [2]

(c) The charges Q are replaced by neutral masses M and the charge q by a
neutral mass m. The mass m is displaced away from C by a small
distance x and released. Discuss whether the motion of m will be the
same as that of q. [2]
60. [Maximum mark: 1] 22N.1A.SL.TZ0.19
A loop of wire lies in a magnetic field directed into the plane of the page. The
loop carries a current in a clockwise direction.

The magnetic force acting on the wire tends to

A. rotate the loop about the X axis.

B. rotate the loop about the Y axis.

C. reduce the radius of the loop.

D. increase the radius of the loop. [1]

61. [Maximum mark: 1] 22N.1A.HL.TZ0.31
An electric field is established between two electrodes separated by distance
d, held at a potential difference of V. A charged particle in this field
experiences a force F.

What is the charge on the particle?

A. d

FV

B. FV

C. V

Fd

D. Fd

V
[1]

62. [Maximum mark: 8] 22N.2.SL.TZ0.5

Resistor R is connected in a circuit with a cell that has internal resistance.

The ammeter and the voltmeter are ideal.

The cell has an emf of 1.49 V. The resistance of R is 50.0 Ω. The voltmeter reads 1.47 V.

One of the connecting wires is placed in a magnetic field. The direction of the current in
the wire is shown.

(a) State what is meant by an ideal voltmeter. [1]

(b.i) Show that the internal resistance of the cell is about 0.7 Ω. [2]

(b.ii) Determine the total power dissipated in the circuit. [2]

 (c.i) Explain, by reference to charge carriers in the wire, how the magnetic
force on the wire arises. [2]

(c.ii) Every current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field.

Describe one piece of evidence that supports this statement. [1]

63. [Maximum mark: 9] 22N.2.SL.TZ0.5

Resistor R is connected in a circuit with a cell that has internal resistance.
The ammeter and the voltmeter are ideal.
The resistance of R is 50.0 Ω. The voltmeter reads 1.47 V.

Resistor R is replaced by another of resistance 10.0 Ω. The ammeter now reads 139 mA.

One of the connecting wires is placed in a magnetic field. The direction of the current in
the wire is shown.

(a) State what is meant by an ideal voltmeter. [1]

(b.i) Calculate, in mA, the current in the resistor. [1]

(b.ii) Show that the internal resistance of the cell is about 0.7 Ω. [2]
(b.iii) Calculate the emf of the cell. [2]

(c.i) Explain, by reference to charge carriers in the wire, how the magnetic
force on the wire arises. [2]

(c.ii) Identify the direction of the magnetic force on the wire. [1]
64. [Maximum mark: 6] 22N.2.HL.TZ0.8
A satellite is launched from the surface of Earth into a circular orbit.

The following data are given.

Mass of the satellite = 8.0 × 102 kg

Height of the orbit above the surface of Earth = 5.0 × 105 m

Mass of Earth = 6.0 × 1024 kg

Radius of Earth = 6.4 × 106 m

(a) The diagram shows field lines for an electrostatic field. X and Y are two
points on the same field line.

Outline which of the two points has the larger electric potential. [2]
 (b.i) Show that the kinetic energy of the satellite in orbit is about 2 × 1010 J. [2]

(b.ii) Determine the minimum energy required to launch the satellite.

Ignore the original kinetic energy of the satellite due to Earth’s
rotation. [2]

65. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.SL.TZ1.22

A conductor is placed in a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the plane
of the paper. A force F acts on the conductor when there is a current in the
 conductor as shown.

The conductor is rotated 30° about the axis of the magnetic field.

What is the direction of the magnetic field and what is the magnitude of the
force on the conductor after the rotation?

[1]

66. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.SL.TZ1.32

A charged sphere in a gravitational field is initially stationary between two
parallel metal plates. There is a potential difference V between the plates.
 Three changes can be made:

I. Increase the separation of the metal plates

II. Increase V
III. Apply a magnetic field into the plane of the paper

What changes made separately will cause the charged sphere to accelerate?

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

[1]
C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

67. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.SL.TZ1.19

P and Q are two opposite point charges. The force F acting on P due to Q and
the electric field strength E at P are shown.

Which diagram shows the force on Q due to P and the electric field strength
at Q?
 [1]

68. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.SL.TZ1.20

Three point charges of equal magnitude are placed at the vertices of an
equilateral triangle. The signs of the charges are shown. Point P is equidistant
from the vertices of the triangle. What is the direction of the resultant electric
field at P?

[1]

69. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.SL.TZ2.16

Four particles, two of charge +Q and two of charge −Q, are positioned on the
x-axis as shown. A particle P with a positive charge is placed on the y-axis.
 What is the direction of the net electrostatic force on this particle?

[1]

70. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.SL.TZ2.19

A charge Q is at a point between two electric charges Q1 and Q2. The net electric
force on Q is zero. Charge Q1 is further from Q than charge Q2.

What is true about the signs of the charges Q1 and Q2 and their magnitudes?

[1]

71. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.SL.TZ2.22

A rectangular coil of wire RSTU is connected to a battery and placed in a
magnetic field Z directed to the right. Both the plane of the coil and the
magnetic field direction are in the same plane.
 What is true about the magnetic force acting on the sides RS and ST?

[1]

72. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.HL.TZ2.32

Two positive and two negative charges are located at the corners of a square
as shown. Point X is the centre of the square. What is the value of the electric
field E and the electric potential V at X due to the four charges?
 [1]

73. [Maximum mark: 1] 22M.1A.HL.TZ2.33

The graph shows the variation with distance r of the electric potential V from
a charge Q.

What is the electric field strength at distance s?

A. The area under the graph between s and infinity

B. The area under the graph between 0 and s

C. The gradient of the tangent at s

D. The negative of the gradient of the tangent at s [1]

74. [Maximum mark: 1] 21N.1A.SL.TZ0.18
Two parallel wires carry equal currents in the same direction out of the paper.
Which diagram shows the magnetic field surrounding the wires?

[1]

75. [Maximum mark: 1] 21N.1A.SL.TZ0.18

A charge +Q and a charge −2Q are a distance 3x apart. Point P is on the line
joining the charges, at a distance x from +Q.

The magnitude of the electric field produced at P by the charge +Q alone is E.

What is the total electric field at P?

A. E

2
to the right
 B. E

2
to the left

C. 3E

2
to the right
[1]
D. 3E

2
to the left

76. [Maximum mark: 1] 21N.1A.HL.TZ0.30

The diagram shows equipotential lines for an electric field. Which arrow
represents the acceleration of an electron at point P?

[1]

77. [Maximum mark: 1] 21N.1A.HL.TZ0.31

Two charged parallel plates have electric potentials of 10 V and 20 V.

A particle with charge +2.0 μC is moved from the 10 V plate to the 20 V plate.
What is the change in the electric potential energy of the particle?

A. −20 μJ
 B. −10 μJ

C. 10 μJ

D. 20 μJ
[1]

78. [Maximum mark: 11] 21N.2.SL.TZ0.3

Two equal positive fixed point charges Q = +44 μC and point P are at the vertices of
an equilateral triangle of side 0.48 m.

Point P is now moved closer to the charges.

A point charge q = −2.0 μC and mass 0.25 kg is placed at P. When x is small compared to
d, the magnitude of the net force on q is F ≈ 115x.
An uncharged parallel plate capacitor C is connected to a cell of emf 12 V, a resistor
R and another resistor of resistance 20 MΩ.

(a.i) Show that the magnitude of the resultant electric field at P is 3 MN C−1 [2]
(a.ii) State the direction of the resultant electric field at P. [1]

(b.i) Explain why q will perform simple harmonic oscillations when it is

released. [2]

(b.ii) Calculate the period of oscillations of q. [2]

 (c.i) At t = 0, the switch is connected to X. On the axes, draw a sketch graph
to show the variation with time of the voltage VR across R.

[2]

(c.ii) The switch is then connected to Y and C discharges through the 20

MΩ resistor. The voltage Vc drops to 50 % of its initial value in 5.0 s.
Determine the capacitance of C. [2]

79. [Maximum mark: 8] 21N.2.SL.TZ0.4

A charged particle, P, of charge +68 μC is fixed in space. A second particle, Q, of charge
+0.25 μC is held at a distance of 48 cm from P and is then released.

The diagram shows two parallel wires X and Y that carry equal currents into the page.
Point Q is equidistant from the two wires. The magnetic field at Q due to wire X alone is
15 mT.
(a) The work done to move a particle of charge 0.25 μC from one point in
an electric field to another is 4.5 μJ. Calculate the magnitude of the
potential difference between the two points. [1]

(b.i) Determine the force on Q at the instant it is released. [2]

(b.ii) Describe the motion of Q after release. [2]

 (c.i) On the diagram draw an arrow to show the direction of the magnetic
field at Q due to wire X alone. [1]

(c.ii) Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant magnetic

field at Q. [2]

80. [Maximum mark: 11] 21N.2.HL.TZ0.5

A square loop of side 5.0 cm enters a region of uniform magnetic field at t = 0. The loop
exits the region of magnetic field at t = 3.5 s. The magnetic field strength is 0.94 T and is
directed into the plane of the paper. The magnetic field extends over a length 65 cm.
The speed of the loop is constant.
(a) Show that the speed of the loop is 20 cm s−1. [1]

(b.i) Sketch, on the axes, a graph to show the variation with time of the
magnetic flux linkage Φ in the loop.

[1]

(b.ii) Sketch, on the axes, a graph to show the variation with time of the
magnitude of the emf induced in the loop.

[1]

(c.i) There are 85 turns of wire in the loop. Calculate the maximum induced
emf in the loop. [2]
(c.ii) The resistance of the loop is 2.4 Ω. Calculate the magnitude of the
magnetic force on the loop as it enters the region of magnetic field. [2]

(d.i) Show that the energy dissipated in the loop from t = 0 to t = 3.5 s is
0.13 J. [2]

(d.ii) The mass of the wire is 18 g. The specific heat capacity of copper is 385
J kg−1 K−1. Estimate the increase in temperature of the wire. [2]
© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2024