Electric fields and field lines: past paper questions
Real questions on electric fields and field lines
The newest 20 of 95 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6a[1]
Define electric field at a point.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6b(i)[2]
On Fig. 6.1, draw field lines to represent the electric field outside the sphere due to the charge on the sphere. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[1]
Define gravitational field at a point.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · May/June 2025 · Q6a[1]
On Fig. 6.1, use the symbols + and – to indicate which of plates X and Y is the positive plate and which is the negative plate.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(i)[2]
Calculate the electric field strength E between the plates. Give a unit with your answer. E = unit
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(ii)[2]
Determine the acceleration of the electron. acceleration = m s –2
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2025 · Q7a[2]
Define magnetic flux density.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · February/March 2025 · Q6a[2]
The potential difference (p.d.) between the plates of the velocity selector is V. The separation of the plates is d and the magnetic flux density is B. Show that the speed u of ions that pass undeviated through the velocity selector is given by V . Bd u =
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2024 · Q6b[3]
+ + + + + + + Fig. 6.1 On Fig. 6.1, draw field lines to represent the electric field outside the sphere. + (b) Fig. 6.1 shows an isolated hollow conducting sphere that is positively charged.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2024 · Q6c(i)[1]
Determine the radius, in cm, of the sphere. radius = cm
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2024 · Q6c(ii)[3]
Calculate the charge on the sphere. (ii) charge = C
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2024 · Q6c(iii)[1]
Suggest an explanation for the fact that the electric field inside the sphere is zero.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2024 · Q5a[2]
Define electric field.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2024 · Q5b(i)[2]
On Fig. 5.1, draw four field lines to represent the electric field between the plates.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2024 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Determine the strength E of the electric field between the plates. E = N C –1
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2024 · Q5b(iii)[2]
An electron travels at a speed of 2.6 × 10 7 m s –1 towards the region between the plates, as shown in Fig. 5.1. On Fig. 5.1, draw the path of the electron as it moves between and beyond the plates.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2024 · Q5a[2]
Define electric field.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2024 · Q5b(i)[2]
On Fig. 5.1, draw four field lines to represent the electric field between the plates.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2024 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Determine the strength E of the electric field between the plates. E = N C –1
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · May/June 2024 · Q5b(iii)[2]
An electron travels at a speed of 2.6 × 10 7 m s –1 towards the region between the plates, as shown in Fig. 5.1. On Fig. 5.1, draw the path of the electron as it moves between and beyond the plates.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates reproduced the algebra involved in this syllabus derivation correctly. However, only a minority established the core physics behind the derivation as a starting point, the equality between the magnitudes of the electric and magnetic forces.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9702/42 Q6(a) (Cambridge)
The comments for (a)(i) are also relevant here for the definition of electric field. Candidates are expected to know the syllabus definition that electric field is force per unit positive charge.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9702/41 Q1(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
The comments for (a)(i) are also relevant here for the definition of electric field. Candidates are expected to know the syllabus definition that electric field is force per unit positive charge.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9702/43 Q1(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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