Electric charge: past paper questions
Real questions on electric charge
The newest 20 of 36 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0972/41 · May/June 2026 · Q6a[2]
(a) Complete the definition of an electric field. electric field region WhELE .......... EXPETICNCES «0.02 .......... ..........
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(i)[1]
(i) State and explain whether the charge on the metal sphere is positive or negative. StAtEMENE .......... .......... .......... eter ..........
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(ii)[4]
(ii) The metal sphere touches the rod. State what happens to the sphere. Explain this in terms of the movement of particles. StATEMEN .......... .......... EOXPlAMALION .......... ..........
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(i)[2]
electrically conducting material State the name of one electrically conducting material and the name of one electrically insulating material.
See it on the paper → - 0972/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7a[1]
State what is meant by an electric field.
See it on the paper → - 0972/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7b(i)[2]
Explain why.
See it on the paper → - 0972/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7b(ii)[3]
The negatively charged plastic rod is suspended by an insulating thread. Another negatively charged plastic rod is brought close to the suspended rod. State what happens to the suspended plastic rod.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(i)[1]
State what is meant by ‘electric field’.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2024 · Q6a(ii)[3]
Draw on Fig. 6.1 to show the pattern and direction of the electric field produced by the charge on the sphere. Draw at least four lines.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2023 · Q7a[3]
A plastic rod is uncharged. When the rod is rubbed with a woollen cloth, the rod becomes negatively charged. Explain, in terms of particles, why the rod becomes negatively charged.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2023 · Q7b(i)[1]
State what is meant by an electric field.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2023 · Q7b(ii)[2]
On Fig. 7.1, draw the pattern of the electric field surrounding sphere S and indicate its direction.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2023 · Q7c[1]
Fig. 7.2 shows a small negative charge Z placed near to sphere S. – – – – – Z sphere S Fig. 7.2 Charge Z experiences a force due to the electric field surrounding S. On Fig. 7.2, draw an arrow to show the direction of this force on Z.
See it on the paper → - 0972/42 · May/June 2023 · Q8b[2]
Fig. 8.1 shows a negatively charged metal sphere. – – – – – – – – Fig. 8.1 On Fig. 8.1, draw four lines to show the electric field and its direction.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · October/November 2022 · Q8b[1]
When the switch is closed there is a current in the circuit. State the name of the particles flowing in the metal wire.
See it on the paper → - 0972/32 · May/June 2022 · Q8c(i)[1]
The student puts a positive charge on sphere P only. Complete the diagram in Fig. 8.3 to show the positions of the spheres. support Fig. 8.3
See it on the paper → - 0972/32 · May/June 2022 · Q8c(ii)[2]
The student puts a positive charge on sphere P and on sphere Q. Complete the diagram in Fig. 8.4 to show the positions of the spheres. support Fig. 8.4
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · October/November 2021 · Q8b(i)[2]
A plastic rod is rubbed with a cloth. The plastic rod becomes positively charged. Explain how the friction between the cloth and the rod causes the rod to become positively charged. Use your ideas about the movement of charge.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · October/November 2021 · Q8b(ii)[1]
Plastic is an electrical insulator. Iron is an electrical conductor. State two other materials that are electrical conductors.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2021 · Q7a[2]
Describe, in terms of particles, how the rod becomes negatively charged when rubbed with the cloth.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Some candidates had clearly learnt this definition and remembered it accurately. Weaker responses did not mention charge, or simply referred to an object, or just stated that a field was force acting on a charge without specifying that it was a region or an area. These answers were insufficient. Incorrect responses included electricity or magnetic fields in the answers.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0972/42 Q7(a) (Cambridge)
Most candidates showed a clear understanding of the correct movement of electrons and were awarded full credit. Some candidates contradicted their answer by describing an initial overall charge on the objects, or a movement of ions or positive charges.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0972/42 Q7(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Most candidates demonstrated an understanding that the rods would now repel but fewer candidates went on to state that they would move away from each other. A significant number of candidates did not attempt to answer this question.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0972/42 Q7(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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