9 Worksheet (AS)

Data needed to answer questions can be found in the Data, formulae and relationships sheet.
1 Which statement defines electric field strength between two parallel plates? [1]
A Electric field strength is equal to the charge per unit distance between the plates.
B Electric field strength is equal to the force per unit charge.
C Electric field strength is equal to force times the distance between the plates.
D Electric field strength is equal to the potential difference times the distance
between the plates.
2 Which diagram correctly shows the electric field between two charged plates?

A B

C D

[1]
3 The diagram shows two parallel, charged plates.

Which statement about the electric field at points P, Q and R is correct? [1]
A The field at P is greater than the field at Q and R.
B The field at P is less than the field at Q and R.
C The fields at P and Q are equal but greater than the field at R.
D The fields at all points P, Q and R are all equal.

AS and A Level Physics Original material © Cambridge University Press 2010 1

 9 Worksheet (AS)

4 There is a potential difference of 200 V across a pair of parallel plates which are 4.00 cm apart.
Calculate the force on a charge of 2.50 nC which is between the plates.
A 2.00 × 10−9 N
B 1.25 × 10−7 N
C 2.00 × 10−7 N
D 1.25 × 10−5 N [1]
5 Which diagram correctly shows the electric field between two parallel plates
and the path of an electron as it passes between the plates?

A B

C D

[1]
6 State two possible SI units for electric field strength. [2]
7 A +5.0 × 10−8 C point charge experiences a force of 1.5 × 10−3 N when placed in a uniform
electric field. Calculate the electric field strength. [2]
8 Calculate the force experienced by an oil droplet with a charge of 3.2 × 10−19 C due to a
uniform electric field of strength 5.0 × 105 V m−1. [2]

AS and A Level Physics Original material © Cambridge University Press 2010 2

 9 Worksheet (AS)

9 The diagram shows two parallel, horizontal plates separated by a vertical distance of 3.0 cm.
The potential difference between the plates is 600 V.

a Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field between the plates. [3]
b Describe the electric field between the plates. [2]
c An oil droplet of weight 6.4 × 10−15 N is held stationary between the two plates.
i State whether the charge on the droplet is positive or negative.
Explain your answer. [2]
ii Determine the charge on the oil droplet. [2]
10 A proton is travelling at right angles to an electric field of strength 2.40 × 10–6 V m–1.
a Calculate the force on the proton due to the electric field. [2]
b Calculate the acceleration of the proton in the direction of the field. [2]
c Write down the acceleration of the proton at right angles to the field. [1]
11 A pair of parallel plates are 5.0 cm apart and are connected to a 200 V supply. A particle of
dust between the plates experiences a force, due to the field, of 3.2 × 10−4 N.
Calculate the charge on the dust particle. [3]

Total: Score: %
28

AS and A Level Physics Original material © Cambridge University Press 2010 3