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Questions for Electric Field (JC) Set 1

A Level Physics electric fields practice questions (JC Set 1), with worked answers.

  • GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027
Learning goals
  • Work through the questions and use the feedback to plan revision.

Learning objectives

  • Apply Coulomb's law to the force between point charges.
  • Define electric field strength and calculate resultant fields due to point charges.
  • Define electric potential and calculate potential due to point charges.
  • Relate electric potential, potential energy and work for systems of point charges.
  • Use the negative potential gradient and relate equipotentials to field lines.
  • Calculate field strength and force in uniform electric fields.
  • Analyse charged-particle motion in uniform electric fields.
  • Apply capacitance and capacitor-energy relationships.

Use current practice first

In discussing electric fields, the terms ‘electric field strength’, ‘electric potential’ and ‘potential gradient’ are used. Which statement about these terms is correct?

  1. Electric potential and potential gradient are both scalar quantities.
  2. Electric field strength at a point is the work done in bringing unit positive charge from infinity to the point.
  3. The magnitude of the potential gradient at a point is numerically equal to the electric field strength at that point.
  4. Unit potential gradient exists between any two points, if one joule of work is done in transporting one coulomb of charge between the points.
Show answer

E = -dV/dr Answer: 3

A +3.0 C point charge is initially stationary at a point X in a uniform electric field of strength 5.0 V m-1. It is then moved within the field 3.0 m parallel to the field and then 4.0 m perpendicular to the field lines to point Y as shown in the diagram below.

Charge moving through a uniform electric fieldVertical, evenly spaced electric field lines point to the right. A positive charge moves 3.0 metres parallel to the field from X, then 4.0 metres perpendicular to the field to Y.XY3.0 m4.0 muniform field
  1. 5.0 J
  2. 45.0 J
  3. 75.0 J
  4. 105.0 J
Show answer

There is no work done by the field when the charge moves perpendicularly to the field lines. (No change in potential when moving perpendicularly to field lines) Hence, work done by the field = Fd = qEd = (3.0)(5.0)(3.0) = 45J Answer: 2

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Course and syllabus information
Course
GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Edition
GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027