Cambridge International AS Level Physics

Answers to self-assessment questions

Answers to SAQs
Chapter 8
1 a
Diagram i shows positive charges repelling.
b Diagram iii shows negative charges repelling.
c Diagram ii shows opposite charges
attracting.

c Rearrange E = dV so that voltage to cause

lightning is given by
V = Ed = 40000 10000 = 400MV
(Remember that the field strength was given
in volts per centimetre.)
9 a

0V

+2.0 kV

2
A

3 The field strength is greatest at the top

(pointed) part of the building. The electric
field lines are closest together there.
4

0V

+2.0 kV

+6.0 kV

earth

b Potential difference = 2.0kV

c Electric field strength between parallel plates
is uniform, so has the same value at both
points.
3
1
E = dV = 2.010
0.25 = 8.0kVm

0V

d F = QE = +5 106 8.0 103 = 0.04N to the left

3

4
1
1
E = dV = 5.010
0.10 = 5.010 Vm or NC
F = QE = +2 106 5.0 104 = 0.10N

10

Force F = QE = 1.6 1019 5.0 106

= 8.0 1013N
Rearrange F = ma to give magnitude of
acceleration:

11
5 Electric field strength
E = QF = 150 3 = 7500NC1 downwards
2010

6 Electric field strength

1
1
E = dV = 1000
0.40 = 2500Vm = 2500NC

13
F = 8.010 = 8.81017e+ms2
a=m
31

9.1110

12

40000Vcm

e ,e

e+

+
+

1.610

sparks is given by
V = Ed = 40000 4 = 160000V
b Rearrange E = dV so that minimum distance is
given by
325V
d = EV =
1 = 0.008cm = 0.08mm

e+, e

7 Electric field strength

16
E = QF = 810 19 = 5000Vm1 or NC1
8 a
Rearrange E = dV so that voltage to cause

e
e
3+
2+
+
31+ (smallest mass)
2+ 1+ (smaller mass)
1+

Ions with a greater mass will show smaller

+
deflection.
Ions with greater charge will have greater
deflection.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Physics Cambridge University Press 2014