3 7 3 1-Capacitance

Colonel Frank Seely School
3.7.3.1 Capacitance
Q1.An uncharged 4.7 nF capacitor is connected to a 1.5 V supply and becomes fully charged.
How many electrons are transferred to the negative plate of the capacitor during this
charging process?
A 2.2 × 1010
B 3.3 × 1010
C 4.4 × 1010
D 8.8 × 1010
(Total 1 mark)
Q2.A capacitor of capacitance 10 μF is charged through a resistor R to a potential difference

(pd) of 20 V using the circuit shown.
When the capacitor is fully charged which one of the following statements is incorrect?
A The energy stored by the capacitor is 2 mJ.
B The total energy taken from the battery during the charging process is 2 mJ.
C The pd across the capacitor is 20 V.
D The pd across the resistor is 0 V.

(Total 1 mark)
Q3.The diagram shows a rigidly-clamped straight horizontal current-carrying wire held mid-way
between the poles of a magnet on a top-pan balance. The wire is perpendicular to the
magnetic field direction.
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The balance, which was zeroed before the switch was closed, read 161 g after the switch
was closed. When the current is reversed and doubled, what would be the new reading on
the balance?
A −322 g
B −161 g
C zero
D 322 g
(Total 1 mark)
Q4.(a) The graph shows how the current varies with time as a capacitor is discharged
through a 150 Ω resistor.
(i) Explain how the initial charge on the capacitor could be determined from a
graph of current against time.
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(1)
(ii) The same capacitor is charged to the same initial potential difference (pd) and
then discharged through a 300 kΩ resistor. Sketch a second graph on the
same axes above to show how the current varies with time in this case.
(3)
(b) In an experiment to show that a capacitor stores energy, a student charges a
capacitor from a battery and then discharges it through a small electric motor. The
motor is used to lift a mass vertically.
(i) The capacitance of the capacitor is 0.12 F and it is charged to a pd of 9.0 V.

The weight of the mass raised is 3.5 N.
Calculate the maximum height to which the mass could be raised.
Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant figures.
maximum height ................................................. m

(4)
(ii) Give two reasons why the value you have calculated in part (i) would not be
achieved in practice.
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(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Q5.The figure below shows a capacitor of capacitance 370 pF. It consists of two parallel metal
plates of area 250 cm2. A sheet of polythene that has a relative permittivity 2.3 completely
fills the gap between the plates.

not to scale
(a) Calculate the thickness of the polythene sheet.
thickness = _____________m
(2)
(b) The capacitor is charged so that there is a potential difference of 35 V between the
plates. The charge on the capacitor is then 13 nC and the energy stored is 0.23 µJ.
The supply is now disconnected and the polythene sheet is pulled out from between
the plates without discharging or altering the separation of the plates.
Show that the potential difference between the plates increases to about 80 V.

(2)
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(c) Calculate the energy that is now stored by the capacitor.
energy stored = _____________µJ

(2)
(d) Explain why there is an increase in the energy stored by the capacitor when the
polythene sheet is pulled out from between the plates.
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(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Q6.Which of the following statements about a parallel plate capacitor is incorrect?

A The capacitance of the capacitor is the amount of charge
stored by the capacitor when the pd across the plates is 1
V.
B A uniform electric field exists between the plates of the

capacitor.
C The charge stored on the capacitor is inversely proportional

to the pd across the plates.
D The energy stored when the capacitor is fully charged is

proportional to the square of the pd across the plates.
(Total 1 mark)
Q7.(a) When an uncharged capacitor is charged by a constant current of 4.5 μA for 60 s the pd
across it becomes 4.4 V.
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(i) Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.
capacitance ......................................... F
(3)
(ii) The capacitor is charged using the circuit shown in Figure 1. The battery emf
is 6.0 V and its internal resistance is negligible. In order to keep the current
constant at 4.5 μA, the resistance of the variable resistor R is decreased
steadily as the charge on the capacitor increases.
Figure 1
Calculate the resistance of R when the uncharged capacitor has been

charging for 30 s.
resistance ........................................ Ω
(3)
(b) The circuit in Figure 2 contains a cell, an uncharged capacitor, a fixed resistor and a
two-way switch.
Figure 2
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The switch is moved to position 1 until the capacitor is fully charged. The switch is
then moved to position 2.
Describe what happens in this circuit after the switch is moved to position 1, and
after it has been moved to position 2. In your answer you should refer to:
• the direction in which electrons flow in the circuit, and how the flow of
electrons changes with time,
• how the potential differences across the resistor and the capacitor change with
time,
• the energy changes which take place in the circuit.
The terminals of the cell are labelled A and B and the capacitor plates are labelled
P and Q so that you can refer to them in your answer.
The quality of your written communication will be assessed in your answer.
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(6)
(Total 12 marks)
Q8.The diagram below shows an arrangement to demonstrate sparks passing across an air gap
between two parallel metal discs. Sparks occur when the electric field in the gap becomes
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large enough to equal the breakdown field strength of the air. The discs form a capacitor,
which is charged at a constant rate by an electrostatic generator until the potential
difference (pd) across the discs is large enough for a spark to pass. Sparks are then
produced at regular time intervals whilst the generator is switched on.
(a) The electrostatic generator charges the discs at a constant rate of 3.2 × 10–8 A on a
day when the minimum breakdown field strength of the air is 2.5 × 106 V m–1. The
discs have a capacitance of 3.7 × 10–12 F.
(i) The air gap is 12 mm wide. Calculate the minimum pd required across the
discs for a spark to occur. Assume that the electric field in the air gap is
uniform.
pd ......................................... V
(1)
(ii) Calculate the time taken, from when the electrostatic generator is first switched
on, for the pd across the discs to reach the value calculated in part (a)(i).
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time .......................................... s
(2)
(b) The discs are replaced by ones of larger area placed at the same separation, to give
a larger capacitance.
State and explain what effect this increased capacitance will have on:
(i) the time between consecutive discharges,
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(2)
(ii) the brightness of each spark.
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(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q9.An initially uncharged capacitor of capacitance 20 μF is charged by a constant current of 80

μA. Which line, A to D, in the table gives the potential difference across, and the energy
stored in, the capacitor after 50 s?

potential difference / V energy stored / J
A 4.0 × 10–3 2.0 × 10–3
B 4.0 × 10–3 4.0 × 10–1
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C 2. 0 × 102 2.0 × 10–3
D 2. 0 × 102 4.0 × 10–1
(Total 1 mark)
Q10.Which one of the following statements about a parallel plate capacitor is incorrect?
A The capacitance of the capacitor is the amount of charge stored by the capacitor
when the pd across the plates is 1V.
B A uniform electric field exists between the plates of the capacitor.
C The charge stored on the capacitor is inversely proportional to the pd across the
plates.
D The energy stored when the capacitor is fully charged is proportional to the square of
the pd across the plates.
(Total 1 mark)
Q11. A 1000 μF capacitor and a 10 μF capacitor are charged so that they store the same
energy. The pd across the 1000 μF capacitor is V1 and the pd across the other capacitor
is V2.
What is the value of the ratio ?
A
B
C
D 10
(Total 1 mark)
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Q12. A capacitor stores a charge of 600 μC when charged to a potential difference (pd) of
6.0 V. What will be the pd across the plates if the charge stored increases by 50%?
A 3.0 V
B 4.5 V
C 9.0 V
D 12.0 V
(Total 1 mark)
Q13. (a) Define the capacitance of a capacitor.
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(2)
(b) The circuit shown in the figure below contains a battery, a resistor, a capacitor and a
switch.
The switch in the circuit is closed at time t = 0. The graph shows how the charge Q
stored by the capacitor varies with t.
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(b) (i) When the capacitor is fully charged, the charge stored is 13.2 μC. The
electromotive force (emf) of the battery is 6.0 V. Determine the capacitance of
the capacitor.
answer = ................................. F
(2)
(ii) The time constant for this circuit is the time taken for the charge stored to
increase from 0 to 63% of its final value. Use the graph to find the time
constant in milliseconds.
answer = ................................. ms
(2)
(iii) Hence calculate the resistance of the resistor.
answer = ................................. Ω
(1)
(iv) What physical quantity is represented by the gradient of the graph?
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(1)
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(c) (i) Calculate the maximum value of the current, in mA, in this circuit during the
charging process.
answer = ................................. mA
(1)
(ii) Sketch a graph on the outline axes to show how the current varies with time as
the capacitor is charged. Mark the maximum value of the current on your
graph.
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
Q14. A 400 μF capacitor is charged so that the voltage across its plates rises at a
constant rate from 0 V to 4.0 V in 20 s. What current is being used to charge the
capacitor?
A 5 μΑ
B 20 μΑ
C 40 μΑ
D 80 μΑ
(Total 1 mark)
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Q15. A capacitor of capacitance C stores an amount of energy E when the pd across it is

V. Which line, A to D, in the table gives the correct stored energy and pd when the charge
is increased by 50%?

energy pd
A 1.5 E 1.5 V
B 1.5 E 2.25 V
C 2.25 E 1.5 V
D 2.25 E 2.25 V
(Total 1 mark)
Q16. Capacitors and rechargeable batteries are examples of electrical devices that can be
used repeatedly to store energy.
(a) (i) A capacitor of capacitance 70 F is used to provide the emergency back-up in a

low voltage power supply.
Calculate the energy stored by this capacitor when fully charged to its
maximum operating voltage of 1.2 V. Express your answer to an appropriate
number of significant figures.
answer = ...................................J
(3)
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(ii) A rechargeable 1.2 V cell used in a cordless telephone can supply a steady
current of 55 mA for 10 hours. Show that this cell, when fully charged, stores
almost 50 times more energy than the capacitor in part (a)(i).

(2)
(b) Give two reasons why a capacitor is not a suitable source for powering a cordless
telephone.
Reason 1.....................................................................................................
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Reason 2......................................................................................................
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(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q17. The graph shows how the charge stored by a capacitor varies with the pd applied
across it.
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Which line, A to D, in the table gives the capacitance and the energy stored when the
potential difference is 5.0 V?

capacitance/μF energy stored/μJ
A 2.0 25
B 2.0 50
C 10.0 25
D 10.0 50
(Total 1 mark)
Q18. (a) A particular heart pacemaker uses a capacitor which has a capacitance of 4.2
μF.
Explain what is meant by a capacitance of 4.2 μF.
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(2)
(b) Capacitor A, of capacitance 4.2 μF, is charged to 4.0 V and then discharged through
a sample of heart tissue. This capacitor is replaced by capacitor B and the charge
and discharge process repeated through the same sample of tissue.
The discharge curves are shown in the figure below.
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(i) By considering the discharge curve for capacitor A, show that the resistance of
the sample of heart tissue through which the discharge occurs is
approximately 150 Ω.
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(4)
(ii) State and explain whether capacitor B has a larger or smaller capacitance
than that of capacitor A.
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(2)
(c) Capacitor A was charged to a potential difference of 4.0V before discharging

through the sample of heart tissue.
Determine how much energy it passed to the sample of heart tissue in the first 0.90
m s of the discharge.
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energy ...................................... J
(3)
(Total 11 marks)
Q19. The graph shows how the potential difference across a capacitor varies with the
charge stored by it.
Which one of the following statements is correct?
A The gradient of the line equals the capacitance of the capacitor.
B The gradient of the line equals the energy stored by the capacitor.
C The reciprocal of the gradient equals the energy stored by the capacitor.
D The reciprocal of the gradient equals the capacitance of the capacitor.
(Total 1 mark)
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Q20. An initially uncharged capacitor of capacitance 10 µF is charged by a constant
current of 200 µA. After what time will the potential difference across the capacitor be
2000 V?
A 50 s
B 100 s
C 200 s
D 400 s
(Total 1 mark)
Q21. A 1000 µF capacitor, X, and a 100 µF capacitor, Y, are charged to the same
potential difference.
Which row, A to D, in the table gives correct ratios of charge stored and energy stored by
the capacitors?

A 1 1
B 1 10
C 10 1
D 10 10
(Total 1 mark)
Q22. (a) (i) Define the capacitance of a capacitor.
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(ii) Calculate the charge, in C, stored on a 470 μF capacitor which has a potential
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difference of 2.3 × 10 V across it.
2
(2)
(b) A 470 μF capacitor is connected in a circuit which enables it to charge when the
switch is in position S and discharged when the switch is in position S . The
1 2
arrangement is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
(i) Calculate the time constant of the discharge circuit when the switch is in
position S . Give your answer in s.
2
(ii) The capacitor is fully charged and then discharged. On the axes below, mark
appropriate scales and draw a graph to show the variation of the potential
difference across the capacitor with time for the discharge of the capacitor.
(4)
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(c) Figure 2 shows the variation of charge with time for the charging of the capacitor.
Figure 2
Explain why the charge across the capacitor changes in the way shown by the
graph.
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(3)
(Total 9 marks)
Q23. A 400 µF capacitor is charged so that the voltage across its plates rises at a
constant rate from
0 V to 4.0 V in 20 s. What current is being used to charge the capacitor?
A 5 µA
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B 20 µA
C 40 µA
D 80 µA
(Total 1 mark)
Q24.A 1000 μF capacitor and a 10 μF capacitor are charged so that the potential difference
across each of them is the same. The charge stored in the 1000 μF capacitor is Q and 1
the charge stored in the 10 μF capacitor is Q . 2
What is the ratio ?

A 100
B 10
C 1
D
(Total 1 mark)
Q25. The graph shows how the charge stored by a capacitor varies with the potential
difference across it as it is charged from a 6 V battery.
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
A The capacitance of the capacitor is 5.0 µF.
B When the potential difference is 2 V the charge stored is 10 µC.
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C When the potential difference is 2 V the energy stored is 10 µJ.
D When the potential difference is 6 V the energy stored is 180 µJ.
(Total 1 mark)
Q26.
A capacitor of capacitance 10 μF is fully charged through a resistor R to a p.d. of 20 V

using the circuit shown. Which one of the following statements is incorrect?
A The p.d. across the capacitor is 20 V.
B The p.d. across the resistor is 0 V.
C The energy stored by the capacitor is 2 mJ.
D The total energy taken from the battery during the charging process is 2 mJ.
(Total 1 mark)
Q27.A capacitor of capacitance C stores an amount of energy E when the pd across it is V.

Which line, A to D, gives the correct stored energy and pd when the charge is increased
by 50%?

energy p.d.
A 1.5E 1.5V
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B 2.25E 1.5V
C 1.5E 2.25V
D 2.25E 2.25V
(Total 1 mark)
Q28.(a) A 2.0 μF capacitor is charged through a resistor from a battery of emf 4.5 V. Sketch a
graph on the axes below to show how the charge stored, Q, varies with the potential
difference, V, across the capacitor during the charging process. Mark appropriate
values on the axes of the graph.

(2)
(b) (i) Show that the energy stored by a charged capacitor is given by E = QV.
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(ii) Calculate the energy stored by the capacitor in part (a) when the potential
difference across it is 1.5 V.
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(5)
(Total 7 marks)
Q29.(a) For a capacitor of capacitance C, sketch graphs of charge, Q, and energy stored, E,
against potential difference, V.
graph A graph b
What is represented by the slope of graph A?
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(3)
(b) A capacitor of capacitance 0.68 F is charged to 6.0 V. Calculate
(i) the charge stored by the capacitor,
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(ii) the energy stored by the capacitor.
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(2)
(Total 5 marks)
Q30.(a) A capacitor is made from two parallel metal plates of the same area, separated by an
air gap. It is connected across a battery of constant e.m.f.
The plates are moved further apart, maintaining the same area of overlap, whilst the
battery remains connected. State and explain what change, if any, occurs to
(i) the potential difference across the plates,
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(ii) the capacitance of the capacitor,
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(iii) the charge on each plate of the capacitor,
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(iv) the energy stored by the capacitor.
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(4)
(b) A thunder cloud and the earth beneath it can be considered to form a parallel plate
capacitor. The area of the cloud is 8.0 km2 and it is 0.75 km above the earth.
(i) Calculate the energy stored if the potential difference between the cloud and
the earth is 200 kV.
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(ii) The air suddenly conducts, allowing all the charge to flow to earth in 120 μs.
Calculate the mean current flowing between the cloud and the earth when this
happens.
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(6)
(Total 10 marks)
Q31.A 10μF capacitor is connected across the terminals of a 100 V d.c. power supply and
allowed to charge fully.
(a) Calculate
(i) the charge on the capacitor,
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(ii) the energy stored by the capacitor.
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(2)
(b) The fully-charged capacitor is disconnected from the power supply and connected
via two wires across the terminals of an uncharged 10 μF capacitor as shown.
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The charge on the original 10 μF capacitor is shared equally between the capacitors
in the parallel combination.
(i) Calculate the potential difference across the terminals of each capacitor.
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(ii) Calculate the total energy stored by the two capacitors.
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(iii) Account for the difference between the energy stored by the two capacitors in
parallel and that stored by the original single 10 μF capacitor.
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(4)
(Total 6 marks)
Q32. (a) State the three factors upon which the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
depends.
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(2)
(b) The figure below shows a circuit for measuring the capacitance of a capacitor.
The switch is driven by a signal generator and oscillates between S and S with 1 2
frequency f.
When the switch is in position S the capacitor charges until the potential difference
1
across it is equal to the supply emf. When the switch moves to position S the 2
capacitor discharges through the microammeter which has a resistance of 1000 Ω.
In one experiment a 0.047 µF capacitor is used with a 12 V supply.
(i) Calculate the charge stored by the capacitor when the switch is in position S . 1
(ii) Calculate the time for which the switch must remain in contact with S in order 2
for the charge on the capacitor to fall to 1% of its initial charge.
(iii) Assuming that the capacitor discharges all the stored charge through the
microammeter, calculate the reading on the meter when the switch oscillates
at 400 Hz.

(6)
(Total 8 marks)
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Q33. (a) A 500 µF capacitor and a 1000 µF capacitor are connected in series. Calculate
the total capacitance of the combination.

(2)
(b) The figure below shows a diagram of an arrangement used to investigate the energy
stored by a capacitor.
The bundle of constantan wire has a resistance of 8.5 Ω. The capacitor is initially
charged to a potential difference of 9.0 V by closing S .1
(i) Calculate the charge stored by the 0.25 F capacitor.
(ii) Calculate the energy stored by the capacitor.
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(iii) Switch S is now opened and S is closed so that the capacitor discharges
1 2
through the constantan wire. Calculate the time taken for the potential
difference across the capacitor to fall to 0.10 V.

(7)
(c) The volume of constantan wire in the bundle in the figure above is 2.2 × 10 m . –7 3
density of constantan = 8900 kg m –3
specific heat capacity of constantan = 420 J kg K –1 –1
(i) Assume that all the energy stored by the capacitor is used to raise the
temperature of the wire. Use your answer to part (b)(ii) to calculate the
expected temperature rise when the capacitor is discharged through the
constantan wire.
(ii) Give two reasons why, in practice, the final temperature will be lower than that
calculated in part (c)(i).
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(5)
(Total 14 marks)
Q34. The Earth’s surface and the base of a charged cloud can be considered to be two
plates of a parallel-plate capacitor.
(a) Calculate the capacitance of an Earth-cloud system when the base of the cloud has
an area of 1.4 × 10 m and is 800 m above the Earth’s surface.
6 2
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= 8.9 × 10 F m
–12 –1
for air = 1.0

(2)
(b) A potential difference of 3.0 × 10 V across each metre of air will cause the air to
6
break down and allow the cloud to discharge to the Earth.
(i) Show that the average breakdown p.d. for the 800 m layer of air between the
Earth and the base of the cloud is about 2.5 × 10 V.
9

(1)
(ii) Calculate the maximum energy that the charged Earth – cloud system can
store.

(2)
(iii) Calculate the maximum charge stored by the system before breakdown
commences.

(1)
(c) By considering the cloud discharge to be modelled by a resistor connected across a

capacitor, calculate the resistance that would allow a cloud to discharge 99% of its
charge to Earth in a time of 0.25 s.

(3)
(Total 9 marks)
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Q35. (a) Explain what is meant by a capacitance of 1 farad (F).
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(1)
(b) A parallel plate capacitor was made from two circular metal plates with air between
them.
The distance between the plates was 1.8 mm. The capacitance of this capacitor was
found to be 2.3 × 10 F. –11
The permittivity of free space ε = 8.9 ×10 F m 0

–12 –1
The relative permittivity of air = 1.0
Calculate:
(i) the radius of the plates used in the capacitor;

(3)
(ii) the energy stored when the potential difference between the capacitor plates is
6.0 V.
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(2)
(c) A student charged the capacitor and then tried to measure the potential difference
between the plates using an oscilloscope. The student observed the trace shown in
the diagram below and concluded that the capacitor was discharging through the
oscilloscope.
Calculate the resistance of the oscilloscope.

(3)
(Total 9 marks)
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Q36.Which of the following does not give a value in seconds?

A capacitance × resistance
B

C half-life
D

(Total 1 mark)
Q37.(a) A capacitor is marked ‘2200 μF 15 V’.
(i) Explain what is meant by a capacitance of 2200 μF.
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(2)
(ii) What is the significance of the 15 V marking?
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(1)
(b) An egg-timer is designed to produce a sound when an egg has been boiled for a
sufficient time. The time which elapses before the alarm sounds is controlled by the
circuit shown below. The circuit is operated from a 6.0 V cell of negligible internal
resistance.
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The time is set by means of the variable resistor R.
The capacitor is charged by moving the two-way switch to position S1 for a short
time. The timing is then started automatically when the two-way switch is moved to
position S2. An alarm rings when the potential difference between terminals XY
reaches 2.0 V.
(i) In one setting the time constant of the circuit when the capacitor is discharging
is 3.0 minutes. Sketch a graph to show how the potential difference between
the terminals X and Y varies with time for the first 6.0 minutes after the switch
moves to the position S2.

(2)
(ii) How long after timing commences will the alarm sound for the setting in part
(i)?
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(1)
(iii) Calculate the resistance of the variable resistor when the time constant is
3.0 minutes.
(2)
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(iv) The system is designed to measure cooking times up to 5.0 minutes.
Determine the maximum value of the resistance R that is needed.
(2)
(v) State how a suitable capacitor would be connected to increase the measurable

cooking time.
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(1)
(Total 11 marks)
Q38.(a) (i) A label on a capacitor shows it to have a capacitance of 0.020 F. Explain what
this tells you about the capacitor.
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(1)
(ii) Sketch on Figure 1 the graph that shows how the charge on the 0.020 F
capacitor varies with the potential difference across it over the voltage range
given. Insert an appropriate scale on the charge axis.
(2)
(iii) Explain how your graph could be used to obtain the energy stored for a given
potential difference.
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(2)
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Figure 1 Figure 2
(iv) Show on Figure 2 how two similar capacitors could be connected to a supply

to store more energy for the same potential difference.
(1)
(b) Figure 3 shows one 0.020 F capacitor connected to a 20 V supply. By means of the
changeover switch S, the capacitor is disconnected from the supply and connected
to a small motor. The motor lifts an object of mass 0.15 kg through a height of 0.80
m, after which the energy left in the capacitor is negligible.
acceleration of free fall, g = 9.8 m s–2
Page 38
Figure 3
Calculate:
(i) the initial energy stored by the capacitor;

(2)
(ii) the efficiency of the energy conversion.

(3)
(Total 11 marks)
Page 39

M1.C
[1]
M2.B
[1]
M3.A
[1]
M4.(a) (i) determine area under the graph

[or determine area between line and time axis] ✓
1
(ii) as seen
line starts at very low current (within bottom half of first square) ✓
either line continuing as (almost) horizontal straight line to end ✓✓
or very slight exponential decay curve ✓
which does not meet time axis ✓
OR suitable verbal comment that shows appreciation of difficulty of

representing this line on the scales involved ✓✓✓
Use this scheme for answers which treat the information in
the question literally.
3
as intended
line starts at half of original initial current ✓
slower discharging exponential (ie. smaller initial gradient)
than the original curve ✓
correct line that intersects the original curve
(or meets it at the end) ✓
Use this scheme for answers which assume that both
resistance values should be in Ω or kΩ.
½ initial current to be marked within ±2mm of expected
Page 40
value.
3
(b) (i) energy stored (= ½ CV2) = ½ × 0.12 × 9.02 ✓ ( = 4.86 (J) )

4.86 = 3.5 Δh ✓
gives Δh = (1.39) = 1.4 (m) ✓
to 2SF only ✓
SF mark is independent.
Students who make a PE in the 1st mark may still be awarded
the remaining marks: treat as ECF.
4
(ii) energy is lost through heating of wires or heating the motor

(as capacitor discharges) ✓
Allow heating of circuit or I2 R heating.
energy is lost in overcoming frictional forces in the motor

(or in other rotating parts) ✓
Location of energy loss (wires, or motor, etc) should be
indicated in each correct answer.
[or any other well-expressed sensible reason that is valid

e.g. capacitor will not drive motor when voltage becomes low ✓ ]
Don’t allow losses due to sound, air resistance or resistance
(rather than heating of) wires.
max 2
[10]
M5.(a) d = ✓
1.4 ×10 m (1.4 (1.38) mm)✓

–3
Data substitution – condone incorrect powers of 10 for C and

A✓
2
(b) New capacitance = 161 pF✓
New V = 0.13 nC / 161pF = 81 V✓

2
Page 41
(c) Energy stored = ½ × 161 × 10 × 81 ✓
-12 2
0.53 μJ✓
2
(d) Energy increases because:
In the polar dielectric molecules align in the field with positive charged end
toward the negative plate (or WTTE).✓
Work is done on the capacitor separating the positively charged surface of the
dielectric from the negatively charged plate (or vice versa).✓
2
[8]
M6.C
[1]
M7.(a) (i) Q(= It) 4.5 × 10 × 60 or = 2.70 × 10 (C) ✓

–6 –4
✓ = 6.1(4) × 10 = 61 (μF) ✓
–5
(ii) since V was 4.4V after 60s, when t = 30s V = 2.2 (V) ✓

C C
[ or by use of Q = It and V = Q / C ]

C
∴ pd across R is (6.0 – 2.2) = 3.8 (V) ✓
= 8.4(4) × 10 (Ω) ✓ (=844 kΩ)

5
In alternative method,
Q = 4.5 × 10 × 30 = 1.35 × 10 (C)
–6 –4
V = 1.35 × 10 / 6.14 × 10 = 2.2 (V)

C
–4 –5
(allow ECF from wrong values in (i)).

3
(b) The candidate’s writing should be legible and the spelling, punctuation
and grammar should be sufficiently accurate for the meaning to be clear.
The candidate’s answer will be assessed holistically. The answer will be

Page 42
assigned to one of three levels according to the following criteria.
High Level (Good to excellent): 5 or 6 marks

The information conveyed by the answer is clearly organised, logical and
coherent, using appropriate specialist vocabulary correctly. The form and style
of writing is appropriate to answer the question.
The candidate gives a coherent and logical description of the flow of electrons
taking place during the charging and discharging processes, indicating the
correct directions of flow and the correct time variations. There is clear
understanding of how the pds change with time during charging and during
discharging. The candidate also gives a coherent account of energy transfers
that take place during charging and during discharging, naming the types of
energy involved. They recognise that the time constant is the same for both
charging and discharging.
A High Level answer must contain correct physical
statements about at least two of the following for both the
charging and the discharging positions of the switch:-
• the direction of electron flow in the circuit
• how the flow of electrons (or current) changes with
time
• how V and / or V change with time
R C
• energy changes in the circuit
Intermediate Level (Modest to adequate): 3 or 4 marks

The information conveyed by the answer may be less well organised and not
fully coherent. There is less use of specialist vocabulary, or specialist
vocabulary may be used incorrectly. The form and style of writing is less
appropriate.
The candidate has a fair understanding of how the flow of electrons varies with
time, but may not be entirely clear about the directions of flow. Description of
the variation of pds with time is likely to be only partially correct and may not
be complete. The candidate may show reasonable understanding of the
energy transfers.
An Intermediate Level answer must contain correct physical
statements about at least two of the above for either the
charging or the discharging positions of the switch.
Low Level (Poor to limited): 1 or 2 marks

The information conveyed by the answer is poorly organised and may not be
relevant or coherent. There is little correct use of specialist vocabulary. The
form and style of writing may be only partly appropriate.
The candidate is likely to confuse electron flow with current and is therefore
unlikely to make effective progress in describing electron flow. Understanding
of the variation of pds with time is likely to be quite poor. The candidate may
show some understanding of the energy transfers that take place.
A Low Level answer must contain a correct physical
statement about at least one of the above for either the
charging or the discharging positions of the switch.
Incorrect, inappropriate or no response: 0 marks

No answer, or answer refers to unrelated, incorrect or inappropriate physics.
The explanation expected in a competent answer should include a
Page 43
coherent selection of the following points concerning the physical
principles involved and their consequences in this case.
Charging
• electrons flow from plate P to terminal A and from terminal B to plate Q
(ie. from plate P to plate Q via A and B)
• electrons flow in the opposite direction to current
• plate P becomes + and plate Q becomes –
• the rate of flow of electrons is greatest at the start, and decreases to
zero
when the capacitor is fully charged
• V decreases from E to zero whilst V increases from zero to E
R C
• at any time V + V = E

R C
• time variations are exponential decrease for V and exponential increase

R
for V
C
• chemical energy of the battery is changed into electric potential energy

stored in the capacitor, and into thermal energy by the resistor (which
passes
to the surroundings)
• half of the energy supplied by the battery is converted into thermal
energy and
half is stored in the capacitor
Discharging
• electrons flow back from plate Q via the shorting wire to plate P
• at the end of the process the plates are uncharged
• the rate of flow of electrons is greatest at the start, and decreases to
zero
when the capacitor is fully discharged
• V decreases from –E to zero and V decreases from E to zero
C R
• at any time V = – V

C R
• both V and V decrease exponentially with time

C R
• electrical energy stored by the capacitor is all converted to thermal

energy
by the resistor as the electrons flow through it and this energy passes to
the surroundings
• time constant of the circuit is the same for discharging as for charging
Any answer which does not satisfy the requirement for a Low
Level answer should be awarded 0 marks.
max 6
[12]
M8.(a) (i) required pd ( = 2.5 × 10 × 12 × 10 ) = 3.0(0) × 10 (V)

6 −3 4
(ii) charge required Q (= CV) = 3.7 × 10 × 3.00 × 10

−12 4
( = 1.11 × 10 C) −7
Allow ECF from incorrect V from (a)(i).
Page 44
(b) (i) time increases
(larger C means) more charge required (to reach breakdown pd)

Mark sequentially i.e. no explanation mark if effect is
wrong.
or or time ∝ capacitance

2
(ii) spark is brighter (or lasts for a longer time)
more energy (or charge) is stored or current is larger

Mark sequentially.
or spark has more energy

2
(Total 7 marks)
M9.D
[1]
M10.C
[1]
M11. B
[1]
Page 45
M12. C
[1]
M13. (a) charge (stored) per unit potential difference
[or C = Q/V where Q = charge (stored by one plate) V = pd (across plates) ]

2
(b) (i) = = 2.2 × 10 (F)

–6
(or 2.2 μF)
2
(ii) when t = time constant Q = 0.63 × 13.2 = 8.3 (μC)
[or = 0.63 × 13(.0) (from graph) = 8.2 (μC)]
reading from graph gives time constant = 15 (± 1) (ms)

2
(iii) resistance of resistor = = 6820 (Ω)

1
(iv) gradient = current
1
(c) (i) maximum current = = = 0.88 (mA)
[or value from initial gradient of graph: allow 0.70 – 1.00 mA for this approach]
1
Page 46
(ii) curve starts at marked l on l axis and has decreasing negative gradient
max
line is asymptotic to t axis and approaches ≈ 0 by t = 60 ms

2
[11]
M14. D
[1]
M15. C
[1]
M16. (a) (i) energy stored by capacitor (= ½ CV ) 2
= ½ × 70 × 1.2 2
(= 50.4) = 50 (J)
to 2 sf only
3
(ii) energy stored by cell (= I V t) = 55 × 10 × 1.2 × 10 × 3600

–3
(= 2380 J)
= (ie about 50)

2
Page 47
(b) capacitor would be impossibly large (to fit in phone)
capacitor would need recharging very frequently

[or capacitor could only power the phone for a short time]
capacitor voltage [or current supplied or charge] would fall

continuously while in use
max 2
[7]
M17. A
[1]
M18. (a) ratio of charge to potential
C1
4.2 μC per volt etc
A1
2
(b) (i) method: time for voltage to half/tangent at

origin/use of decay equation/1/e value
B1
appropriate reading from graph (T = 440 or 450 μs)

½
B1
substitution into correct equation
B1
R correct for method (151/152/155 Ω)
B1
Page 48
4
(ii) B smaller than A M0
B discharges faster/A discharges slower
B1
reference to decay equation/calculation for B
B1
2
(c) E = ½ CV or ½ QV seen
2
C1
both 4.0 (V) and 0.9 (V)/16.8 (μC) and 3.8 (μC) seen
C1
31.9 (μJ)
A1
3
[11]
M19. D
[1]
M20. B
[1]
Page 49
M21. D
[1]
M22. (a) (i) charge stored per unit volt or equation with terms defined (1)
(ii) 0.108 C or 0.11 C c.a.o. (1)

2
(b) (i) 1.7 s (1)
(ii) correct curvature (1)
intercept on V axis, asymptotic to t axis (1)
initial voltage, time constant and V after RC seconds shown (1)

4
(c) initially no pd across C so rate of charging is high (1)
Pd across C increases as the capacitor charges (1)
rate of charging reduces (1)

3
[9]
M23. D
[1]
Page 50

M24.A
[1]
M25. D
[2]
M26.D
[1]
M27.B
[1]
M28.(a) graph to show:

straight line from origin (1)
end point at 4.5 (V), 9.0 (μF) (1)
2
(b) (i) ΔW = V ΔQ explained (1)

energy stored or total work done in charging = area under graph or
charge × average voltage
(1)
Page 51
energy stored = work done (= ½QV) (1)
(ii) Q = 2.0 × 1.5 = 3.0 (μC) (1)

E (=½ QV) = ½ × 3.0 × 10 × 1.5 = 2.25 × 10 J (1)
-6 -6
[or E = (½CV = ½ × 2.0 × 10 × 1.5 = 2.25 × 10 J]

2 -6 2 -6
5
[7]
M29.(a)
capacitance [or charge per volt or Q/V] (1)

(3)
(b) (i) Q = CV (= 0.68 × 6.0) = 4.1 C (1)
(ii) = 12 J (1)
(2)
[5]
M30.(a) (i) remains constant since connected to constant p.d. (1)
(ii) decreases because C ∝ (1)
(iii) decreases because Q = CV and C has decreased (1)
(iv) decreases because E = CV and C has decreased (1)

2
Page 52
(b) (i) C (1) (= 9.44 × 10–8 F)
E (= CV2) = × 9.44 × 10–8 × (200 × 103)2 (1)
= 1890J (1)
(ii) I use of Q = CV (1) use of I = (1)
= 157 A (1)
6
[10]
M31.(a) (i) Q = 1.0 × 10–3 C (1)
(ii) E = 5.0 × 10–2 J (1)

2
(b) (i) V = 50 V (1)
(ii) (E1 = QV = 1.25 × 10 J) E = 2.5 × 10 J (1)

–2
2
–2
(iii) current flows (when capacitors connected together) (1)

(energy lost due to) heat in wires (1)
4
[6]
M32. (a) area of overlap of the plates
B1
separation of/distance between the plates
permittivity/dielectric constant of free space/the

material/dielectric between the plates (condone of the gap)
B1
Page 53
2
B1 for 1 factor clearly stated

B1 for other two clearly stated
(b) (i) Q = VC (any form) or 0.047 µF × 12

(ignoring powers of 10)
C1
5.6(4) × 10 C (0.56 µC)

−7
A1
(ii) time constant = 4.7 × 10 s or 0.01 = e

−5 −t/RC
C1
0.01 = e
–t/(0.000047
) or 0.01 = e –t /47
or =
C1
2.2 (2.16) × 10 s or 0.22 ms

−4
A1
(iii) their (i) × 400 (230 (226) µA or 2.3 × 10 A if correct) −4
B1
6
[8]
M33. (a) 1/C = 1/500 + 1/1000 or
C1
330 (333) µF
Page 54
A1
2
(b) (i) Q = VC or Q = 0.25 × 9
C1
2.3 or 2.25 C (c.a.o. unit essential)
A1
(ii) energy = ½ CV or 0.5 × 0.25 × 9 or ½ QV used

2 2
C1
10(.1) J (allow e.c.f. for Q)
A1
(iii) V = V e
o
−t/RC
C1
7
0.1 = 9 e −t/(8.5 x 0.25)
C1
9.6 (9.56) s
A1
(c) (i) Q = mc∆θ or mass = volume × density
C1
correct substitution 10.1 = (2.2 × 10 × 8900 × 400 × ∆θ)

−7
C1
12 (12.3) K or °C ecf for energy from (b) (ii)
A1
5
Page 55
(ii) some energy raises temperature of the thermometer
B1
energy/heat lost to (raise temperature of) surroundings
B1
[14]
M34. (a) C = A/d
C1
15.6 nF or 16 nF
A1
2
(b) (i) 2.4 × 10 (V)

9
B1
1
(ii) ½ CV (or ½QV if attempt to calculate Q made)

2
C1
4.3–5.0 × 10 J 10
A1
2
(iii) 36–40 C
B1
1
(c) recognition that 1% of charge or voltage remains
C1
any appropriate form of decay equation (either exponential

or logarithmic)
Page 56
C1
3.48 × 10 Ω cao (but do not allow if physics error)

6
A1
3
[9]
M35. (a) 1 coulomb of charge is stored for a p.d. of 1 V between

the plates
(or equivalent statement) Condone I coulomb per volt
B1
1
(b) (i) Correct substitution in C = (ignore powers of 10)
C1
Plate area = 4.65 × 10 m or C =

–3 2
with correct
data
A1
Radius = (their area /3.14)1/2; 0.038(4 or 5) m if correct
B1
3
(ii) E = ½ CV or correct numerical substitution or

2
E = ½ QV & Q = VC
C1
4.1(4) × 10 J –10
A1
2
Page 57
(c) Time constant = RC or Time to halve = 0.69 RC
or V = V e
0
– t/RC
C1
Time to fall to 1/e (0. 19 ms) or time to halve (0. 13 ms)

or V = 6 V and correct coordinates of point on line
0
(0.6 ms max)
C1
8.1 - 8.6 MΩ
A1
3
[9]
M36.D
[1]
M37.(a) (i) 2200 × 10–6 farads (C V–1 ) or 2200 μC V–1

or idea of capacitance measuring charge (or coulomb) per volt
or C = Q / V with terms defined
C1
the capacitor ‘stores’ 2200 μC of charge for a potential

difference of 1 volt
A1
(2)
(ii) 15 V is
the maximum safe voltage between the terminals of
the capacitor.
or the maximum voltage that should be used across
the capacitor
or the voltage at which the capacitor breaks down / insulator
conducts
B1
(1)
Page 58
(b) (i) correct curvature starting at 6 V at time = 0
points plotted correctly at 3 and 6 minutes with reasonable curve
(2.2 V and 0.8 V)
B1
or at 3 V at 2.1 minutes and 1.5 V at 4.2 minutes if

‘half life’ calculated and used
allow ±0.5 small square

B1
(2)
(ii) time alarm rings read correctly from the graph at 2 V

(about 200 s but use candidate's graph condone any shape graph)
B1
(1)
(iii) time constant = RC or (R = ) or time to halve = 0.69CR

C1
82 kΩ
A1
(2)
(iv) cooking time ∝ CR ∝ R
or quotes V = V0 e–t / CR or 2 = 6 e–300 / CR
C1
resistance = 120 kΩ (124 kΩ)

A1
(2)
(v) connect it in parallel (with the other capacitor)

or
replace capacitor with one of higher value (not just use a larger
capacitor)
B1
(3)
[11]
M38.(a) (i) 0.02 C of charge produce a p.d. of 1 V between the two terminals
or 0.02 C of charge per unit p.d.
Page 59
B1
(2)
(ii) straight line through the origin

M1
correct gradient (possible check point 0.2 C at 10 V)
and graph line up to 20 V

A1
(2)
(iii) area between graph line and charge axis
(allow area under graph)
not area of the graph
not area under graph / 2

M1
from 0 to the required voltage or up to the required voltage

A1
or energy = ½QV or ½CV2

M1
read corresponding Q from the graph

A1
(only allow second mark if graph is straight line through the origin)
or C determined from gradient of graph and V given

(2)
(iv) sketch showing two capacitors in parallel connected to a supply

B1
(1)
(b) (i) energy stored = 0.5 CV2

C1
4.0 J (condone 1 sf answer)

A1
(2)
Page 60
(ii) (useful) energy output = mgh
or
efficiency = useful energy out / energy input(in same time)
or
efficiency = useful power out / power input

C1
energy output = 0.15 × 9.8 × 0.8 = 1.18 J

C1
efficiency = 0.294 or 29.4% e.c.f. from (b)(i)

A1
(allow 29% – 30%)

(3)
[11]
Page 61

E1.This question involved a calculation of the number of electrons transferred when a capacitor
becomes fully charged. This needed the application of Q = CV followed by Q = ne. Almost
four-fifths of the students could do this satisfactorily.
E2.This question looked at various factors − energy stored, energy supplied, voltages across C
and R − for a capacitor that had been fully charged from a battery through a resistor. An
incorrect statement had to be identified. The facility of the question was 61%. 21% of the
students chose distractor D; evidently they did not understand that there is no current
once C has been fully charged.
E3.In this question the students needed to know that reversing the current in a wire placed in a
magnetic field would reverse the direction of the force on it, and that doubling the current
would double the force. 60% of the responses were correct, up from 41% the last time this
question appeared in an examination. The most common incorrect answer was distractor
D (22%), where the force would be doubled but not reversed.
E4.AQA apologises for the unfortunate typographical error which crept in to the resistor values
in part (a) of this question. Both values ought to have been given in kΩ. The majority of
students actually answered the question as it had been intended to appear, and so the
mark scheme that would have applied to the intended question in part (ii) was used when
marking their work. The students who answered the question as it appeared in the paper
were not disadvantaged, because an alternative mark scheme which gave full credit for
completely correct responses was adopted for them. The main weaknesses in either
approach were a lack of appreciation of the effect of the resistor value on the initial
current, and doubt as to whether increasing resistance would speed up the decay or slow
it down. In the case of the question as it had been intended, the curve crosses the original
curve within the time scale of the graph; this was rarely spotted and so the award of all
three marks was quite unusual. The determination of the initial charge on the capacitor
from the area under the curve was not as well known as expected. There were many
references to the intercept on the current axis, to the initial gradient, and some to “the
initial area under the curve”.
Page 62
Most students wrote correct and complete answers in part (b)(i). A small number of
students mixed up mass and weight, leading to the unnecessary introduction of g into the
calculation. The more able ones who had done this then realised that g was self-
cancelling. It was pleasing to see that an appropriate number of significant figures was
generally quoted in the final answers. The reasons looked for in the answers to part (b)(ii)
were those which cause the greatest energy loss as the weight is raised by an electric
motor: losses caused by heating of the connecting wires or the motor and energy lost in
overcoming frictional forces as the motor rotates. By comparison, the energy lost in
overcoming air resistance (for example) is trivial and was therefore discounted. Examiners
expected to see that the locations of the energy losses (wires, motor, circuit, etc) were
identified in acceptable answers.
E7.The capacitance calculation in part (a)(i) rewarded most students with full marks. Answers to
part (a)(ii) made a distinct contrast, because relatively few students were able to progress.
Correct answers were rare. The circuit in Figure 1 is one in which the current is
maintained constant by reducing the resistance as the capacitor is charged. Consequently
the large number of attempted solutions that introduced exponential decay equations were
totally inappropriate. An understanding of the principle that in a series circuit the sum of
the voltages across components is equal to the applied voltage was essential. Many of the
efforts progressed as far as establishing that the pd across the capacitor at 30 s would be
2.2V, but then went on to find what is effectively “the resistance of the capacitor” by
dividing 2.2V by the current.
The final question in this examination, part (b), concerned a C-R circuit is which R is
constant and charging / discharging are exponential processes. Apart from testing this
subject content, the question was also used to assess the communications skills of the
students. The guidance given in the bullet points helped most students to organise their
answers systematically. A very good spread of marks was seen, ranging from students
who clearly knew everything that happens during charging and discharging to ones who
understood little or nothing about capacitors. A large number of correct statements about
the factors listed in the bullet points for both charging and discharging constituted a high
level answer (5 / 6 marks). Fewer correct statements about either charging or discharging
put answers into the intermediate level (3 / 4 marks) whilst even fewer correct statements
put answers into the low level (1 / 2 marks). Contributing also to the overall assessment
was examiners’ consideration of the incorrect statements made in the answers, and how
satisfactorily the answers had been had been written. There were many instances of
answers in which it was stated that electrons passed directly from plate Q across the gap
to plate P – these tended to condemn the knowledge of the student concerned. A
common misapprehension concerning this circuit was that the reduction in current is
caused by an increase in the resistance of the capacitor rather than by a decrease in the
net potential difference as the capacitor charges or discharges. A large proportion of the
students chose to ignore the advice given to refer in their answers to points A, B, P and Q
in the circuit. This omission usually made their answers somewhat more difficult to
assess.
Page 63
E8.Very few candidates experienced any difficulty in (a)(i), where the product of field strength
and plate separation readily led to 30,000 V. In the other parts of Question 2 the principal
failing of many of the candidates’ attempts was to resort to time variations that were
exponential. Part (a) puts this question clearly in the context of a charging current that is
constant, so any references to exponential changes or time constants showed
misunderstanding and were irrelevant. Arithmetical slips sometimes caused the loss of
marks in part (a)(ii), but Q = CV and t = Q / I were usually applied correctly to arrive at 3.5
s.
In part (b) it was essential for candidates to realise that both the charging current and the
breakdown pd remain constant at their original values when the capacitance is changed.
The majority of candidates could see in part (b)(i) that the time between discharges would
increase. Many also gave an acceptable explanation, either by stating that the charge
stored would have to be larger before the breakdown pd was reached, or by reference to t
= CV / I, where V and I are both unchanged. A common misconception in part (b)(ii) was
to think that the brightness of the spark would be unchanged because the breakdown pd
would be the same as it had been originally. It was expected that candidates would know
that increased capacitance at the same pd would mean that the energy stored by the
capacitor would be greater, so each spark would transfer more energy and would
therefore be brighter. Alternatively, explanations in terms of the greater charge stored
were also accepted.
E9.Capacitors were the topic tested by this question. The question needed knowledge of how to
apply Q = I t for a constant current, C = Q / V and energy stored = ½ CV . Three quarters
2
of the candidates succeeded.
E10.The Capacitors were the topic tested by this question which needed knowledge of how to
apply Q = I t for a constant current, C = Q/V and energy stored = ½ CV2.
E11. The connection between the pd applied across a capacitor and the energy it stores
was the subject of this question Almost three-quarters of the students were able to see
that a 100:1 capacitance ratio would imply a 1:100 ratio for V if the energy was to be the
2
same.The students in 2012 found.
Page 64

E12. The relationship defining capacitance, C = Q/V, was involved in This question (facility
79%). Distractor C in the latter is clearly a correct statement; no doubt it was misreading
of the question (an incorrect statement was required) that caused 30% of the students to
choose it.
E13. Good definitions of capacitance were usually seen in part (a), leading to an easily
gained couple of marks. Vague statements such as ‘capacitance is a measure of the
ability to store charge’ went unrewarded.
Part (b) caused very few problems, apart from those arising from careless arithmetic or
misunderstood powers of 10. In part (b) (iv) it was expected that students would identify
the gradient with current; ‘rate of charging’ seemed too obvious for the mark to be given.
The maximum value of the current could be found directly in part (c) (i) by applying I =
V/R, where V is the emf of the battery and R is the resistance of the resistor. No doubt it
was the previous part of this question that directed so many students to base their
response on the initial slope of the graph. This was equally acceptable, and a wide
tolerance was placed on answers arrived at by this technique. The sketch graphs in part
(c) (iii) were often too careless to deserve full credit. This exponential decay curve should
start at an intersection with the current axis (with I marked as required) and should be
max
asymptotic to the time axis. More able students realised that the gradient of this Q-t graph
in part (b) was practically zero at t = 60 ms, and that the current should therefore be very
close to zero at this time. There were many answers showing a current that increased with
time, and many others that had a constant negative gradient.
E14. This question involved finding the current when a capacitor is charged using a
constant current, by combining Q = CV and Q = I t. 68% of candidates chose the correct
alternative.
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E15. This question was more demanding, with a facility of 49%. Here the energy and
voltage of a capacitor had to be considered when the charge is increased by half;
distractors A and B each attracted over 20% of the responses.
E16. The data used in this question is realistic. A low voltage 70 F capacitor is available
for back-up purposes, and there is a rechargeable cell with the specification quoted. Part
(a)(i) was readily answered by the application of ½ CV . The choice of an inappropriate
2
number of significant figures, typically three, caused the loss of a mark. Candidates
should realise that a final value should only be quoted to two significant figures when the
data in the question is given to no more than two significant figures.
Part (a)(ii) was answered poorly, usually because the calculation was approached from
the capacitor energy equation (½ QV), instead of that giving the energy delivered by a cell
(QV). Examiners were ready to penalise the candidates who, having started from the
wrong principle, introduced a mysterious factor of two in order to show that the energy
stored was 50× greater, rather than 25× greater.
In part (b) candidates’ responses were often inadequate because of incompleteness,

and/or an inability to express ideas sufficiently clearly. It was expected that satisfactory
answers would relate to the use of the capacitor in a cordless telephone. ‘A capacitor
discharges quickly’ is an incomplete answer; ‘a capacitor would need recharging
frequently’ or ‘a capacitor would only power the phone for a short time’ were much more
explicit in the context of the question. Other acceptable answers were that a 70 F
capacitor would be too large to fit in the telephone, or that the voltage supplied by it would
decrease continuously whilst in use.
E17. This was the easiest question in the test, with a facility of 86%. The candidates were
obviously competent when applying the equations C = Q/V and E = ½ CV to find the
2
capacitance and energy stored from data on the graph of charge against pd.
Page 66
E18. For part (a), most candidates knew the definition of capacitance, but frequently
omitted the 4.2 μC per V aspect.
There was a variety of techniques used in part (b) (i) but most answers were complete.
In part (b) (ii), nearly all candidates recognised that B had a smaller capacitance than A
but most answers only gained a single mark for stating that the discharge happens faster
in B without explaining why this meant that the capacitance was smaller.
Few candidates correctly calculated the change in energy in part (c) – most used ½ QV
but did not calculate the values of Q and V before and afterwards.
E19. This question was a test of C = Q/V in a graphical application. Because Q is on the x-
axis and V on the y-axis, the gradient is 1/C (answer D). The majority of candidates
recognised this, making the 72%. It may not be surprising that distractor A was the most
popular incorrect response, chosen by 15%, since this suggests that the gradient would
be C. This question was another good discriminator.
E20. 78% of candidates were not troubled by the constant charging current of the
capacitor in this question, because they chose the correct answer. This question required
Q = I t to be combined with C = Q/V.
E21. This question was a test of C = Q/V, but in combination with E = ½ CV . Candidates
2
found this question also to be relatively easy, for the facility was 72% – but it was the most
discriminating question in the test.
Page 67
E23. This question involved the charging of a capacitor by a constant current. The two-
stage calculation, using Q = CV and I = Q/t , caused no difficulty for 69% of the
candidates. Incorrect responses were almost all divided between distractors A and B, with
very few selecting distractor C.
E25. This question involved calculations of capacitance, charge stored and energy stored
by a capacitor, using data from a graph. When the question was pre-tested, 56% gave the
correct response, but this advanced to 73% in the examination. Presumably it was
confusion between E = (1/2) QV and E = QV that caused 18% of the candidates to select
distractor C.
E28.More careful reading of the question would have produced a greater number of satisfactory
answers to the sketch graph in part (a). Most candidates realised that a straight line from
the origin was needed, but many lines were continued beyond the point 4.5 V, 9.0 μC.
Almost inevitably, some of the lines were drawn as exponential curves.
‘Derivation of’ seems to be an unwelcome term in the new Specification, for very few
candidates were able to produce a completely satisfactory answer to part (b)(i), which
required them to show that E = ½QV. Whilst most candidates could identify energy stored
with the area under the graph, only a tiny minority could link energy stored with work done
by the charging source, or explain ΔW = VQ. Consequently it was usual to award only
one mark out of the three available for part (i). Answers to part (b)(ii) were usually correct
with many candidates sensibly choosing to approach the calculation via ½CV2.
E29.Most candidates answered this question well and full marks were not unusual. As
mentioned in the introduction, some candidates were very careless in drawing their sketch
graphs. It was sometimes not clear whether the candidate intended the first graph to be a
straight line. The calculations did not cause many problems, although some candidates
did pick up a significant figure penalty here.
Page 68
Part (c)(ii) required a descriptive answer and caused problems. Even though most
candidates did get the idea, they found it difficult to express themselves in a clear and
concise way. A minority did not really understand the question and discussed a capacitor
charging circuit or became very confused discussing how the resistance of the lamp
filament changes with temperature.
E30.In part (a) a substantial number of candidates stated the various changes without
explanation, or gave an explanation that was inadequate. In part (a)(i) references to the
battery maintaining a constant p.d. were rare. In parts (a)(ii), (a)(iii) and (a)(iv) the
examiners were expecting candidates to refer to C ∝ l / d, Q = CV, and E = ½ CV2
respectively, in a fully-reasoned answer.
The first stage of the calculation on part (b) involved calculating the capacitance of the
arrangement. Converting 8.0 km2 into m2 was a major source of trouble. Here 8.0 × 103 m2
was the most common wrong result, and 8 × 8 km2 was a not infrequent
misunderstanding. However, candidates who made this type of error were still able to
achieve five marks in part (b) if the rest of the calculation followed the correct principles.
Inappropriate use of E = IVt (or P = IV). in a situation where the discharging voltage
would not be constant, was a frequent mistake in the final part of the question. This
caused the value of the current to be half of the correct answer. There was evidence in
some scripts of candidates confusing E for field strength with E for energy; they attempted
to use E = V / d in part (b)(i).
E31.In part (a) the majority of the candidates were able to calculate correctly the charge on the
capacitor and the energy stored by the capacitor. There was confusion by some
candidates as to the meaning of the symbol C in the relevant equations. Such candidates
were quite happy to interpret the meaning of C to be capacitance when calculating the
charge and charge when calculating the energy.
In part (b)(i) the majority of candidates realised that since the charge is shared between
the two identical capacitors the potential difference across the terminals of the original
single capacitor must be halved. In part (b)(ii) the total energy stored by the combination
was correctly calculated by the majority of candidates. In part (b)(iii) many candidates
failed to account correctly for the difference between the energy stored by the two
Page 69
capacitors in parallel and that stored by the single capacitor.
E32. (a) Most candidates gave one factor unambiguously, usually the separation of the
two plates. The area factor often stated to be the surface area of the plates or the
cross-sectional area of the plates. Relatively few stated that it was the permittivity of
the medium between the plates that was important.
(b) (i) This was generally done well, only less able candidates ignoring the μ or
quoting C = QV.
(ii) There were many correct answers but this part caused more problems for
candidates than part (i). The ‘fall to 1%’ was often interpreted as ‘fall by 1%’,
and a significant proportion used the charge calculated in (i) to determine the
time constant probably confusing the symbol C with the unit C.
(iii) Many did not appreciate that this was simply the answer to part (i) × 400, and
proceeded to perform more elaborate calculations, often involving the
exponential function.
E33. The vast majority of candidates found this a very accessible question and marks
were generally very high.
(a) The correct formula was used by most candidates. The main errors arising were
failure to do the final reciprocal, inappropriate significant figures and units.
(b) (i) This was usually successfully completed.
(ii) This was also usually correct.
(iii) Although there were many correct answers some confused V and Vo, others
used the value of charge from (i) and some were unable to do the calculation
Page 70
having substituted correctly.
(c) (i) The majority knew which formula to use but a significant proportion did not
know how to calculate the mass and some used the value for charge from (b)
(i) for the energy (confusing Q in Q = VC and Q = mc∆θ).
(ii) The majority gained credit for appreciating losses to the surroundings but few
referred to the effect of the heat capacity of the thermometer which is the other
most significant reason for the lower temperature. Some suggested that the
lower temperature was because not all the heat energy supplied went to
the thermometer.
E34. (a) Although the capacitance equation was used well, a surprisingly large number
of candidates rounded the capacitance down from 15.6 nF to 15 nF to incur a mark
penalty.
(b) (i) The majority of candidates correctly calculated the average breakdown
voltage to be 2.4 × 10 V. A sizeable minority were penalised for simply
9
equating 3.0 × 10 × 800 to 2.5 × 10 without comment.

6 9
(ii) Those candidates using the ½CV formula usually had no difficulty with this
2
part; use of ½QV meant that the charge needed to be calculated first and
presented more of a problem to candidates. Errors arose from wrongly
selecting the p.d. to be 3.0 × 10 V.
6
(iii) Most candidates were able to calculate the maximum charge but a surprising
number, having calculated this value in the previous part of the question, were
floored by this calculation.
(c) A common mistake made by candidates here was to substitute 99% of the charge
(or voltage) value into the decay equation, i.e. to calculate the time for 99% left
rather than 1% left. The exponential or logarithmic form of the equation presented a
significant problem for the less mathematic candidates and a mark of 1 out of 3 for
this part was regularly gained.
Page 71
E35. (a) Most of the candidates were able to provide an acceptable explanation. Some
weaker candidates defined capacitance in general and others thought that the farad
was a charge unit.
(b) (i) Failure to use correct powers of 10 for the separation and an incorrect formula
for area were not uncommon but most were able to gain 2 of the 3 available
marks.
(ii) This was generally well done. Some did not square V having quoted the
formula correctly and others forgot the ½.
(c) Most candidates knew what was to be done but many made errors somewhere
along the way. When quoting formulae candidates need to be absolutely clear as to
whether the ‘T’ they use is the period or the time to halve. As a start point T = RC
and T = 0.69 RC were both common and unless they proceeded correctly this
gained no compensation mark. There were many who misread the scales. Use of
0.13 s for the time to halve was common as was 0.65 ms and 1.25 s.
E37.(a) (i) This is the basic definition in the work on capacitors and the number of weak or incorrect
responses was very disappointing if not disturbing. Many stated that 2200 μF meant that
2200 μF of charge could be stored on the capacitor (some did add ‘per volt’). Some
defined capacitance as charge per volt without reference to the value of the capacitance.
(ii) It was not always clear that candidates knew that this was the maximum
potential difference that can exist between the terminals of a capacitor without
causing damage. Many candidates thought it was the voltage at which the
capacitance would be 2200 μF or that it was the voltage at which 2200 μC of
charge would be stored.
(b) (i) Some candidates demonstrated excellent graph drawing skills but sketches
were frequently poor. The starting voltage and the direction of the curvature
was most often correct but many candidates took no care in producing realistic
values after times of one and two time constants. Many associated time
constant with the time to halve.
Page 72
(ii) Most read the value correctly from their graph. There were those, however,
who were unable to read the graph accurately giving answers only to the
nearest minute.
(iii) This was generally well done but, again, confusion between time constant and
half life was a frequent cause of lost marks. Neglecting to convert minutes to
seconds was also a common error.
(iv) This part was rarely correct. Most candidates assumed a time constant of 5
minutes. It was necessary for candidates to take one of two approaches. They
could calculate the time constant necessary for the voltage to fall from 6 V to 2
V and hence determine the resistance. More simply they could use the fact
that the cooking time would be proportional to the time constant and, hence,
the resistance.
(v) This part was usually completed successfully. A statement that a larger

capacitor would be used without stating how it would be connected was
inadequate as this did not answer the question.
E38.(a) (i) ‘The capacitor stores 0.02 F of charge per volt’ was not an uncommon answer. Many
simply defined capacitance and some defined the farad. Candidates are required to apply
their knowledge to the context of the question.
(ii) Failure to include a unit on the axis was a common error. There were many
curves seen, sometimes even when part (i) was correct, which demonstrated
poor understanding.
(iii) Many correctly stated that the area under the graph would be determined but
did not say what area would be used for any given voltage. Some quoted ½
CV2 but did not link this with the graph as required by the question.
Page 73
(iv) Most were successful in this part but there were many who drew capacitors in
series and some who did not use a capacitor symbol or label their ‘boxes’ as
capacitors. A few, although knowing the symbol, had no idea how to draw
them in either a series or parallel circuit.
(b) (i) Only very weak candidates failed to gain some marks in part (b). In this part
the main error was thinking that the answer was given by mgh. This led to
problems for some candidates in part (ii).
(ii) The majority of candidates obtained the correct answer. Even those who were
confused in (i) often recovered and used energies correctly in this part.
Page 74

3 7 3 1-Capacitance

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Colonel Frank Seely School

Q2.A capacitor of capacitance 10 μF is charged through a resistor R to a potential difference

A The energy stored by the capacitor is 2 mJ.

C The pd across the capacitor is 20 V.

D The pd across the resistor is 0 V.

(i) The capacitance of the capacitor is 0.12 F and it is charged to a pd of 9.0 V.

maximum height ................................................. m

(a) Calculate the thickness of the polythene sheet.

energy stored = _____________µJ

Q6.Which of the following statements about a parallel plate capacitor is incorrect?

B A uniform electric field exists between the plates of the

C The charge stored on the capacitor is inversely proportional

D The energy stored when the capacitor is fully charged is

Calculate the resistance of R when the uncharged capacitor has been

(i) the time between consecutive discharges,

(ii) the brightness of each spark.

Q9.An initially uncharged capacitor of capacitance 20 μF is charged by a constant current of 80

A 4.0 × 10–3 2.0 × 10–3

B 4.0 × 10–3 4.0 × 10–1

C 2. 0 × 102 2.0 × 10–3

D 2. 0 × 102 4.0 × 10–1

What is the value of the ratio ?

Q13. (a) Define the capacitance of a capacitor.

(iii) Hence calculate the resistance of the resistor.

(iv) What physical quantity is represented by the gradient of the graph?

Q15. A capacitor of capacitance C stores an amount of energy E when the pd across it is

(a) (i) A capacitor of capacitance 70 F is used to provide the emergency back-up in a

(c) Capacitor A was charged to a potential difference of 4.0V before discharging

Which one of the following statements is correct?

Q22. (a) (i) Define the capacitance of a capacitor.

arrangement is shown in Figure 1.

the charge stored in the 10 μF capacitor is Q . 2

What is the ratio ?

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

A The capacitance of the capacitor is 5.0 µF.

B When the potential difference is 2 V the charge stored is 10 µC.

A capacitor of capacitance 10 μF is fully charged through a resistor R to a p.d. of 20 V

A The p.d. across the capacitor is 20 V.

B The p.d. across the resistor is 0 V.

C The energy stored by the capacitor is 2 mJ.

Q27.A capacitor of capacitance C stores an amount of energy E when the pd across it is V.

What is represented by the slope of graph A?

(b) A capacitor of capacitance 0.68 F is charged to 6.0 V. Calculate

(i) the charge stored by the capacitor,

(ii) the energy stored by the capacitor.

(i) the potential difference across the plates,

(ii) the capacitance of the capacitor,

(iii) the charge on each plate of the capacitor,

(iv) the energy stored by the capacitor.

(i) the charge on the capacitor,

(ii) the energy stored by the capacitor.

(i) Calculate the potential difference across the terminals of each capacitor.

(ii) Calculate the total energy stored by the two capacitors.

capacitor discharges through the microammeter which has a resistance of 1000 Ω.

In one experiment a 0.047 µF capacitor is used with a 12 V supply.

for the charge on the capacitor to fall to 1% of its initial charge.

(i) Calculate the charge stored by the 0.25 F capacitor.

(ii) Calculate the energy stored by the capacitor.

density of constantan = 8900 kg m –3