Capacitance - Charging and Discharging

Name: ________________________
Capacitance
Charging and Discharging Class: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Time: 409 minutes
Marks: 304 marks
Comments:
Hartland International School Page 1 of 123

Figure 1 shows a circuit used to investigate the charge and discharge of a capacitor of
1.
capacitance C using resistors of resistances R1 and R2.
Figure 1
The battery has an emf of 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance.
(a) Show that the time taken for the capacitor to charge from 2.0 V to 4.0 V is approximately
0.7R1C.
(3)

The capacitor is fully discharged.
The capacitor is then charged until the potential difference (pd) across it is 4.0 V.
Figure 2 shows the variation with time of the ammeter reading as the capacitor is charged.
Figure 2
(b) Show that the capacitance of the capacitor is about 1 × 10−4 F.
(4)

(c) When the pd reaches 4.0 V the switch is immediately set to discharge the capacitor.
When the pd reaches 2.0 V the switch is immediately set to charge the capacitor.
Figure 3 shows how the pd across the capacitor varies with time.
Figure 3
Determine the value of R2.
R2 = ____________________ Ω
(3)
(Total 10 marks)

A switch S allows capacitor C to be completely charged by a cell and then completely discharged
2. through an ammeter.
The emf of the cell is 4.0 V and it has negligible internal resistance.
The capacitance of C is 0.40 µF and there are 8000 charge−discharge cycles every second.
What are the magnitude and direction of the average conventional current in the ammeter?
Magnitude of current / A Direction of current
A 1.3 × 10−2 X to Y
B 1.3 × 10−2 Y to X
C 2.0 × 10−10 X to Y
D 2.0 × 10−10 Y to X
(Total 1 mark)
A 30 µF capacitor is charged by connecting it to a battery of emf 4.0 V.

3.
The initial charge on the capacitor is Q0.
The capacitor is then discharged through a 500 kΩ resistor.

The time constant for the circuit is T.
Which is correct?
A T is 15 ms.
B Q0 is 12 µC.
C After a time T the pd across the capacitor is 1.5 V.
D After a time 2T the charge on the capacitor is Q0e2.
(Total 1 mark)

The capacitor in the circuit is initially uncharged.
4. The switch is closed at time t = 0
Which pair of graphs shows how the potential difference V across the capacitor and the current I
in the circuit change with time t?
A B
C D
(Total 1 mark)

A fully charged capacitor of capacitance 2.0 mF discharges through a 15 kΩ resistor.
5.
What fraction of the stored energy remains after 1.0 minute?
(Total 1 mark)
An analogue voltmeter has a resistance that is much less than that of a modern digital voltmeter.
6. Analogue meters can be damaged if the full-scale reading is exceeded.
Figure 1 shows a dual-range analogue voltmeter with a zero error.
Figure 1

(a) The voltmeter is set to the more sensitive range and then used in a circuit.
What is the potential difference (pd) between the terminals of the voltmeter when a
full-scale reading is indicated?
✓) one box.
Tick (✓
2.7 V
3.3 V
13.5 V
16.5 V
(1)

(b) Explain the use of the mirror when reading the meter.
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(2)
A student corrects the zero error on the meter and then assembles the circuit shown in Figure 2.
The capacitance of the capacitor C is not known.
Figure 2
The output pd of the power supply is set to zero.

The student connects the flying lead to socket X and adjusts the output pd until the voltmeter
reading is full scale (15 V).
She disconnects the flying lead from socket X so that C discharges through the voltmeter.
She measures the time T½ for the voltmeter reading V to fall from 10 V to 5 V.
She repeats this process several times.
Table 1 shows the student’s results, none of which is anomalous.
Table 1
T½ / s 12.00 11.94 12.06 12.04 12.16

(c) Determine the percentage uncertainty in T½.
percentage uncertainty = _______________ %

(2)
(d) Show that the time constant for the discharge circuit is about 17 s.
(1)

(e) The student thinks that the time constant of the circuit in Figure 2 is directly proportional to
the range of the meter.
To test her theory, she repeats the experiment with the voltmeter set to the 3 V range.
She expects T½ to be about 2.5 s.
Explain:
• what the student should do, before connecting capacitor C to the 0 V and 3 V
sockets, to avoid exceeding the full-scale reading on the voltmeter
• how she should develop her procedure to get an accurate result for the time constant
• how she should use her result to check whether her theory is correct.
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(4)
The student wants to find the resistance of the voltmeter when it is set to the 15 V range.
She replaces C with an 820 µF capacitor and charges it to 15 V.
She discharges the capacitor through the voltmeter, starting a stopwatch when V is 14 V.
She records the stopwatch reading T at other values of V as the capacitor discharges.
Table 2 shows her results.
Table 2
V/V 14 11 8 6 4 3 2
t/s 0.0 3.1 7.2 11.0 16.2 19.9 25.2

(f) Suggest two reasons why the student selected the values of V shown in Table 2.
Explain each of your answers.
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2 _________________________________________________________________
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(4)
Figure 3 shows a graph of the experimental data.
Figure 3

(g) Show, using Figure 3, that the resistance of the voltmeter is about 16 kΩ.
(3)

(h) Determine the current in the voltmeter at t = 10 s.
current = _______________ A
(2)
(Total 19 marks)
Figure 1 shows an oscilloscope connected across resistor R which is in series with an ac supply.
7.
The supply provides a sinusoidal output of peak voltage 15 V.
Figure 1
(a) Calculate the rms voltage of the supply.
rms voltage = _______________ V

(1)

Figure 2 shows the trace of the waveform displayed on the oscilloscope.
Figure 2
(b) Determine the y-voltage gain of the oscilloscope used for Figure 2.
y-voltage gain = _______________ V div−1

(1)
(c) A dc supply gives the same rate of energy dissipation in R as the ac supply in Figure 1.
Draw the trace of the output of the dc supply on Figure 2.

The oscilloscope settings remain the same.
(1)

(d) The ac supply shown in Figure 1 is replaced with a square-wave generator operating
between 0 and +15 V.
Figure 3 shows the trace of the new waveform displayed on the oscilloscope. The
time-base is set to 5.0 × 10−4 s div−1.
Figure 3
Calculate the frequency of the square waves.
frequency = _______________ Hz
(1)

(e) Figure 4 shows the arrangement with the square-wave generator connected to an RC
circuit.
A capacitor C is placed in series with the resistor R.
The oscilloscope is connected across the capacitor C.
Figure 4
The capacitor charges and discharges.
Figure 5 shows the trace of the waveform displayed on the oscilloscope. The settings of
the oscilloscope remain the same as in part (d).
Figure 5

Deduce the time constant for the RC circuit, explaining each step of your method.
time constant = _______________ s
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(3)
(f) State and explain a change to one control setting on the oscilloscope that would reduce the
uncertainty in the value of the time constant.
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(2)
(Total 9 marks)

An uncharged capacitor is connected to a power supply which supplies a constant current of
8. 10 μA.
After 100 ms, the potential difference across the capacitor is 5.0 kV.
What is the capacitance of the capacitor?
A 2.0 × 10−10 F
B 4.0 × 10−10 F
C 2.5 × 109 F
D 5.0 × 109 F
(Total 1 mark)
The initial potential difference across a capacitor is V0. The capacitor discharges through a circuit
9.
of time constant T. The base of natural logarithms is e.
What is the potential difference across the capacitor after time T?
C V0e
D V0ln2
(Total 1 mark)
(a) State what is meant by a capacitance of 370 μF

10.
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(2)

(b) The charging of a 370 μF capacitor is investigated using the circuit shown in Figure 1.
Both meters in the circuit are ideal.
Figure 1
The power supply of emf 9.8V has a negligible internal resistance. The capacitor is initially
uncharged. When the switch is closed at time t = 0 charge begins to flow through resistor
R. The time constant of the charging circuit is 1.0 s
Calculate the resistance of R.
resistance of R = ____________________ Ω
(1)
(c) Identify, with the symbol X on Figure 2, the potential difference (pd) across the capacitor
when the switch has been closed for 2.0 s
Sketch the graph that shows how the pd varies from t = 0 to t = 2.0 s
Figure 2
(2)

(d) Calculate the time taken for the charging current to fall to half its initial value.
time = ____________________ s
(1)
(e) Calculate the time taken for the charge on the capacitor to reach 3.0 mC
time = ____________________ s
(3)
(Total 9 marks)
(a) Figure 1 shows an astable circuit based on a NOT logic gate. The symbol in the centre of
11.
the logic gate means that the output Vo changes at two different input values of Vc
depending on whether the input voltage is rising or falling.
Figure 1

The pulse repetition frequency (PRF) for this particular circuit is given by:
Calculate the PRF in kHz
PRF = ____________________ kHz

(1)
(b) The supply voltage to the NOT gate is Vs
• When Vc increases and reaches the upper switching threshold (UST), the output of
the NOT gate will switch from Vs to 0 V
• When Vc decreases and reaches the lower switching threshold (LST), the output of
the NOT gate will switch from 0 V to Vs
The graph in Figure 2 shows Vc constantly changing as the capacitor charges and
discharges.
Figure 2
Draw on Figure 2 the output voltage Vo for the astable circuit.

(1)

(c) The circuit in Figure 1 can be modified by the addition of a resistor to vary the PRF.
The astable is to be modified so that it produces a frequency 4 times that of the original.
Calculate the value of the resistor that should be added to the circuit and explain where in
the circuit this additional resistor should be placed.
value of resistor = ____________________ kΩ
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(2)
(d) In another astable, two resistors (R1 and R2) and a capacitor C form a timing chain to
control the mark and space times for a square wave produced at the output of the
integrated circuit (IC) shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3

The charging time for the capacitor C is: tC = 0.7 × (R1 + R2) × C
The discharging time for the capacitor C is: tD = 0.7 × R2 × C
Calculate, in kΩ, values for R1 and R2 needed to produce a 5 kHz signal with 75% duty
cycle given that the capacitor C has a value of 10 nF
R1 = ____________________ kΩ
R2 = ____________________ kΩ
(2)
(e) The output of the IC in Figure 3 is 5 V during the charging period and 0 V during the
discharging period.
Draw on Figure 4 the wave pattern that represents this signal.
Figure 4
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

A capacitor of capacitance 120 μF is charged and then discharged through a 20 kΩ resistor.
12.
What fraction of the original charge remains on the capacitor 4.8 s after the discharge begins?
A 0.14
B 0.37
C 0.63
D 0.86
(Total 1 mark)
A signal generator is connected to an oscilloscope, as shown in Figure 1.

13.
Figure 1
The Y-voltage gain and time-base settings of the oscilloscope are shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2

When switch S is open (off) the oscilloscope displays the waveform shown in Figure 3.
When S is closed (on) the oscilloscope displays the waveform shown in Figure 4.
(a) Determine the peak-to-peak voltage V of the waveform shown in Figure 4.
V = ____________________ V
(1)
(b) Determine the frequency f of the waveform shown in Figure 4.
f = ____________________ Hz
(2)
Figure 3

Figure 4
(c) Figure 5 shows the signal generator connected in series with a resistor R and a
capacitor C.
Figure 5

The oscilloscope is connected across the capacitor.
The Y-voltage gain and time-base settings are still the same as shown in Figure 2.
When S is closed (on) the oscilloscope displays the waveform shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6
Determine the time constant of the circuit in Figure 5.
time constant = ____________________ s

(2)

(d) A student suggests that setting the time-base to 0.2 ms division–1 might reduce uncertainty
in the determination of the time constant.
State and explain any possible advantage or disadvantage in making this suggested
adjustment.
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(3)

(e) The student connects an identical resistor in parallel with R and uses the oscilloscope to
display the waveform across C.
Draw on Figure 7 the waveform you expect the student to see.
The waveform of Figure 6 is shown as a dashed line to help you show how the waveform
changes.
Figure 7
Explain the change in the waveform.
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(2)

(f) Figure 8a is a graph of voltage against time showing the output of the signal generator.
Figure 8b shows the voltage across C during the same time interval.
The student interchanges the positions of R and C and connects the oscilloscope across R.
Complete Figure 8c to draw the voltage across R during the time interval.
Figure 8a
Figure 8b
Figure 8c
(2)

(g) State and explain what changes, if any, the student needs to make to the settings of the
oscilloscope so the waveform across R is fully displayed.
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(2)
(Total 14 marks)
(a) Explain what is meant by a capacitance of 120 µ F.

14.
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(1)
(b) Figure 1 shows a plan view of the apparatus used by a student to measure the speed of a
steel ball immediately after it has been struck from rest.
Figure 1

When the ball is touching the copper contacts, the 120 µ F capacitor charges to a potential
difference of 9.6 V. Once the ball has left the contacts, the capacitor discharges through the
1.3 kΩ resistor. When the ball has travelled a distance of 0.12 m, it breaks the aluminium
foil so that the capacitor stops discharging.
Figure 2 shows the variation of potential difference V recorded by the data logger.
The ball is struck at time t1.
Figure 2
Calculate the charge that passes through the resistor as the capacitor discharges.
charge = ________________ C
(1)

(c) Calculate the maximum current in the resistor during the experiment shown in Figure 2
maximum current = ________________ A

(1)
(d) Calculate the energy that is transferred as the capacitor discharges through the 1.3 kΩ
resistor.
energy = ________________ J
(3)
(e) Sketch a graph on the axes of Figure 3 that shows the variation of the magnitude of the
current in the resistor during the time interval shown in Figure 2.
A scale is required on the current axis but not on the time axis.
Figure 3
(3)

(f) Calculate the time for which the capacitor is discharging and hence determine the mean
speed of the ball.
speed = ________________m s−1

(4)
(g) Discuss two reasons why your answer to part (f) is likely to be lower than the speed of the
ball immediately after it is struck.
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(2)
(Total 15 marks)
A 500 µF capacitor is charged to a pd of 10.0 V. It is then discharged through a 100 kΩ resistor.

15.
What is the time taken for the pd to fall from 10.0 V to 5.0 V?
A 35 s
B 50 s
C 72 s
D 100 s
(Total 1 mark)

A voltage sensor and a datalogger are used to record the discharge of a 10 mF capacitor in
16. series with a 500 Ω resistor from an initial pd of 6.0 V. The datalogger is capable of recording
1000 readings in 10 s.
After a time equal to the time constant of the discharge circuit, which one of the rows gives the pd
and the number of readings made?
Potential difference / V Number of readings
A 2.2 50
B 3.8 50
C 3.8 500
D 2.2 500
(Total 1 mark)

This question is about capacitor charging and discharging.
17.
A student designs an experiment to charge a capacitor using a constant current. The figure
below shows the circuit the student designed to allow charge to flow onto a capacitor that has
been initially discharged.
The student begins the experiment with the shorting lead connected across the capacitor as in
the figure above. The variable resistor is then adjusted to give a suitable ammeter reading. The
shorting lead is removed so that the capacitor begins to charge. At the same instant, the stop
clock is started.
The student intends to measure the potential difference (pd) across the capacitor at 10 s intervals
while adjusting the variable resistor to keep the charging current constant.
The power supply has an emf of 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance. The capacitor has a
capacitance of 680 µF. The variable resistor has a maximum resistance of 100 kΩ.
(a) The student chooses a digital voltmeter for the experiment. A digital voltmeter has a very
high resistance.
Explain why it is important to use a voltmeter with very high resistance.
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(1)
(b) Suggest one advantage of using an analogue ammeter rather than a digital ammeter for
this experiment.
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(1)

(c) Suggest a suitable full scale deflection for an analogue ammeter to be used in the
experiment.
full scale deflection = ____________________

(2)
(d) The diagram shows the reading on the voltmeter at one instant during the experiment. The
manufacturer gives the uncertainty in the meter reading as 2%.
Calculate the absolute uncertainty in this reading.
uncertainty = ____________________V
(1)
(e) Determine the number of different readings the student will be able to take before the
capacitor becomes fully charged.
number = ____________________
(3)

(f) The experiment is performed with a capacitor of nominal value 680 µF and a manufacturing
tolerance of ± 5 %. In this experiment the charging current is maintained at 65 µA. The data
from the experiment produces a straight-line graph for the variation of pd with time. This
shows that the pd across the capacitor increases at a rate of 98 mV s–1.
Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.
capacitance = ____________________µF
(2)
(g) Deduce whether the capacitor is within the manufacturer’s tolerance.
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(1)

(h) The student decides to confirm the value of the capacitance by first determining the time
constant of the circuit when the capacitor discharges through a fixed resistor.
Describe an experiment to do this. Include in your answer:
• a circuit diagram
• an outline of a procedure
• an explanation of how you would use the data to determine the time constant.
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(4)
(Total 15 marks)

The capacitor in the circuit is initially uncharged. The switch S is closed at time t = 0.
18.
Which pair of graphs, A to D, correctly shows how the pd across the capacitor and the current in
the circuit change with time?
(Total 1 mark)

The graph shows how the charge Q stored by a capacitor varies with the potential difference (pd)
19.
V across it as V is increased from 9.0 V to 12.0 V.
(a) (i) Use the graph to determine an accurate value for the capacitance of the capacitor.
capacitance = ____________________ μF
(2)
(ii) Calculate the additional energy stored by the capacitor when V is increased from 9.0
V to 12.0 V.
additional energy = ____________________ J

(3)

(b) When a 470 μF capacitor is discharged through a fixed resistor R, the pd across it
decreases by 80% in 45 s.
(i) Calculate the time constant of the capacitor–resistor circuit.
time constant = ____________________ s

(3)
(ii) Determine the resistance of R.
resistance = ____________________ Ω
(2)
(iii) At which point during the discharging process is the capacitor losing charge at the
smallest rate? Tick (✔) the correct answer.
✔ if correct
when the charge on the capacitor is greatest
when energy is dissipated at the greatest rate
when the current in the resistor is greatest
when the pd across R is least
(1)
(Total 11 marks)

When fully charged the 2.0 mF capacitor used as a backup for a memory unit has a potential
20. difference of 5.0 V across it. The capacitor is required to supply a constant current of 1.0 μA and
can be used until the potential difference across it falls by 10%. For how long can the capacitor
be used before it must be recharged?
A 10 s
B 100 s
C 200 s
D 1000 s
(Total 1 mark)
(a) The graph shows how the current varies with time as a capacitor is discharged through a
21. 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)

The specification for a pacemaker requires a suitable charge to be delivered in 1.4 ms. A
22. designer uses a circuit with a capacitor of capacitance 3.0 μF and a 2.5 V power supply to deliver
the charge. The designer calculates that a suitable charge will be delivered to the heart as the
capacitor discharges from a potential difference (pd) of 2.5 V to a pd of 1.2 V in 1.4 ms.
(a) (i) Calculate the charge on the capacitor when it is charged to a pd of 2.5 V.
charge ____________________ C
(1)
(ii) Draw a graph showing how the charge, Q, on the capacitor varies with the pd, V, as
it discharges through the heart.
Include an appropriate scale on the charge axis.
(3)

(b) Calculate the energy delivered to the heart in a single pulse from the pacemaker when the
capacitor discharges to 1.2 V from 2.5 V.
energy ____________________ J
(3)
(c) (i) Calculate the resistance of the heart that has been assumed in the design.
resistance ____________________ Ω
(3)
(ii) Explain why the rate of change of pd between the capacitor plates decreases as the
capacitor discharges.
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(2)
(Total 12 marks)

Switch S in the circuit is held in position 1, so that the capacitor C becomes fully charged to a pd
23.
V and stores energy E.
The switch is then moved quickly to position 2, allowing C to discharge through the fixed resistor
R. It takes 36 ms for the pd across C to fall to What period of time must elapse, after the
switch has moved to position 2, before the energy stored by C has fallen to ?
A 51 ms
B 72 ms
C 432 ms
D 576 ms
(Total 1 mark)
(a) When an uncharged capacitor is charged by a constant current of 4.5 μA for 60 s the pd
24.
across it becomes 4.4 V.
(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
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)

In the circuit shown the capacitor C charges when switch S is closed.
25.
Which line, A to D, in the table gives a correct pair of graphs showing how the charge on the
capacitor and the current in the circuit change with time after S is closed?
charge current
A graph 1 graph 1
B graph 1 graph 2
C graph 2 graph 2
D graph 2 graph 1
(Total 1 mark)
The voltage across a capacitor falls from 10 V to 5 V in 48 ms as it discharges through a resistor.

26. What is the time constant of the circuit?
A 24 ms
B 33 ms
C 69 ms
D 96 ms
(Total 1 mark)

The graph below shows how the charge stored by a capacitor varies with time when it is
27. discharged through a fixed resistor.
(a) Determine the time constant, in ms, of the discharge circuit.
time constant ____________________ ms

(3)
(b) Explain why the rate of discharge will be greater if the fixed resistor has a smaller
resistance.
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(2)
(Total 5 marks)

A voltage sensor and a datalogger are used to record the discharge of a 10 mF capacitor in
28. series with a 500 Ω resistor from an initial pd of 6.0 V. The datalogger is capable of recording
1000 readings in 10 s. Which line, A to D, in the table gives the pd and the number of readings
made after a time equal to the time constant of the discharge circuit?
potential difference/V number of readings
A 2.2 50
B 3.8 50
C 3.8 500
D 2.2 500
(Total 1 mark)
When a 220 μF capacitor is discharged through a resistor R, the capacitor pd decreases from 6.0
29. V to 1.5 V in 92 s.
What is the resistance of R?
A 210 kΩ
B 300 kΩ
C 420 kΩ
D 440 kΩ
(Total 1 mark)
(a) Define the capacitance of a capacitor.

30.
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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.
(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)
(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)

The figure below shows part of the discharge curve for a capacitor that a manufacturer tested for
31. use in a heart pacemaker.
The capacitor was initially charged to a potential difference (pd) of 1.4 V and then discharged
through a 150 Ω resistor.
(a) Show that the capacitance of the capacitor used is about 80 μF.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(b) Explain why the rate of change of the potential difference decreases as the capacitor
discharges.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(c) Calculate the percentage of the initial energy stored by the capacitor that is lost by the
capacitor in the first 0.015 s of the discharge.
energy lost ______________________%

(3)
(d) The charge leaving the capacitor in 0.015 s is the charge used by the pacemaker to
provide a single pulse to stimulate the heart.
(i) Calculate the charge delivered to the heart in a single pulse.
charge ______________________C
(1)
(ii) The manufacturer of the pacemaker wants it to operate for a minimum of 5 years
working at a constant pulse rate of 60 per minute.
Calculate the minimum charge capacity of the power supply that the manufacturer
should specify so that it will operate for this time.
Give your answer in amp-hours (Ah).
minimum capacity ______________________Ah

(2)
(Total 12 marks)

A capacitor of capacitance C discharges through a resistor of resistance R. Which one of the
32. following statements is not true?
A The time constant will decrease if C is increased.
B The time constant will increase if R is increased.
C After charging to the same voltage, the initial discharge current will increase if R is
decreased.
D After charging to the same voltage, the initial discharge current will be unaffected if C is
increased.
(Total 1 mark)
The graph shows how the charge on a capacitor varies with time as it is discharged through a
33. resistor.
What is the time constant for the circuit?
A 3.0 s
B 4.0 s
C 5.0 s
D 8.0 s
(Total 1 mark)

Capacitors and rechargeable batteries are examples of electrical devices that can be used
34. 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)
(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 __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Reason 2 __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

(a) A particular heart pacemaker uses a capacitor which has a capacitance of 4.2 μF.
35. Explain what is meant by a capacitance of 4.2 μF.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(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.
(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.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(4)

(ii) State and explain whether capacitor B has a larger or smaller capacitance than that
of capacitor A.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(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.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
energy ______________________ J
(3)
(Total 11 marks)
A 2.0 mF capacitor, used as the backup for a memory unit, has a potential difference of 5.0 V
36. across it when fully charged. The capacitor is required to supply a constant current of 1.0 µA and
can be used until the potential difference across it falls by 10%. How long can the capacitor be
used for before it must be recharged?
A 10 s
B 100 s
C 200 s
D 1000 s
(Total 1 mark)

When switch S in the circuit is closed, the capacitor C is charged by the battery to a pd V0. The
37. switch is then opened until the capacitor pd decreases to 0.5 V0, at which time S is closed again.
The capacitor then charges back to V0.
Which graph best shows how the pd across the capacitor varies with time, t, after S is opened?
(Total 1 mark)
When a capacitor discharges through a resistor it loses 50% of its charge in 10 s. What is the
38. time constant of the capacitor-resistor circuit?
A 0.5 s
B 5s
C 14 s
D 17 s
(Total 1 mark)

Figure 1 shows a circuit that is used in a defibrillator in which a short pulse of charge is used to
39. revive a patient who suffers a cardiac arrest in which their heart stops beating.
Figure 2 shows how the charge on the capacitor varies with time when the capacitor is charging.
Figure 1
Figure 2
(a) (i) Use Figure 2 to determine the initial charging current.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
initial charging current ______________________ A

(2)

(ii) Calculate the emf of the supply used to charge the capacitor.
Assume that the supply has negligible internal resistance.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
emf of the supply ______________________ V

(2)
(iii) Explain why the current that charges the capacitor falls as the capacitor charges.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(3)
(b) For the system to work successfully, the capacitor has to deliver 140 J of energy to the
heart in a pulse that lasts for 10 ms.
(i) Show that the charge on the capacitor when it is storing this much energy is about
85 mC.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) Calculate the average power supplied during the pulse.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
average power ______________________ W

(1)
(c) The circuit designer suggests that the capacitor can be used successfully after a charging
time equal to 1.5 time constants of the charging circuit shown in Figure 1.
Explain with a calculation whether or not the designer’s suggestion is valid.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 13 marks)

(a) A capacitor, initially charged to a pd of 6.0V, was discharged through a 100 kΩ resistor.
40. A datalogger was used to record the pd across the capacitor at frequent intervals. The
graph shows how the pd varied with time during the first 40 s of discharge.
(i) Calculate the initial discharge current.
answer = ____________________ A
(1)
(ii) Use the graph to determine the time constant of the circuit, giving an appropriate unit.
answer = ____________________
(4)
(iii) Hence calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.
answer = ____________________ µF
(1)

(iv) Show that the capacitor lost 90% of the energy it stored originally after about 25 s.
(3)
(b) In order to produce a time delay, an intruder alarm contains a capacitor identical to the
capacitor used in the experiment in part (a). This capacitor is charged from a 12 V supply
and then discharges through a 100 kΩ resistor, similar to the one used in the experiment.
(i) State and explain the effect of this higher initial pd on the energy stored by this
capacitor initially.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
(ii) State and explain the effect of this higher initial pd on the time taken for this capacitor
to lose 90% of its original energy.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 12 marks)
A 1000 μF capacitor, initially uncharged, is charged by a steady current of 50 μA. How long will it
41. take for the potential difference across the capacitor to reach 2.5 V?
A 20 s
B 50 s
C 100 s
D 400 s
(Total 1 mark)

A 680 µF capacitor is charged fully from a 12 V battery. At time t = 0 the capacitor begins to
42. discharge through a resistor. When t = 25 s the energy remaining in the capacitor is one quarter
of the energy it stored at 12 V.
(a) Determine the pd across the capacitor when t = 25s.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(b) (i) Show that the time constant of the discharge circuit is 36 s.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(ii) Calculate the resistance of the resistor.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 6 marks)

(a) As a capacitor was charged from a 12 V supply, a student used a coulomb meter and a
43. voltmeter to record the charge stored by the capacitor at a series of values of potential
difference across the capacitor. The student then plotted a graph of pd (on the y-axis)
against charge (on the x-axis).
(i) Sketch the graph obtained.
(ii) State what is represented by the gradient of the line.
______________________________________________________________
(iii) State what is represented by the area enclosed by the line and the x-axis of the
graph.
______________________________________________________________
(3)

(b) The student then connected the capacitor as shown in the diagram below to carry out an
investigation into the discharge of the capacitor.
The student used a voltage sensor, datalogger and computer to obtain values for the pd
across the capacitor at various times during the discharge.
(i) At time t = 0, with switch S2 open, switch S1was moved from position A to position B.
Calculate the pd across the capacitor when t = 26 s.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(ii) At time t = 26 s, as the discharge continued, the student closed switch S2. Calculate
the pd across the capacitor 40 s after switch S1 was moved from position A to
position B.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

(iii) Sketch a graph of pd against time for the student’s experiment described in parts
(b)(i) and (b)(ii).
(7)
(Total 10 marks)
A capacitor of capacitance C discharges through a resistor of resistance R.

44. Which one of the following statements is not true?
A The time constant will increase if R is increased.
B The time constant will decrease if C increased.
C After charging to the same voltage, the initial discharge current will increase if R
is decreased.
D After charging to the same voltage, the initial discharge current will be unaffected if
C is increased.
(Total 1 mark)
A capacitor of capacitance 330 µF is charged to a potential difference of 9.0 V. It is then

45. discharged through a resistor of resistance 470 kΩ.
Calculate
(a) the energy stored by the capacitor when it is fully charged,
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) the time constant of the discharging circuit,
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(c) the p.d. across the capacitor 60 s after the discharge has begun.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
A capacitor of capacitance 15 μF is fully charged and the potential difference across its plates is
46. 8.0 V. It is then connected into the circuit as shown.
The switch S is closed at time t = 0. Which one of the following statements is correct?
A The time constant of the circuit is 6.0 ms.
B The initial charge on the capacitor is 12 μC.
C After a time equal to twice the time constant, the charge remaining on the
capacitor is Q0e2, where Q0 is the charge at time t = 0.
D After a time equal to the time constant, the potential difference across the
capacitor is 2.9 V.
(Total 1 mark)

A student used a voltage sensor connected to a datalogger to plot the discharge curve for a 4.7
47. μF capacitor. She obtained the following graph.
Use data from the graph to calculate
(a) the initial charge stored,
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(b) the energy stored when the capacitor had been discharging for 35 ms,
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(c) the time constant for the circuit,
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(d) the resistance of the circuit through which the capacitor was discharging.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

(a) Explain what is meant by a capacitance of 1 farad (F).
48.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
(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 × 10–11 F.
The permittivity of free space ε0 = 8.9 ×10–12 F m–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.
(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)
(a) A capacitor is marked ‘2200 μF 15 V’.

49.
(i) Explain what is meant by a capacitance of 2200 μF.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) What is the significance of the 15 V marking?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(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.
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)?
______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii) Calculate the resistance of the variable resistor when the time constant is
3.0 minutes.
(2)
(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.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 11 marks)
(a) (i) A label on a capacitor shows it to have a capacitance of 0.020 F. Explain what this
50. tells you about the capacitor.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(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.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(2)
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
Figure 3
Calculate:
(i) the initial energy stored by the capacitor;
(2)

(ii) the efficiency of the energy conversion.
(3)
(Total 11 marks)
A capacitor is first charged through a resistor and then discharged through the same resistor.
51.
The magnitude of which one of the following quantities varies with time in the same way during
both charging and discharging?
A Energy stored
B Current
C Potential difference
D Charge
(Total 1 mark)

The graph shows the variation of potential difference V with time t across a 470 μF capacitor
52.
discharging through a resistor.
The resistance of the resistor is approximately
A 900 Ω
B 1300 Ω
C 1900 Ω
D 4700 Ω
(Total 1 mark)

Mark schemes
1. (a) with substitution attempted with V 0 being larger than V ✔1
Time to charge to 4.0 V = t2 = R 1 C ln
OR
Time to charge to 2.0 V = t 1 = -R 1 C ln ✔2
t = t 2 - t 1 = -R 1 C ln
0.69R 1 C
OR
= R 1 C (1.10 - 0.41) = 0.69 R 1 C✔3

NB The answer can be obtained incorrectly by finding the time to
charge to 2V using a 4V supply. This approach may only gain the
first mark for an attempted use of the equation.
Award 0 for a solution using the discharge equation.
Condone R for R 1
✔2 If given in an equation then then time must be the subject or be
in a form that is used to obtain mp3
can be awarded for t 2 = 1.10 × R 1 C OR t 1 = 0.41 × R 1 C
✔3 Must see 0.69 R 1 C for 3 marks.
Only award MP3 for 0.69 R 1 C if the solution involves a time
difference.
3

(b) Attempt to find usable data from Figure 2 ✔1
Determine scaling factor OR Determine R 1 ✔2
Calculate Q the charge stored at 4 V or the charging time constant from a valid
method ✔3
Determine C to a value that rounds to 1 × 10-4 (F) to 2 or more sf (expect to see

1.0 × 10-4 F) ✔4
Method 1 (from area)
✔1a Attempt at finding area under I-t graph by counting boxes
✔2a 1 cm2 box corresponds to charge 0.5 × 10-5 C
✔3a Number of 1 cm2 boxes = 80 (78 to 82)
Q = (80 × 0.5 × 10-5) = (3.9 to 4.1) 10-4 (C)
✔4a C = = a value that rounds to 1 × 10-4 (F) (≥ 2 sf required)
Award MAX 1 for estimating the average current by sight and using C =
Method 2 (from individual data points)

Possible methods are shown but only final answers requested are
needed to gain marks.
✔1b Use of a current and voltage across the resistor, e.g. I = 2.0 ×
10-5 A and voltage across resistor = 2 V (when capacitor has 4 V)
OR
I = 6.0 × 10-5 A and voltage across resistor = 6 V (when capacitor
has 0 V)
✔2b R 1 =
OR = 1.0 × 105 (Ω)
✔3b Charging time constant = R 1 C

Eg using I = then R 1 C =
Substituting I = 2 × 10-5 A and
I 0 = 6 × 10-5 A and t = 11 s.
OR
Graphical method must include evidence from Figure 2
charging time constant (R 1 C) = 10.(0) (s)
✔4b C =
= a value that rounds to 1 × 10-4 (F) (≥ 2 sf required)

4

(c) Reading of relevant discharge data from Figure 3 provided there is an attempt
to use data ✔1
A valid substitution of their data into a relevant equation to find R 1 or R Total ✔2
R 2 = R Total - their = 2.0 × 105 Ω ✔3
allow one ecf from either their R Total or their R 1
When R 1 is derived in an earlier question accept this value of R 1 and allow ecf for R total
When R 1 is derived in this question, allow one ecf from either their R total or their R 1
✔1 From Figure 3 this can be the time taken for the voltage to fall to
half its value.
✔2 Finding R Total from Figure 3
4.0 V to 2.0 V in (32 - 11) s using
t = 0.69RC allow = 0.7RC
R Total = 3.0 × 105 Ω
Finding R 1 from Figure 2

6.0 A to 3.0 A in 6.8 s using
t = 0.69RC allow = 0.7RC
R 1 = 1.0 × 105 Ω
OR
Using
I=
for example, with I = 2 × 10-5 A and I o = 6 × 10-5 A and t = 11 s

Note R 1 may be taken from (b) and not use the graph information.
3
[10]
A
2.
[1]
C
3.
[1]
D
4.
[1]
D
5.
[1]
(a) tick in first box (2.7 V) ✔

6.
[cao]
1

(b) move position until needle / pointer hides / is aligned with its reflection in the
mirror or wtte 1✔
for 1✔ allow ‘view scale so needle / pointer hides reflection’;
condone ‘there is no reflection’
this reduces / eliminates parallax error
OR
to ensure scale is read from directly above 2✔

for 2✔ reject ‘reduces / eliminates human error’
allow ‘reading is made when at right angles’ / ‘perpendicular to the
scale’;
reject ‘view scale at eye level’ / ‘so not looking at an angle’ / ‘so not
looking straight at needle’
2
(c) average correct
OR
uncertainty in correct 1✔
for 1✔ average = 12.04 (s); reject 12.0
allow credit for correct seen in working for percentage
uncertainty;
uncertainty in (from half range) = 0.11 (s)
1
percentage uncertainty in correct 2✔

for 2✔ minimum 2 sf;
correct answer rounds to 0.91(4)%
1
(d) time constant =
OR
expect 17.37 (s);

allow minimum 3 sf 17.4 / use of ln 2 = 0.69 for leading to 17.45;
reject use of = 12 leading to 17.31;
reject (ignoring −sign in result)

1

(e) ways ensure pd across C doesn’t exceed 3 V
before connecting C to X 1✔
as X is connected 2✔
for 1✔ discharge C / connect flying lead to Y / ‘reset to 0 V’ (before
reconnecting);
reject ‘reset equipment’
for 2✔ reduce the output pd / socket X (or wtte) to ≤ 3 V (then
reconnect C and adjust pd so meter reads full-scale);
reject ‘only charge C to 3 V’
idea of adding resistance to limit pd is neutral
Max 3
suggests timing for ∆V > 1.5 V or wtte 3a✔
OR
take repeated readings (of or time constant);
any valid processing eg calculate an average value / reject anomalies / check results are
concordant or wtte 3b✔
check / correct / compensate for any zero error (on the voltmeter) 4✔
suggests a valid quantitative test of theory by comparison with the result obtained using the
15 V range 5✔
for 3a✔ accept ‘increase timing interval’ / time for concurrent half
lives or wtte;
reject ‘measure time for C to fully discharge’
for 3b✔ accept ‘repeat the experiment and calculate a mean’ only if
this refers to
reject ‘repeat etc to get more reliable result’
for 4✔ accept ‘check etc for systematic error’
‘student’ is repeating previous experiment so reject idea of making
V the dependent variable / plot V against t / using data logging
(theory will be correct if) half-life / time constant is one fifth / 20% (of
previous value) / about 3.5 s / time constant reduced by 80% / ratio
of time constant to range / ratio of half-life to range is same / similar
reject ‘plot ln V against t, find (−gradient−1)’
1

(f) in answer space 1:
any valid comment about the values of V in Table 2 1✔
corresponding explanation 2✔ (contingent on 1✔)

give credit for any good physics, eg
V recorded to nearest volt 1✔
because of (low) scale resolution / hard to interpolate between
markings; reject ‘values easier to plot’ 2✔
in answer space 2:
different valid comment about the values of V in Table 2 3✔
corresponding explanation 4✔ (contingent on 3✔)

different / decreasing intervals between values of V / more lower
values of V 3✔
to make intervals between t readings about the same / or wtte;
allow ‘to distribute data on graph’ or wtte / to allow (convenient
interval for) t to be read / recorded 4✔
only credit one comment and explanation per answer space
comments about the number of data sets are neutral

no readings for V < 2 V / smallest V = 2 V 5✔
because difficult to establish exact moment to read stopwatch /
needle is moving too slowly / sensible comment about parallax 6✔
V data over wide range / from 14 to 2 (V) 7✔
to maximise evidence available (for graph / Figure 8) or wtte 8✔
no readings for V > 14 V / largest V = 14 V 9✔
can begin discharge C before starting stopwatch 10✔
4
(g) attempts gradient calculation using ∆ln(V / V) divided by ∆t;
use of
for 1a✔ expected gradient is −0.077;

condone one read-off error in gradient calculation or missing sign;
allow any subject / (at least) substitution of their gradient into a valid
calculation for R
condone missing / wrong POT for capacitance

OR
reads off ln V0, ln V and corresponding ∆t from Figure 3;
use of
for 1b✔ condone one read off error;

allow any subject / (at least) substitution of all their data into a valid
calculation for R
condone missing / wrong POT for capacitance
1b✔variation below:
reads off ln V0 and finds V0 = 14.1 (V);
reads of ln 5.2 = 1.65; ∆t ≈ 13 (s)
valid working leading to
voltmeter resistance ≥ 3 sf in range 15.0 kΩ to 16.6 kΩ 2✔
voltmeter resistance ≥ 3 sf in range 15.5 kΩ to 16.1 kΩ 3✔

accept > 3 sf that rounds to 3 sf in range
allow 23✔ = 1 MAX for POT error
allow 123✔ = 1 MAX for using Table 2 data
3
(h) reads ln(V10 / V) from Figure 8;
deduces V10 in range 6.36 to 6.69 (V) 1✔

for 1✔ V10 to ≥ 3 sf required;
accept > 3 sf that rounds to 3 sf in range;
accept V0 from ln V0 read off and V10 deduced
from
condone use of V0 = 15(V);

if V10 is not recorded allow 1✔ for use of in the calculation of
I10 where ln(V10 / V) is in the range 1.85 to 1.90

1
≥ 2 sf result in range 3.9 to 4.3 × 10−4 (A) 2✔

for 2✔ allow use of resistance = 16 × 103 (Ω);
accept ≥ 3 sf result that rounds to 2 sf in range
allow ECF if V10 is correctly obtained from an incorrect ln(V10 / V)
read off and I10
1
[19]
7. (a)
{allow 11 V to 2 sig figs}

1
(b) (Peak voltage 3 divisions corresponding to 15 V)
y-voltage gain = 5 (V div–1) ✔

1
(c) A horizontal line drawn at 10.6 V ✔

Tolerance – must be between 10 and 11 up from the centre
Allow ecf from (a)
1
(d) (Period T = corresponds to 8 divisions

T = 8 × 5.0 × 10–4 s = 0.0040 s
Frequency = 1/T = 1/0.0040) = 250 (Hz) ✔
Answer only gains the mark.
1

(e) Time constant = 4 × 10–4 (s) ✔1 {only needs 1 sig fig}
The second and third mark can come from the following alternatives.
Note the mark is for the method so allow arithmetic slips and imprecise measurements.
To use a number of small divisions rather than grid divisions is not
an arithmetic error. This error comes from not knowing how the
oscilloscope is used.
Full marks can be awarded from consideration of the charging part
of the cycle.
The equation can be presented in a number of variations using RC
or τ for example.
Make use of the equation

Substitute values for Vt and Vo (confirmed by the graph) and calculate the (unknown) time
constant. ✔3a
Typical calculation might be:
in 2 time divisions. Substitution into the equation will give τ
Vt and Vo both need to be defined in relation to the graph
OR
Ln2 (= 0.69)
Substitute time for V to decrease to half its value (confirmed by the graph) and calculate
the time constant ✔3b
OR
V halves its value in 0.5 time divisions.
Substituting gives τ
needs to be defined in relation to the graph
OR
The voltage falls to 1/e or 37% in a time constant ✔2c {owtte}
Find the time that corresponds to this fall in voltage confirmed by the graph (normally the
start of the discharge This gives the τ directly) ✔3c
OR
37% of 3 divisions is 1.1 divisions which occurs in time ¾ time
divisions giving τ
3

(f) Reduce the time-base setting ✔1a
Uncertainty is due to the smallness of the divisions and this action means the
waveform/trace stretched horizontally/in x-direction. ✔2a {owtte}
OR
Increase the y-gain ✔1b
Uncertainty is due to the smallness of the divisions and this action means the
waveform/trace stretched vertically/in y-direction. (The trace will need to be moved
vertically to fit on the screen) ✔2b {owtte}
1 Stated answer must be a practicable change
2Explanation must refer to both the trace and its relation to
uncertainty and follow a correct change.
2
[9]
A
8.
[1]
B
9.
[1]
(a) (Refers to a capacitor that) stores/holds/changes by 370 μC of charge ✔

10.
For every (1) volt/volt change (of pd across its plates) ✔
OR
Reference to charge to pd OR charge to voltage ratio ✔ includes units C or coulomb and V

or volt ✔
“Unit of pd” is no substitute for using volt and “unit of charge” is no
substitute for coulomb.
However the alternative marking could give a single mark for 370 ×
10–6 units of charge per unit of pd.
An equation may contribute towards the first mark but only if the
symbols are identified. A second mark can be given if the units are
identified.
Ignore poor phrasing like ‘per unit volt passing through’.
2
(b) (Using time constant = R C)
(R = 1.0 / 370 × 10–6)
R = 2.7 × 103 (Ω) ✔

Check that the unit on answer line has not been altered.
1

(c) First mark for marking a cross at 2 s and 8.5 V (by eye) ✔
Second mark for graph starting at the origin and having a decreasing gradient ie not
reaching horizontal ✔
Cross must be in the bottom half but not on the 8.0 V major grid line
or exactly half way up (9.0 V).
If a series of plotting crosses are given only consider the one placed
at 2 s for the first mark.
2
(d) (Using T½ = 0.69 RC = 0.69 × 1.0)
T½ = 0.69 (s) ✔
1 sig fig is not acceptable
1
(e) (Use of Q = Qo(1 − )= CVo (1 − ))
Mark for max charge = CVo which may come from substitution or seeing 3.6(2) × 10–3 C ✔
3.0 × 10–3 = 370 × 10–6 × 9.8 (1 – e–t) ✔
Mark for substitution (0.8274 = (1 – e–t) so et = 1/0.173 = 5.79)
t = 1.7 s or 1.8 s ✔

OR
Voltage V = Q/C = 3 × 10–3 / 370 × 10–6

= 8.1(1) V ✔
(Substitute into V = Vo(1 − ))
8.1 = 9.8 (1 – e–t) ✔
t = 1.7 s or 1.8 s ✔
Alternative mark scheme uses the voltage as proportional to the
charge.
Do not allow use of the graph for 2nd mark and 3rd mark.
An answer only gains only the last mark.
Evidence of working must be shown which shows substitution into a
(1 – e–t) form of the equation.
3
[9]
(a) PRF = 1 / (1.4 RC)

11.
= 1 / (1.4 × 5.1 × 103 × 10 × 10–9)
14 kHz ✔
1
(b) Square wave with correct phase and amplitude ✔
(c) New resistor calculated and stated to be 1.7 kΩ ✔
New resistor placed in parallel with original resistor ✔

Ecf from part (a)
2

(d) = 0.2 ms (200 μs)
tC = 0.2 × 10–3 × = 150 μs
tD = 0.2 × 10–3 × = 50 μs
R2 = = 7.1 kΩ (Accept 7kΩ)
R1 = – R2 = 14.3 kΩ (Accept 14kΩ)

1 mark for significant calculation
Eg showing R1 = 2R2
OR
Calculation for tC or tD
1 mark for values of R1 and R2
2
(e) Two properties per mark – (max mark 2 )✔✔
• A square wave
• Amplitude of 0 V to 5 V
• Periodic time of 0.2 ms
• High for 0.15 ms – Low for 0.05 ms

2
[8]
A
12.
[1]
(a) peak (to peak) voltage = 6.3(0) (V) ✔

13.
accept any answer that rounds to 6.3 V
do not allow power of ten errors, eg 0.0063 V
1

(b) period = 8 divisions
(= 8 × 0.5 × 10–3 (s))
= 4 ms 1 ✔
= 250 (Hz) 2 ✔
award both marks if 250 Hz seen
accept 4.0(0) ms for 1 ✔ but reject 4.05, 3.95 etc
ecf2 ✔ for wrong period
2

(c) any valid approach leading to RC in range
2.1 ×10–4 to 3.4 ×10–4 or 3 ×10–4 (s)
OR
their T in 02.2 × 0.069 ± 10 % 12 ✔ ✔
1 mark can be awarded for use of any valid

approach in which RC is seen with
substitutions or with rearranged equations, eg
OR
1.75 × 10–4 = RC × ln 2
OR
valid approaches;
reads off t when C starts to discharge and t at a lower value of V:
rearranges to calculate RC
for ecf 2 ✔ ∆t used must correspond to interpretation of time base

used in determining the frequency in (b); there is no ecf for
misinterpretation of the voltage scale
OR
reads off t when C starts to charge and t at a higher value of V:
rearranges to calculate RC etc
OR
determines half-life t0.5 and finds RC from
for ecf 2 ✔ t0.5 used must correspond to etc

OR
uses idea that during discharge V falls to 0.37V0 in one time
constant: determines suitable V and reads off RC directly
for ecf 2 ✔ time interval used must correspond to etc
OR

uses idea that during charging V rises to 0.63V0 in one time
constant: determines suitable V and reads off RC directly
reject idea that V falls to zero in 5RC
2

(d) qualitative comment
idea that the waveform will stretch horizontally 1 ✔
quantitative comment
by a factor of ✔
OR
half a cycle now covers 10 (horizontal) divisions on the screen 2 ✔

(and also earns 1 ✔ )
(so the) resolution of the time axis has increased 3 ✔ (and also
earns 1 ✔ )
measuring larger distance / across more divisions from the screen

reduces (percentage) uncertainty in reading the time (constant /
interval / half life) 4 ✔
for 1 ✔ look for reference to time axis or direction waveform is
re-scaled
accept ‘graph is longer/stretched’ or ‘ will not see whole cycle’ or
‘fewer cycles shown’ or ‘period takes more space’ or ‘distance being
measured is larger’ or ‘time per division is less’ or ‘larger in x
direction’ or ‘time is stretched’
reject ‘waveform becomes larger’ or ‘ may not see whole cycle’ or
‘measuring larger time’
for 2 ✔ there needs to be valid quantitative detail
award 12 ✔ ✔ for ‘ half a cycle now fills the screen’ or ‘ half a cycle is
displayed’ as these clearly recognise the stretching is along the
time axis and ‘half’ is quantitative
accept ‘new distance (on screen corresponding to half life or time
constant) is 2.5 × answer shown in working for (c)’
the candidate who realises that half a wave now covers the
complete width of the screen cannot claim this is a disadvantage;
they would still be able to bring either half cycle into view by using
the X-shift and find RC for 3 ✔ uses technical language correctly
ignore (but do not penalise) ‘times are more precise’ or ‘more
accurate’
reject ‘smaller resolution’ or ‘lower resolution’
for 4 ✔ there needs to be a qualifying explanation for the comment
about uncertainty
reject ‘advantage because the (time) scale is easier to read’
3 MAX

(e) valid sketch on Figure 7 showing discharge time to 0 V reduced and charging time to peak
voltage reduced (see below) 1 ✔
connecting resistor in parallel with R halves [reduces by 50%] circuit

[total] resistance [time constant] 2 ✔
do not insist on seeing second discharge although if shown this

must look correct
2
(f) amendment to Figure 8 showing waveform across R with approximately the correct shape,
amplitude ± V and the correct phase
correct waveform shown while signal generator output is low (0 V):

only the complete negative half cycle needs to be shown but if
second negative half cycle is included it must be correct 1 ✔
correct waveform shown while voltage across signal generator

output is high; condone no signal or signal = 0 V before going to –V
for the first time 2 ✔
don’t insist on seeing vertical lines

2

(g) reduce the (sensitivity of) (Y-voltage)) gain 1 ✔
(change) to 2 V division–1 2 ✔ (and earns 1 ✔ )
adjust the Y (vertical) shift 3 ✔

‘make (Y-) gain smaller’ or ‘increase the volts per division’ or
‘reduce the Y-resolution’ are acceptable substitutes for ‘reduce the
(Y-)gain’
increase the (Y-) gain to 2 V division–1 2 ✔ not 1 ✔
reduce the (Y-) gain to 0.5 V division–1 1 ✔ not 2 ✔
ignore any comment about time base or ‘X-gain’
if all positive waveform is given for (f) allow sensible comment about
triggering/stability control, eg
waveform may not be stable 1 ✔ ; adjust triggering 2 ✔
2 MAX
[14]
(a) the capacitor stores 120 µC of charge for each one volt of pd between the plates ✔
14. 1
(b) Q = C ΔV = 120 × 10−6 × 4.2 = 5.0 × 10−4 C ✔

1
(c) I= so maximum current = = 7.4 ± 0.2 × 10−3 (A)✔
Allow ecf for incorrect read off in 01.2

1
(d) use of E = CV2 using V = 9.6V, 5.4V or 4.2V✔
Correct value of E at 9.6V or 5.4V ( 5.5 (3) × 10−3 J or 1.7(5) × 10−3 J✔
Both correct and subtraction 3.7(8) × 10−3 J ✔

Condone incorrect powers of 10
Allow 3.7 × 10−3J
3
(e) Graph same shape up to point where capacitor stops discharging✔
current falls to zero at time when capacitor stops discharging✔
Scale on current axis with Initial and final currents correct
7.4 mA and 4.2 mA at the instant when foil breaks
(Allow ±0.1 mA) ✔

must show curvature during discharge time
3

(f) use of V = V0 e−t/RC Allow substitution of manipulation to (discharge time) t = RC ln(V0/V)✔
t = 0.156(0.16 ) × ln (9.6/5.4) ✔
= 0.090 or 0.092 s ✔
v = s/t = 0.12/their time ( 1.3 m s−1)✔

correct substitutions for V, condone incorrect powers of 10 in
substitution
Allow ecf for incorrect readoff for V in in Question (b)
4
(g) There are resistive forces on the ball / the ball will decelerate ✔
The foil is unlikely to break at the instant the ball reaches it✔
2
[15]
15. A
[1]
D
16.
[1]
(a) Capacitor must not lose charge through the meter ✓

17. 1
(b) Position on scale can be marked / easier to read quickly etc ✓

1
(c) Initial current = = 60.0 μA ✓
100 μA or 200 μA ✓ (250 probably gives too low a reading)
Give max 1 mark if 65 μA (from 2.6) used and 100 μA meter chosen
2
(d) 0.05 V ✓
1
(e) Total charge = 6.0 x 680 x 10-6 (C) (= 4.08 mC) ✓
Time = 4.08 x 10-3 / 60.0 x 10-6 = 68 s ✓
Hence 6 readings ✓
3

(f) Recognition that total charge = 65 t μC and final pd = 0.098 t
so C = 65μ / 0.098✓
660 μF ✓
Allow 663 μF
2
(g) (yes) because it could lie within 646 – 714 to be in tolerance ✓
OR
it is 97.5 % of quoted value which is within 5% ✓

1
(h) Suitable circuit drawn ✓
Charge C then discharge through R and record V or I at 5 or 10 s intervals ✓
Plot ln V or ln I versus time ✓
gradient is 1 / RC ✓
OR
Suitable circuit drawn ✓
Charge C then discharge through R and record V or I at 5 or 10 s intervals✓
Use V or I versus time data to deduce half-time to discharge ✓
1 / RC = ln 2 / t½ quoted ✓
OR
Suitable circuit drawn ✓
Charge C then discharge through R and record V or I at 5 or 10 s intervals ✓
Plot V or I against t and find time T for V or I to fall to 0.37 of initial value ✓
T = CR ✓
Either A or V required
For 2nd mark, credit use of datalogger for recording V or I.
4
[15]

A
18.
[1]
19. (a) (i) capacitance ✓
= 8.1 (μF) ✓ (± 0.2 μF)

1 mark only if correct value of C is found from a single point.
2 marks if correct value of C is found from at least 2 points and a
mean value, or from gradient. (Check graph.)
Accept 8 (μF) if from correct working.
2
(ii) additional energy = area between line and Q or V axis ✓

= {½ × (98.2 − 73.9) × 3.0} + {(98.2 − 73.9) × 9.0} ✓
= {36.5 + 218.7) = 255 J or 2.6 10−4 (J) ✓
[or, using ½ QV:

additional energy = ½ Q2V2 − ½ Q1V1 ✓
= ½ {(98.2 × 12) − (73.9 × 9)} ✓
= 257 μJ or 2.6 × 10−4 (J) ✓ ]
[or, using ½ CV2:

additional energy = ½ CV22 – ½ CV12 ✓
= ½ 8.1 × (122 – 92) ✓
= 255 μJ or 2.6 × 10−4 (J) ✓ ]
[or, using ½ Q2/C:

additional energy = ½ Q22/C – ½ Q12/C ✓
= (98.22 – 73.92) ÷ (2 × 8.1) ✓
= 258 μJ or 2.6 × 10−4 (J) ✓ ]
First scheme: alternative for 2nd mark
= {½ × (98.2 − 73.9) × 3.0} + {73.9 × 3.0} ✓
All schemes:
second mark subsumes the first mark.
In all methods, allow tolerance of ± 10 μJ in final answer to allow for
variation in graph measurements.
Allow ECF for incorrect C value from (a)(i).
3
(b) (i) (V = V0e–t/RC gives) 0.2V0 = V0e–t/RC

and 0.2 = e–45/RC ✓
Condone use of 0.8 for 0.2 in first mark only.
In 0.2 – or In 5 = ✓
time constant RC = or In 5 = = 28.(0) (s) ✓

3

(ii) resistance of R = ✓
= 5.96 × 104 (Ω) or 60 kΩ ✓

Allow ECF for incorrect RC value from (b)(i).
2
(ii) tick in 4th box only

1
[11]
D
20.
[1]
(a) (i) determine area under the graph

21.
[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 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]
(a) (i) 7.5 × 10−6 (C) or 7.5 µ (C)

22.
B1
1
(ii) Suitable scale and charge from (i) correctly plotted at 2.5 V
Large square = 1 or 2 µC or
With false origin then large square = 0.5 µC
B1
Only a Straight line drawn through or toward origin
C1
Line must be straight, toward origin and only drawn between

2.5 V and 1.2 V (± 1 / 2 square on plotted points)
A1
3
(b) Attempted use of E= ½ CV2 Or attempted use of E=½ QV
C1
9.38 ( µ J) − 2.16 ( µ J) seen

or E = ½ × 3 × 10−6 × 2.52 ‒ ½ × 3 × 10−6 × 1.22 seen
or E = ½ × 3 × 10−6 × (2.52 ‒ 1.22) seen
or E =½ × 7.5 × 10−6 × 2.5 ‒ ½ × 3.6 × 10−6 × 1.2 seen
C1
7.2 × 10−6 (J) c.a.o
A1
3

(c) (i) Use of V = V0
or equivalent with
Q = Q0
C1
R=− or R = − or R =
C1
636 or 640 (Ω)
A1
3
(ii) Current decreases (I = V / R) / describes rate of flow of

electrons decreasing / rate of flow of charge decreases
M1
Charge lost more slowly so pd falls more slowly because

V∝Q or Q=CV where C is constant
A1
MAX 2
[12]
B
23.
[1]
24. (a) (i) Q(= It) 4.5 × 10–6 × 60 or = 2.70 × 10–4 (C) ✓
✓ = 6.1(4) × 10–5 = 61 (μF) ✓

3
(ii) since VC was 4.4V after 60s, when t = 30s VC = 2.2 (V) ✓
[ or by use of Q = It and VC = Q / C ]
∴ pd across R is (6.0 – 2.2) = 3.8 (V) ✓
= 8.4(4) × 105 (Ω) ✓ (=844 kΩ)
In alternative method,
Q = 4.5 × 10–6 × 30 = 1.35 × 10–4 (C)
VC = 1.35 × 10–4 / 6.14 × 10–5 = 2.2 (V)
(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 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 R and / or VC change with time
• 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 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
• VR decreases from E to zero whilst VC increases from zero to E
• at any time VR + VC = E
• time variations are exponential decrease for VR and exponential increase
for VC
• 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
• VC decreases from –E to zero and VR decreases from E to zero
• at any time VC = – VR
• both VC and VR decrease exponentially with time
• 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]
D
25.
[1]
C
26.
[1]

(a) (Q = Q 0e−t /RC gives )1.0 = 4.0e−300 / RC
27.
from which
[Alternative answer:
time constant is time for charge to decrease to Q0 /e [or 0.37 Q0 ]
4.0/e = 1.47
reading from graph gives time constant = 216 ± 10 (ms)

In alternative scheme, 4.0/e = 1.47 subsumes 1st mark. Also,
accept T½ = 0.693 RC (or = ln 2 RC) for 1st mark.
3
(b) current is larger (for given V)(because resistance is lower)

[or correct application of I = V / R]
current is rate of flow of charge
[or correct application of I =Δ Q / Δt]
larger rate of flow of charge (implies greater rate of discharge)

[or causes larger rate of transfer of electrons from one plate back to the other]
[Alternative answer:
time constant (or RC) is decreased (when R is decreased)
explanation using Q = Q0e−t / RC or time constant explained ]
Use either first or alternative scheme; do not mix and match.
Time constant = RC is insufficient for time constant explained.
max 2
[5]
D
28.
[1]
B
29.
[1]
(a) charge (stored) per unit potential difference

30.
[or C = Q/V where Q = charge (stored by one plate) V = pd (across plates) ]
2
(b) (i) = = 2.2 × 10–6 (F) (or 2.2 μF)
(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)
(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
(ii) curve starts at marked lmax on l axis and has decreasing negative gradient
line is asymptotic to t axis and approaches ≈ 0 by t = 60 ms

2
[11]
(a) time to halve = 0.008 s or two coordinates correct

31.
C1
C = T1/2/(0.69 × 150) or eg 0.4 = 1.4 e–0.015/150C
A1
77 μF (consistent with numerical answer)
A1
3

(b) max 3 from
as capacitor discharges:
pd decreases
B1
current through resistor decreases (since I V)
B1
rate at which charge leaves the capacitor decreases (since I = ∆Q/∆t)
B1
rate of change of charge is proportional to rate of change of pd

(since V Q)
B1
condone quicker discharge when pd is larger
B1
3
(c) energy stored ∝ V 2 or use of ½ CV 2

or initial energy = 78.4 (or 75.5) μJ
or final energy using V = 0.38–0.4 0 V
(answer in range 5.6 – 6.4 μJ)
C1
fraction remaining = (0.4/1.4)2 or 0.072 – 0.081

or energy lost = 72 μJ
C1
91.8 to 92.8% lost
A1
3
(d) (i) charge = 77 μC to 82 μC
B1
1

(ii) charge required = 77 × 10–6 × 5 × 3.15 × 107 (= 12128 C)
or 1A–h =3600 C
C1
3.36(3.4) Ah
A1
2
[12]
A
32.
[1]
C
33.
[1]
(a) (i) energy stored by capacitor (= ½ CV2)

34.
= ½ × 70 × 1.22 (= 50.4) = 50 (J)
to 2 sf only
3
(ii) energy stored by cell (= I V t) = 55 × 10–3 × 1.2 × 10 × 3600
(= 2380 J)
= (ie about 50)
(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]
(a) ratio of charge to potential

35.
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 (T½ = 440 or 450 μs)
B1
substitution into correct equation
B1
R correct for method (151/152/155 Ω)
B1
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 CV2 or ½ QV seen
C1
both 4.0 (V) and 0.9 (V)/16.8 (μC) and 3.8 (μC) seen
C1
31.9 (μJ)
A1
3
[11]
D
36.
[1]
A
37.
[1]
C
38.
[1]

(a) (i) tangent drawn at t = 0
39.
M1
coordinates correct and manipulated correctly

0.015 to 0.020 (A) 15 mA – 20 mA
or V = 4000 V as in (ii) then I = 18 mA
A1
2
(ii) V = 220 × their (i) condoning powers of 10
C1
about 4000 V (3300 – 4400 V)
A1
or use of V = Q/C; V = 100 mC/25 µF
C1
4000 V
A1
2
(iii) more charge leads to increased potential difference across

the capacitor
M1
pd = VR + VC
or if VC increases then VR decreases
M1
(if VR falls) so I falls
A1
3
(b) (i) use of energy = ½ Q2/C or use of C = Q/V and ½ QV
C1
0.083(7) or 0.084 C condone 0.083 C
A1
2
(ii) power = 14 kW
B1
1

(c) time constant = 5.5 s
M1
sensible attempt to find the charge after 8.3 s – by

calculation or reading from graph
M1
about 78 mC and needs to be 85 mC/has not reached

85 mC so designer’s suggestion is not valid
A1
3
[13]
40. (a) (i) initial discharge current = 6.0 × 10–5 (A) (1)
(ii) time constant is time for V to fall to (1/e) [or 0.368] of initial value (1)
pd falls to (6.0/e) = 2.21 V when t = time constant (1)
reading from graph gives time constant = 22 (± 1) (1)
unit: s (1) (ΩF not acceptable)
[alternatively accept solutions based on use of V = V0e–t/RC
eg 1.5 = 6.0 e–30/RC (1) gives RC = (1) = 22 (1) s (1)]

4
(iii) capacitance of capacitor C =
= 2.2 × 10–4 (F) = 220 (µF) (1)

1

(iv) energy V2 (or energy = ½ CV2) (1)
= 0.10 gives = (0.10)1/2 (1) (= 0.316)
V2 = 0.316 × 6.0 = 1.90 (V) (1)
reading from graph gives V2 = 1.90 V when t = 25 s (1)
[alternatively accept reverse argument:
ie when t = 25 s, V2 = 1.9 V from graph (1)
final energy stored = ½ × 2.2 × 10–4 × 1.92
= 3.97 × 10–4 (J) and initial energy stored = 3.96 × 10–3 (J) (1)
which is 10 × greater, so 90% of initial energy has been lost (1)]
[alternatively, using exponential decay equation:
use of V = V0e–t/R with t = 25 s and RC = 22 s gives V = 1.93 V (1)
energy V2 (or energy = ½ CV2) gives = 0.103 (1)
fraction of stored energy that is lost = = 0.90 (1)]
(b) (i) initial energy stored is 4 × greater (1)
because energy V2 (and V is doubled) (1)

2
(ii) time to lose 90% of energy is unchanged because time constant

is unchanged (or depends only on R and C) (1)
1
[12]
B
41.
[1]
(a) E V2 (or E = 1/2CV2) (1)

42.
pd after 25 s = 6 V (1)
2

(b) (i) use of Q = Q0 e−t/RC or V = V0 e−t/RC (1)
(e.g. 6 = 12e−25/RC) gives e = and = 1n 2 (1)
(RC = 36(.1) s)
[alternatives for (i):
V = 12 e−25/36 gives V = 6.0 V (1) (5.99 V)
or time for pd to halve is 0.69RC
RC = (1) = 36(.2) s]
(ii) R= (1) = 5.3(0) × 104 Ω(1)

4
[6]
(a) (i) straight line through origin (1)

43.
(ii) (1)
(iii) energy (stored by capacitor) (1) (or work done

(in charging capacitor))
3
(b) (i) RC = 5.6 × 103 × 6.8 × 10–3 (1) (= 38.1 s)

V(= V0 e–t/RC) = 12 e–26/38.1 (1)
= 6.1 V (1) (6.06 V)
[or equivalent using Q = Q0e–t/RC and Q = CV]
(ii) (RC)’ = 2.8 × 10 3 × 6.8 × 10–3 (1) (= 19.0 s)

V (= 6.06 e–14/19) = 2.9(0) V (1)
(use of V’ = 6.1 V gives V = 2.9(2) V)
(iii)
7
[10]

B
44.
[2]
(a) Q (= CV = 330 × 9.0) = 2970 (μC) (1)

45.
E (= ½QV) = ½ x 2.97 × 10–3 × 9.0 = 1.34 × 10–2J (1)
[or E (= ½CV2) = ½ × 300 × 10–6 × 9.02 (1) = 1.34 × 10–2J (1)]
2
(b) time constant (= RC) = 470 × 103 × 330 × 10–6 = 155 s (1)
1
(c) = 2970 × e–60/155
= 2020 (μC)
(allow C.E. for time constant from (b))
(1)
(allow C.E. for Q)
[or V = V0e–t/RC (1) = 9.0 e–60/155 (1) = 6.11 V (1)]

3
[6]
D
46.
[1]
47. (a) Q = CV (1)

(= 4.7 × 10-6 × 6.0) = 28 × 10-6 C or 28 μC (1)
2
(b) E = ½CV2 (1)

= ½ × 4.7 × 10-6 × 2.02 (1)
= 9.4 × 10-6 J (1)
[or E = ½QV (1)
= ½ × 9.4 × 10-6 × 2.0 (1)
= 9.4 × 10-6 J (1)]
3

(c) time constant is time taken for V to fall to (1)
∴V must fall to 2.2 V (1)

time constant = 32 ms (1)
[or draw tangent at t = 0 (1)
intercept of tangent on t axis is time constant (1)
accept value 30 - 35 ms (1)]
[or V = V0 exp(-t / RC) or Q = Q0 exp(-t / RC) (1)
correct substitution (1)

time constant = 32 ms (1)]
3
(d) time constant = RC (1)
R= = 6800 Ω (1)
(allow C.E. for value of time constant from (c))

2
[10]
(a) 1 coulomb of charge is stored for a p.d. of 1 V between

48. 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 × 10–3 m2 or C = with correct

data
A1
Radius = (their area /3.14)1/2; 0.038(4 or 5) m if correct
B1
3

(ii) E = ½ CV2 or correct numerical substitution or
E = ½ QV & Q = VC
C1
4.1(4) × 10–10 J
A1
2
(c) Time constant = RC or Time to halve = 0.69 RC

or V = V0 e– t/RC
C1
Time to fall to 1/e (0. 19 ms) or time to halve (0. 13 ms)

or V0 = 6 V and correct coordinates of point on line
(0.6 ms max)
C1
8.1 - 8.6 MΩ
A1
3
[9]
(a) (i) 2200 × 10–6 farads (C V–1 ) or 2200 μC V–1

49.
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)

(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]
(a) (i) 0.02 C of charge produce a p.d. of 1 V between the two terminals
50.
or 0.02 C of charge per unit p.d.
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)
(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]
B
51.
[1]
C
52.
[1]

Capacitance - Charging and Discharging

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Capacitance - Charging and Discharging

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Name: ________________________

Time: 409 minutes

Marks: 304 marks

Hartland International School Page 1 of 123

The battery has an emf of 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance.

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(b) Show that the capacitance of the capacitor is about 1 × 10−4 F.

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Determine the value of R2.

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Magnitude of current / A Direction of current

A 30 µF capacitor is charged by connecting it to a battery of emf 4.0 V.

The capacitor is then discharged through a 500 kΩ resistor.

C After a time T the pd across the capacitor is 1.5 V.

D After a time 2T the charge on the capacitor is Q0e2.

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The output pd of the power supply is set to zero.

She repeats this process several times.

Table 1 shows the student’s results, none of which is anomalous.

T½ / s 12.00 11.94 12.06 12.04 12.16

Hartland International School Page 9 of 123

percentage uncertainty = _______________ %

Hartland International School Page 10 of 123

Table 2 shows her results.

t/s 0.0 3.1 7.2 11.0 16.2 19.9 25.2

Hartland International School Page 11 of 123

Figure 3 shows a graph of the experimental data.

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(a) Calculate the rms voltage of the supply.

rms voltage = _______________ V

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y-voltage gain = _______________ V div−1

Draw the trace of the output of the dc supply on Figure 2.

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Calculate the frequency of the square waves.

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The capacitor charges and discharges.

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time constant = _______________ s

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What is the capacitance of the capacitor?

What is the potential difference across the capacitor after time T?

(a) State what is meant by a capacitance of 370 μF

Hartland International School Page 19 of 123

Calculate the resistance of R.

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Calculate the PRF in kHz

PRF = ____________________ kHz

(b) The supply voltage to the NOT gate is Vs

Draw on Figure 2 the output voltage Vo for the astable circuit.

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value of resistor = ____________________ kΩ

Hartland International School Page 23 of 123

The discharging time for the capacitor C is: tD = 0.7 × R2 × C

Draw on Figure 4 the wave pattern that represents this signal.