SECTION D : Electricity (Electrostatics, Capacitors, Circuit theory,

Potentiometers, Wheatstone bridge and the metre bridge)

1(a) For a source of electricity, what is meant by

(i) electromotive force (1)

(ii) internal resistance? (1)

(b) (i) State the factors which determine the resistance of a wire of a given material. (2)

(ii) Explain why the resistance of a metal increases when the temperature of the metal
is increased. (2)

(iii) Derive an expression for the equivalent resistance of three resistances, R 1, R2 and
R3 connected in series. (3)

(c) You are provided with about 1 m of a bare constantan wire, an ammeter, a voltmeter,
crocodile clips and some connecting wires.
Describe an experiment you would perform, using all but only the items provided, to
determine the internal resistance of a cell. Give a diagram of your setup. (5)

(d) In the circuit shown below, each source has en emf of 2V and negligible internal
resistance.

A 5 B 3 C
E E
R

When a voltmeter is connected between A and B, it reads 0 V. Find

(i) the value of the resistance R. (4)

(ii) the reading of the voltmeter when connected between B and C. (2)

Suggested Solution:

1(a) (i) …the number of joules of energy a source provides to drive one coulomb
of electricity through the entire circuit, including the source itself.

(ii) …the dissipative opposition to the flow of current offered by the materials
of the source.

(b) (i) - length

- cross-sectional area

(ii) A metal consists of ions vibrating about their fixed mean positions
surrounded by a “sea” of delocalised electrons.
At higher temperatures the kinetic energy of vibration is higher.
Since current is a drift of delocalised electrons, the drift of electrons is made
Page 1 of 33
 harder when the ions are vibrating more violently.
So, resistance of the metal is higher at higher temperatures.

I R1 R2 R3
(iii)
V1 V2 V3
V

The current I is the same in all the resistors

The respective voltages, V1, V2and V3, across the resistor R1, R2 and R3, are
different.
The total voltage applied to the combination is V = V1, + V2 + V3
Now, if R is the equivalent resistance of the combination, then V = IR
But V1 = IR1, V2 = IR2 and V3 = IR3
 IR = IR1 + IR2 + IR3
 R = R 1 + R2 + R3

(c) Determination of Internal Resistance of a Cell

Cell under test
K

I A Bare constantan wire

Crocodile
Crocodile clip
clip

- Using a certain length, x, of the bare wire, the circuit is connected as shown ½
in the diagram.
- The switch is closed and the ammeter and voltmeter reading are noted. Let
these be I and V respectively.
- The procedure is repeated using various values of x, each time noting the
corresponding values of I and V.
- A graph of V against I is plotted
V

Now, if E is the emf of the cell and r the internal resistance, then
V = E – Ir
So, the magnitude of the gradient gives the internal resistance of the cell.

(d) (i) Let I = current flowing

Then E = 5I
Page 2 of 33
 E 2
=
 I = 5 5 = 0.4 A
Now I(5 + 3 + R) = 2E
2 x2
 8 + R = 0. 4 = 10
 R = 10 – 8 = 2 

(ii) Let V = voltmeter reading

Then V = E – 3I
= 2 – (3 x 0.4)
= 2 – 1.2 = 0.8 V
Total = 20

2(a) Explain why the terminal p.d falls as the current drawn from a source increases. (3)

(b) A d.c source of emf 12 V and negligible internal resistance is connected in series
with two resistors of 400  and R ohms, respectively. When a voltmeter is connected
across the 400  resistor, it reads 4 V while it reads 6 V when connected across the
resistor of R ohms. Find the:

(i) resistance of the voltmeter (6)

(ii) value of R (1)

(c) Describe how you would use a slide wire potentiometer to measure the internal
resistance of a dry cell. (5)

(d) In the circuit diagram shown below, AB is a slide wire of length 1.0 m and resistance
10 . X is a driver cell of emf 3.0 V and negligible internal resistance. Y is a cell of
emf 2.2 V and internal resistance 1.0
When the centre-zero galvanometer is connected in turns to points e and f, the balance
lengths obtained are 45.0 cm and 80.0 cm respectively.
Calculate the:
(i) current flowing through R1. (3)
(ii) resistances of R1 and R2. (2)

2
X 3.0V

A B

d e f
R1 R2

Y 2.2V, 1

Page 3 of 33
 Suggested Solution:

2. (a) E r
A B

I
VAB

A source has internal resistance.

Let r = internal resistance
When a current I is drawn from the source there is a “lost” voltage, Ir, across
r
i.e. the terminal p.d, V = E – Ir, where E is the emf of the source.
If I increases, Ir increases. So the terminal p.d, V, drops
12V 12V
(b)

400Ω R 400Ω R

4V 8V 6V
Rv
Rv 6V

(i) Let Rv = resistance of the voltmeter

400R v 4 1
= =
Then (
400+R v ) R 8 2
…………..……. (1)
RR v 6
= = 1
and ( R+R v ) 400 6
……….……….. (2)
From (1) 800Rv = 400R + RRv
Rv
 800 R = 400 + Rv …………………..(3)
From (2) RRv = 400R + 400Rv
Rv
 Rv = 400 + 400 R …………..…….. (4)
Rv
Eq(4) x 2: 2Rv = 800 + 800 R ……….… (5)
Eq(3) + Eq(5): 2Rv = 1200 + Rv
 Rv = 1200 

2 x 400R v 2 x 400 x 1200

=
( 500+ R v ) (400+1200 )
(ii) From (1): R = = 600 

Page 4 of 33
 (c)

A circuit is set up as shown, in which R is a standard resistor.

With switch K open a balance length lE, is found for the emf E.
Then K is closed and another balance length, l, for the terminal p.d, V, is
found.
In this case a circuit like the one in the inset on the right is completed.
V R
=
Now, E R+r
V l
=
But E lE

∴
l
lE
=
R
R +r 
r = R ( )
lE
l
−1

(i)
(d) 10
x3
VAB = 12 = 2.5 V
80
x 2. 5
Veff = 100 = 2.0 V
Considering cell Y, the p.d across the internal resistance is 2.2 - Veff
If I is the current flowing in the resistor
Then 1.0 x I = 2.2 – 2.0 = 0.2
 I = 0.2 A

45
x 2. 5
(ii) 0.2R1 = 100
0 .45 x 2 .5
R1 = 0 .2 = 5.625 
0.2(R1 + R2) = 2.0
2. 0
−R1
 R2 = 0 .2 = 10 – 5.625 = 4.375 

3 (a) Define

Page 5 of 33
 (i) capacitance (1)

(ii) dielectric strength (1)

(b) Explain the action of a dielectric in a capacitor. (4)

(c) Describe an experiment to show that capacitance is affected by the thickness of the
dielectric. (4)

(d) Derive an expression for the energy stored in a capacitor of capacitance C charge to a
p.d V. (5)

(e) In the circuit shown below switch K is open, capacitors A and B have respective
capacitances of 10F and 15 F and are charged to p.ds of 25 V and 20 V
respectively.
+A -

K
G
+
-
B
A ballistic galvanometer G, with sensitivity of 2 divisions per C joins the positive
plates of the capacitors. If K is now closed, what will be the throw on G? (5)

Suggested Solution:

3. (a) (i) …the ratio of the magnitude of charge on either plate to the potential
difference between the plates.

(ii) …the highest electric intensity the dielectric can be subjected to without
breaking its insulation

(b) - + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +

When a p.d is applied between the plates, the molecules of the dielectric get
polarised, with their positive ends facing the negative plate, and their
negative ends facing the positive plate.
Charge inside the material cancel each other’s influence but the surfaces
adjacent to the plates develop charge opposite to that on the near plate.
This arrangement reduces the positive potential of the positive plate and does
the same on the negative potential of the negative plate.

Page 6 of 33
 So the potential difference between the plates is lowered.
Electrons are then drawn from the positive plate and get deposited on the
negative one to restore the potential difference to that of the supply.
This way the dielectric assists the plates to store charge.

(c)

- A parallel- plate capacitor is set up as shown, one being earthed and the
other connected to a gold leaf electroscope.
- The plate connected to the gold-leaf electroscope is given a charge.
- The divergence of the leaf is observed for various distances, d, of
separation of the plates.
- It is observed that the divergence increases with the distance, d, implying
that the p.d between the plates increases.
- Since the charge on the plates is constant, it means that the capacitance
decreases with the increase in thickness of the dielectric.

(d) (ii) Suppose that at a certain instant during charging when the p.d between
the plates is V, the charging current is I and the charge on either plate is Q.
⁺Q ⁻Q
I

V
Then the rate at which work is being done to charge the capacitor is the
electrical power,
Q
P=IV =I
C
dQ
Now ,the current , I = (rate of flow of charge¿the capacitor plates)
dt
Q dQ
 P = C dt
The total work done in accumulating the charge from zero to a quantity, say
Qo, is
Qo Qo
2
Q dQ QdQ Qo
W =∫ Pdt=∫ dt=∫ =
0
C dt 0
C 2C
Now, Qo = CV
 W = ½CV2 = energy stored in the capacitor

ALTERNATIVELY
Imagine a capacitor of capacitance C charged to a p.d V. Suppose that
now the charge on its plates is to be increased from Q to Q + Q, where Q
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 is small. Then a charge Q must be transferred from the negative plate to the
positive plate.
This would increase the p.d by V.
Since Q is small, it follows that V is also small compared to V.
Hence the p.d V may be regarded as constant.
Then the work done in transferring the charge Q is
W = V.Q (from the definition of p.d). But V = Q/V
 W = QQ
C
Therefore the total work done in raising the charge of the capacitor from zero
to, say Qo is
Qo 2
Q . dQ Qo
∫ dW =∫ C
=
2C
0

This is the energy stored by a capacitor of capacitance C carrying a charge

Qo.
Alternatively, Qo = CV, where V is the p.d across the capacitor
 W = ½CV2 = energy stored in the capacitor

(e) Originally QA = CAVA = 10 x 10-6 x 25 = 250 x 10-6

QB = CBVB = 10 x 10-6 x 25 = 300 x 10-6
Let V be the final common p.d. Since total charge remains the same.
(CA + CB)V = CAVA + CBVB
C A V A +C B V B 250+300
=
 V = C A +C B 25 = 22 V
The charge that flows so as to equalise the p.d is
CBV - CBVB = CB(V – VB)
= 15 x 10-6(22 – 20) = 30 x 10-6 C
This is the charge that flows through G
 the throw = 2 x 30 = 60 divisions

4(a) (i) State Coulomb’s law of electrostatics. (1)

(ii) Define the terms electric field intensity and electric potential at a point. (2)

(b) (i) Sketch graphs of the variation of electric potential and electric field intensity with
distance from the centre of a charged conducting sphere. (2)

(ii) Describe how a conducting body may be positively charged but remains at zero
potential. (3)

(iii) Explain how the presence of a neutral conductor near a charged conducting sphere
may reduce the potential of the sphere. (3)

(d) Charges of -1C, +8C and +1C are placed at the corners of a square of side 20
cm as shown below;

Page 8 of 33
 20cm
-1C P

20cm

+8C +1C

Calculate the:
(i) electric potential at P (4)

(ii) electric field intensity at P (5)

Suggested Solution:

4.(a) (i) The force between two point charges is directly proportional to the
product of the magnitudes of the charges and inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between the charges.

(ii) The electric intensity at a point in an electric field is the force

experienced by a positive charge of one coulomb placed at that point.
The electric potential at a point in a field is the work done in moving a
positive charge of one coulomb from infinity to the point.

(b) (i) r r
Intensity
Potential

r Distance r Distance

(ii) B
Conductor

A negatively charged body, B, is brought near a conductor.

The conductor is then earthed in the presence of B.
Page 9 of 33
 Electrostatic induction occurs, and when the conductor is earthed, electrons
are repelled to the earth, leaving the conductor positively charged but at zero
potential.

A B
(iii)
Charged Neutral conductor

When a positively charged sphere, A, is brought near a neutral conductor B,

electrostatic induction occurs in the conductor with the negative charge
residing on the side near A.
The negative charge near the charged sphere A reduces the potential of A.

( )
(d)
+ + √
−1 1 8
x 10-6 x 9 x 109
(i) Vp = 0 .2 0 .2 0. 2 √2
= 9.0 x 104 V
E2 E
(ii) E3
E3
45o
E12

E1

1
2
x 10-6 x 9 x 10 9
E1 = 0 .2 = 2.25 x 105 NC-1
1
2
x 10-6 x 9 x 10 9
E2 = 0 .2 = 2.25 x 105 NC-1
√ 8 x 10 -6 x 9 x 109
E3 = ( 0.2 √ 2 )2 = 3.18 x 105 NC-1
E2 = E21 + E22 + E 23
= (2.252 + 2.252 + 3.182) x 1010
= 20.25 x 1010
 E = 4,5 x 105 NC-1

5(a) Define the terms

(i) Dielectric constant (1)

(ii) Equipotential (1)

(b) (i) State the characteristics of an equipotential. (2)

(ii) Explain the occurrence of corona discharge (3)

Page 10 of 33
(c) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, how a high voltage can be generated using a Van
der Graaf generator. (6)

(d) An air capacitor of capacitance 600 F is charged to 150 V and then connected
across an uncharged capacitor of capacitance 900 F.
(i) Find the energy stored in the 900 F capacitor (4)

(ii) With the two capacitors still connected, a dielectric of dielectric constant 1.5 is
inserted between the plates of the 600 F capacitor. Find the new p.d. across the two
capacitors. (3)

Suggested Solution:

(i) The dielectric constant, r, is the ratio of the capacitance with the dielectric
in between the plates to the capacitance when the space between the plates is
5. vacuum.
(a)
(ii) An equipotential is any surface or volume over which the potential is
constant.
(i)
(b) - Equipotentials meet the electric lines of force at right angles.
- Equipotentials never cross each other

(ii) A

Suppose a pointed conductor A is charged positively.

Most of the charge concentrates at the tip, creating an intense electric field
there.
This ionises the air there.
The negative ions are attracted to the tip and are neutralised while the positive
ions are repelled.
The net result is that positive charge is being sprayed from the tip into the air.
S

P2

(c) E2

Insulating
cylinder

Silk belt

h.t E1 Motor
battery

P1
Page 11 of 33
 A Van der Graaf generator consists of a hollow metal sphere S supported on
an insulating cylinder several metres high.
E1 and E2 are electrodes in form of sharply pointed combs.
Action:
- E1 is given a potential of about 10,000 volts, positive with respect to the
earth, by a battery.
- The high electric field at the points of E1 ionises the air there, positive
charges being repelled to the belt.
- The belt, driven by a motor over pulleys P1 and P2, carries the charges up
into the sphere.
- The positive charge induces a negative charge on the points of E2 and a
positive charge on the sphere.
- The high electric field at the points of E2 ionises the air there, and negative
charge is repelled to the belt thereby discharging it before it passes over the
pulley P2.
Thus, the sphere gradually charges up positively to millions of volts with
respect to the earth.

(d) (i) Charge stored = C1V1, where C1 = 600 F and V1 = 150 V

This remains so all through
Let V = final
C1 common voltage across the combination.
Then V(C1 + C2) = C1V1
C1V 1
V
 V = C1 + C2
600 x150
C2
= 600+ 900 = 60 V
1
Energy = 2 CV2
1
= 2 x 900 x 10-6 x 602 = 1.62 J

(ii) The new capacitance of C1 becomes C1′ = 1.5 x 600 = 900 F

C1 V 1
600 x150
C ' + C2
The new common p.d becomes V′ = 1 = 900+ 900 = 50 V

6(a) A battery of emf E volts and internal resistance 5  is connected in series with a
resistor of variable resistance R.
Find the condition for the maximum power dissipated in the variable resistance. (3)

(b) A d.c source of emf 22 V and negligible internal resistance is connected in series
with two resistors of 500 and R ohms, respectively. When a voltmeter is connected
Page 12 of 33
 across the 500  resistor, it reads 10 V while it reads 8 V when connected across the
resistor of R ohms. Find the:
(i) resistance of the voltmeter (6)

(ii) value of R (1)

(c) Describe how you would use a slide wire potentiometer to measure the internal
resistance of a dry cell. (5)

(d) In the circuit diagram shown below, AB is a slide wire of length 1.0 m and resistance
10 . X is a driver cell of emf 3.0 V and negligible internal resistance. Y is a cell of
emf 2.2 V and internal resistance 1.0

2
X 3.0V

A B

d e f
R1 R2

Y 2.2V, 1

When the centre-zero galvanometer is connected in turns to points e and f, the balance
lengths obtained are 45.0 cm and 80.0 cm respectively. Calculate the:

(i) current flowing through R1. (3)

(ii) resistances of R1 and R2. (2)

Suggested Solution:

6.
E 5
(a)
A B

I
VAB

2
2 RE
The output power , Po =I R=
( R+5 )2
For fixed values of E and internal resistance the maximum power output Pmax
is obtained when

Page 13 of 33
 d Po
=0
dR

2 2
RE 2R E
i .e when − =0
( R+5 ) ( R+ 5 )3
2

i.e when R = 5
22V 22V
(b)

500 R 500 R

10V 12V 14V 8V

Rv
Rv

(i) Let Rv = resistance of the voltmeter

500R v 10
Then ( 500+ R v ) R = 12 ………………………... (1)
RR v 8
and ( R+ R v ) 500 = 14 ……………………..…. (2)
From (1) 600Rv = 500R + RRv
R
600 v
 R = 500 + Rv …………………..…… (3)
From (2) 7RRv = 2000R + 2000Rv
Rv
 7Rv = 2000 + 2000 R ……………..… (4)
Rv
Eq(3) x 20: 12000 + R = 10000 + 20Rv ……..… (5)
Rv
Eq(4) x 6: 42Rv = 12000 + 12000 R …….(6)
Eq(5) + Eq(6): 42Rv = 22000 + 20Rv
 22Rv = 22000  Rv = 1000 

12 x500R v
12 x500x1000
(ii) From (1) R = 10( 500+ R v ) = 10(500+1000 ) = 400 

lE
B
A X
E r
E r
K
R
I R
Page 14 of 33
V
(c)

The circuit is connected as shown in which X is the cell of emf, E, and internal
resistance, r, required.
With switch K open, a balance length lE, is found for the emf E.
Then K is closed and another balance length, l, for the terminal p.d, V, is
found.
In this case a circuit like the one in the inset on the right is completed.

V R
Now , =
E R+r

V l
But =
E lE

∴
l
=
R
l E R +r
r =R ( )
lE
l
−1

(d) 10
(i) VAB = 12 x 3 = 2.5 V
80
Vef = 100 x 2.5 = 2.0 V
Considering cell Y, the p.d across the internal resistance is 2.2 – Vef
If I is the current flowing in the resistors, then
1.0 x I = 2.2 – 2.0 = 0.2
 I = 0.2 A

45
(ii) 0.2R1 = 100 x 2.5
0 . 45 x2 .5
 R1 = 0 .2 = 5.625 

0.2(R1 + R2) = 2.0

2. 0
 R2 = 0 .2 - R1 = 10 – 5.625 = 4.375 

7 (a) (i) Explain why a neutral conductor may be attracted to a charged body. (3)

(ii) X and Y are small neighbouring balls charged as shown in the figure below and
brought near a positively charged plate P.
Page 15 of 33
 X Y

Sketch the electric field pattern in the region of the three bodies and indicate the
neutral point(s). (3)

(b) Describe an experiment to investigate the charge distribution over the surface of a
charged conductor. (5)

(c) Derive an expression for the electric potential at a point which is a distance r from an
isolated point charge Q in a medium of permittivity . (5)

(d) In the figure A is a point 16 cm from a point charge Q1.

16cm
A Q1

12cm

Q2

Another point charge Q2 is located 12 cm from Q1 as shown. If Q1C and

Q2 = 6 C, find the work done in moving a charge of 2 C from point A to a point
midway between A and Q2. (4)

Suggested Solution:

Neutral
(i) conductor
7. _ _ _ _ _
(a) + + + + +

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ Negatively charged
body

When the two bodies are close together, electrostatic induction occurs in the
conductor as shown.
Since unlike charges are near each other, attraction between the two bodies
occurs.

(ii)

X = neutral point
Page 16 of 33
 Pattern
Direction
Neutral point
(b)

The conductor, A, is supported on an insulator and given a charge.

Proof planes of the same area, but shaped to fit the various respective parts of
the conductor, are prepared.
A proof plane (on an insulating handle) at a time is placed on the part it fits,
charged by induction and then transferred to the inside of a hollow can
connected to the cap of a neutral electroscope (without making contact with
the can), each time noting the divergence of the leaf.
It is observed that proof planes from sharper parts cause greater divergence.
This implies that surface density (charge per unit area) increases with
curvature.
Suppose A is the point whose potential, VA, is required. Then imagine a small
(c) point charge q placed at point C, distance x from Q.

+
Q A B C
z +
q
x
x

Qq
The force acting on q is F= 2
4x
Suppose q is now moved a small distance x to B, δx being so small that the
field due to Q is not affected.
Over this small distance, the force F may be regarded as constant. So the work
done by the external agent over x against the force of the field is
W = F(-x)
Qq(− x)
W=
4 x2

The total work done in bringing q from infinity to point A is

[ ]
z z
− Qq 1 − Qq −1 Qq
W= ∫
4 ❑ x 2
dx =
4
=
x ❑ 4z

The potential VA at point A is the work done per unit positive charge brought
Page 17 of 33
 from infinity to A.
W Q
Hence V A = =
q 4z
16 Q1
A
(d)
10
10
12
P
10

Q2

VA =
(
1 Q1 Q2
+
4πε r 1 r 2 ) 4 6 x10-6
+
= 9 x 109 16 20 x10
(
-2 ) = 4.95 x 105 V

+(
4 6 x10-6
VP = 9 x 109 10 10 x10
-2 )
= 9.0 x 105 V
Work done, W = Q(VP + VA)
= 2 x 10-6(9 – 4.95) x 105
= 8.1 x 10-1 J

8(a) (i) Explain why a charged body attracts a neutral conductor. (3)

(ii) Explain the occurrence of corona discharge. (3)

(b) Describe an experiment to investigate the charge distribution over a conductor,

showing how the conclusion is arrived at. (4)

(c) (i) Derive an expression for the electric potential at a point a distance d from a point
charge Q in a medium of permittivity ε. (5)

(ii) The diagram below shows two point charges Q1 and Q2 of +6C and +4C
respectively
P

10cm 10cm

C
Q2
Q1
10cm

Find the work done in moving a charge of – 4 C from point P to point C midway
between Q1 and Q2 and interpret the answer you have obtained. (5)

Page 18 of 33
Suggested Solution:

8. (i)
(a) ++ Neutral conductor
Charged +
body ++ - +
- +
+ - +
++

When the two bodies are near each other, electrostatic induction occurs in the
conductor such the unlike charges get nearer each other than the like charges.
So the unlike charges attract each other more than the like ones do.
Hence the net result is an attraction between the two bodies.

Suppose a pointed conductor A is charged positively.

Most of the charge concentrates at the tip creating an intense electric field
there.
This ionises the air near the tip.
The negative ions are attracted to the tip and are neutralised while the positive
ions are repelled.
The net result is that positive charge is being sprayed from the tip into the air.

(b)
A

The conductor, A, is supported on an insulator and given a charge.

Proof planes of the same area, but shaped to fit the various respective parts of
the conductor, are prepared.
A proof plane (on an insulating handle) at a time is placed on the part it fits
and charged by induction.
The charged proof plane is then transferred to the inside of a hollow can
connected to the cap of a neutral electroscope (without making contact with
the can), each time noting the divergence of the leaf.
It is observed that proof planes from sharper parts cause greater divergence.
This implies that surface density (charge per unit area) increases with
curvature.
Page 19 of 33
 (c) (i) Suppose A is the point whose potential, VA, is required. Then imagine a
small point charge q placed at point C, distance x from Q.

Qq
The force acting on q is F= 2
4x
Suppose q is now moved a small distance x to B, δx being so small that the
field due to Q is not affected.
Over this small distance, the force F may be regarded as constant. So the work
done by the external agent over x against the force of the field is
W = F(-x)
Qq(− x)
W=
4 x2

The total work done in bringing q from infinity to point A is

[ ]
d d
− Qq 1 − Qq −1 Qq
W= ∫
4 ❑ x 2
dx =
4
=
x ❑ 4d

The potential VA at point A is the work done per unit positive charge brought
from infinity to A.
W Q
Hence V A = =
q 4d

Q1 Q 1
+ 2 =
4π εr ( 1 2 )
Q +Q
(ii) Potential at P, Vp = 4π εr 1 4π εr 2
9 x 10 9
( 6+4 ) x 10 -6
= 0 . 10 = 9 x 105 V
Q1 9 x 10 9
' ( Q 1 +Q 2 ) ( 6+4 ) x 10 -6
Potential at P, Vp = 4π ε r = 0 . 05 = 18 x 105 V
Work done = Charge moved x potential difference
= Q(VC – VP)
= -4 x 10-6(18 – 9) x 105 = -3.6 J
The negative sign implies that the charge instead does work in moving from P
to C, under the force of electrostatic attraction.

9 (a) (i) What is meant by potential difference? (1)

(ii) Define a volt. (1)

(b) Explain why the terminal p.d across a source decreases as a bigger current is drawn
from the source. (3)

(c) 3Ω A 2Ω

4Ω
2V 2V 3V
Page 20 of 33
5Ω B 5Ω
 In the circuit shown above, find

(i) the current flowing in the 4-ohm resistor. (4)

(ii) the p.d between points A and B. (2)

(d) Describe an experiment to measure the internal resistance of a cell. (5)

(e) When a battery of emf 2 V is connected in series with a cell C, the combination gives
a balance length of 80.0 cm. When cell C is reversed, the balance length falls to 16.0
cm. What is the emf of cell C? (4)

Suggested Solution:

9. (a) (i) The potential difference between two points is the work done in moving
one coulomb of positive charge from one of the points to the other.

(ii) The volt is the p.d. between two points in a circuit in which 1 J of
electrical energy is converted when 1 C passes from point to the other.
E r
(b) A B
I
VAB

A source has internal resistance, r, and when the source is giving out a current
I, the terminal p.d, VAB, is given by
VAB = E – Ir, where E is the emf
Now, when the current increases, the p.d Ir across the internal resistance
increases.
Thus, the remainder, which is the terminal p.d, decreases.

(c) (i) 3Ω A 2Ω
I2
I1
(I1+I2)
4Ω
2V I
2V 3V

5Ω B 5Ω

II

Loop I: 2I2 - 4I1 + 5I2 = 3 – 2

 -4I1 + 7I2 = 1 ………………….... (1)
Page 21 of 33
 Loop II: 2I 2 + 3(I1 + I2) + 5(I1 + I2) + 5I2 = 5
8I1 + 15I2 = 5 …………………….. (2)
Eq(1) x 15: -60I1 + 105I2 = 15 …………………. (3)
Eq(2) x 7: 56I1 + 105 I2 = 35 ………………… (4)

Eq(4) - Eq(3): 116I1 = 20

20
 I1 = 116 = 0.172 A

(ii) VAB = 2 - 4I1

= 2 – (4 x 0.172) = 2 – 0.688 = 1.31 V
X
(d)

lE
A B

r K3 E r
E

K I R
R

V V

A circuit is connected as shown, with R a standard resistance

- With switch K open a balance length, lE, is found for the emf E.
- Then K is closed and another balance length, l, for the terminal p.d, V, is
found. In this case a circuit like the one in the inset on the right is
completed.
Let r = internal resistance of the cell
V = p.d. across R
E = emf of the cell
E R+r
=
Then V R
E l
= E
But V l
l E R +r
 l = R  r = R l
( lE
−1 )
(e) Let k = p.d. per cm along the potentiometer wire
and E = emf of cell C
Then, 2 + E = 80k ……. (1)
and 2 – E = 16k …….. (2)
2+E 80
=
From (1) and (2) 2−E 16
 2 + E = 10 – 5E
8
 E = 6 = 1.33 V

Page 22 of 33
10(a) (i) What is meant by the dielectric constant? (1)
(ii) Derive an expression for the energy stored in a capacitor, of capacitance C,
charged to a voltage V. (5)

(b) Explain the action of a dielectric. (4)

(c) Describe how the unknown capacitance of a capacitor can be determined using a
ballistic galvanometer. (4)
(d) A capacitor of capacitance 5 F is charged to a p.d. of 52 V with the aid of a battery.
The battery is then removed and the capacitor is connected to an uncharged capacitor
of capacitance 8F. Calculate:

(i) the final p.d., V across the combination. (2)

(ii) the energy stored before and after connecting the two capacitors. (3)

(iii) Account for the difference in the quantities of energy calculated. (1)

Suggested Solution:

10 (i) The dielectric constant is the ratio of the capacitance with the dielectric in
(a) between the plates to the capacitance when the space between the plates is
vacuum.

(ii) Suppose that at a certain instant during charging when the p.d between the
plates is V, the charging current is I and the charge on either plate is Q.

⁺Q ⁻Q
I

V
Then the rate at which work is being done to charge the capacitor is the
electrical power,
Q
P=IV =I
C
dQ
Now ,the current , I = (rate of flow of charge¿the capacitor plates)
dt
Q dQ
 P = C dt
The total work done in accumulating the charge from zero to a quantity, say
Qo, is
Qo Qo 2
Q dQ QdQ Qo
W =∫ Pdt=∫ dt =∫ =
0
C dt 0
C 2C
Now, Qo = CV
Page 23 of 33
  W = ½CV2 = energy stored in the capacitor

ALTERNATIVELY
Imagine a capacitor of capacitance C charged to a p.d V. Suppose that
now the charge on its plates is to be increased from Q to Q + Q, where Q is
small. Then a charge Q must be transferred from the negative plate to the
positive plate. This would increase the p.d by V.
Since Q is small, it follows that V is also small compared to V.
Hence the p.d V may be regarded as constant.
Then the work done in transferring the charge Q is
W = V.Q (from the definition of p.d). But V = Q/V
 W = QQ
C
Therefore the total work done in raising the charge of the capacitor from zero
to, say Qo is
Qo 2
Q . dQ Qo
∫ dW =∫ C
=
2C
0

This is the energy stored by a capacitor of capacitance C carrying a charge

Qo.
Alternatively, Qo = CV, where V is the p.d across the capacitor
 W = ½CV2 = energy stored in the capacitor

(b) - + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +
- + - + - +

When a p.d is applied between the plates, the molecules of the dielectric get
polarised, with their positive ends facing the negative plate, and their
negative ends facing the positive plate.
Charge inside the material cancel each other’s influence but the surfaces
adjacent to the plates develop charge opposite to that on the near plate.
This arrangement reduces the positive potential of the positive plate and does
the same on the negative potential of the negative plate.
So the potential difference between the plates is lowered.
Electrons are then drawn from the positive plate and get deposited on the
negative one to restore the potential difference to that of the supply.
This way the dielectric assists the plates to store charge.

(c) - A capacitor of known capacitance, Co , is charged to a p.d, Vo , and then

discharged through the ballistic galvanometer and the throw, o , is noted.
Then the charge, Qo = CoVo = ko …….. (1)
- The capacitor under test is then charged to a p.d. V and then discharged
through the ballistic galvanometer.
Page 24 of 33
 - The throw, say , is noted
Let C = capacitance of the capacitor under test
Then CV = k ……. (2)
Co V o θ
From (1) and (2) C = V

(d) (i) The total charge remains the same

Let V = common p.d. after connection
Then (C1 + C2)V = C1V1
C1V 1 5 x 52
=
 V = C1 +C2 5+8 = 20 V
1 1
(ii) Energy before = 2 C1V12 = 2 x 5 x 10-6 x 522 = 6.76 x 10-3 J
1
Energy after = 2 (C1 + C2) V2
1
= 2 (5 + 8) x 10-6 x 202 = 2.6 x 10-3 J

(iii) The difference is dissipated as heat in the connecting wires as the charge
flows to redistribute itself among the capacitors.

11(a) (i) State Ohm’s law (1)

(ii) Describe an experiment to verify Ohm’s law. (5)

(b) An accumulator of emf 3V and negligible internal resistance is joined in series with a
5
resistance of 500  and another resistance of 300 . The voltmeter reads 3 V when
connected across the 500  resistor. Calculate;

(i) the resistance of the voltmeter. (4)

(ii) the reading of the voltmeter when connected across the 300  resistor. (3)

(c) Define
(i) electrical resistivity (1)

(ii) temperature coefficient of resistance (1)

(d) An electric element consists of 4.64 m of nichrome wire of diameter 0.5 mm, the
resistivity of nichrome at 15oC being 1.12 x 10-6 m. When connected to a 240V
supply, the fire dissipates 2.0 kW and the temperature of the element is 1015oC.
Determine the mean temperature coefficient of resistance of nichrome between 15 oC
and 1015oC. (5)

Suggested Solution:
Page 25 of 33
11. (i) At constant temperature, the current flowing through a wire is directly
(a) proportional to the potential difference between the ends of the wire and the
relationship is independent of the direction of current or potential difference.

(ii) The following circuit is connected.

I
A

E
R V
P

E is a steady source, R a wire-wound resistor of low resistance and P a

rheostat of the same order of resistance as R.
The voltmeter V and the ammeter A must be those whose calibration does
not depend on Ohm’s law – otherwise the experiment then would not be
valid.
- The current I is varied by adjusting P, and the potential difference V is
measured at each value of current.
- The procedure is repeated when the current is reversed.
- A graph of V against I is plotted - It is a straight line through the origin.

+V

-I +I

-V

3V
(b)
(i)

500Ω 300Ω
A C
B
R

Let R = resistance of the voltmeter

500R
Then RAB = 500+ R
V AB R AB
= x V AC
V AC R AB +RBC

Page 26 of 33
 5 3 x RAB 1500R
= =
So 3 R AB+300 500R+150000+300R
 25R + 7500 + 15R = 45R
7500
 7500 = 5R R = 5 = 1500 
3V
(ii)
I'
500Ω 300Ω
A B
C
V
1500Ω

1500 x 300
RBC = 1500 + 300 = 250 
250
x3
V = 500+250 = 1.0 V

(c) (i) Resistivity is the resistance per unit length of a material of unit cross-
sectional area.

(ii) … the fractional increase of the resistance at 0oC per kelvin rise of
temperature.

(d) 4 ρl 4 x 1 .12 x 10 -6 x 4 . 64
2 2 -8
R1 = πd = π x 5 x 10 = 26.5 
V2 2402
R2 = P = 2000 = 28.8 
Now, R1 = Ro(1 + 1)
and R2 = Ro(1 + 2)
R2 R (1+ αθ2 )
= o
 R1 R o (1+ αθ1 )
 R2(1 + 1) = R1(1 + 2)
(2R1 - 1R2) = R2 – R1
R2 −R1 28 . 8 - 26. 5
=
 = θ2 R1 −θ1 R2 (1015 x 26 . 5) - (15 x 28 . 8)
2 .3
= 26466 = 8.69 x 10-5K-1

12(a) Explain how objects get charged by rubbing. (3)

Page 27 of 33
(b) The diagram shows two metallic spheres A and B placed apart and each supported on
an insulating stand. A positively charged plate C is placed mid-way between them but
without touching them.

A C
B

B is momentarily earthed in the presence of C. Finally C is withdrawn.

(i) Draw the spheres at the end of the operation and show the charge distribution over
them. (2)

(ii) On the same diagram sketch the electric field pattern in the region of the spheres.
(2)
(iii) Explain the change in p.d between the spheres as the spheres are moved further
apart. (2)

(c) Describe an experiment to show that excess charge resides outside a hollow
conductor. (5)
(d) Charges of -3C, +4C and +3C are placed at the corners P, Q and R of a
rectangular frame PQRS in which PQ = 3 cm and QR = 4 cm as shown in the figure
below
P S

3cm

Q 4cm R
If the charges are in vacuum, calculate the magnitude of the electric intensity at S due
to the charges. (6)

Suggested Solution:

- When materials are rubbed together, the heat generated due to friction
12. raises the kinetic energy of the electrons on the periphery of the atoms.
(a) - The material with the lower function loses some of its electrons to the
other.
- The material that has lost electrons becomes positively charged while the
one that has gained electrons gains a negative charge
- If the materials are insulators, the charges remain where they are deposited.

(b) (i) and (ii) A B

Page 28 of 33
 (iii) As the spheres are moved apart, the p.d. rises.
This is because the neuralising effect of the opposite charges on the spheres
becomes smaller at a greater separation so that the magnitude of the electric
potential of each sphere rises. Hence increased p.d.

(c) Hollow
can

Insulator

- A hollow metallic can is placed on an insulator and connected to a neutral

electroscope.
- A metal ball, is suspended from a silk thread, given a positive charge and
lowered into the can, without touching its walls.

The leaf is observed to diverge, and as long as the ball is inside the can no
change of deflection occurs even when it is moved about within the can.
- The ball is allowed to touch the inside

Still the deflection is unchanged. This shows that the outside did not lose or
gain any charge.
- Finally, the ball is removed.
The deflection still remains unchanged, and when tested with another
electroscope, the ball is found to have lost all the charge; also, the inside of
the can has no charge.

(d) P S

3cm

Q 4cm R
Page 29 of 33
 QP -3 x 10-6 x 9 x 109
2
=
EP = 4π r P 0 .04 2 = 1.69 x 107 N C-1 horizontally to the left
QQ 4 x 10 -6 x 9 x 10 9
2
=
EQ = 4π r Q 0 . 052 = 1.44 x 107 N C-1 diagonally towards S
QR 3 x 10 -6 x 9 x 10 9
2
=
ER = 4π r R 0 . 032 = 3.0 x 107 N C-1 vertically upwards

Let EX = horizontal component of the resultant intensity

and EY = vertical component of the resultant intensity
Then EX = EP – EQ cos = (1.69 – 1.44 x 0.8) x 107 to the left
= 0.538 x 107 N C-1
and EY = ER + EQ sin  = (3.0 + 1.44 x 0.6) x 107 upwards
= 3.864 x 107 N C-1

Resultant intensity = √ E2X + E 2Y

= √ 0 .538 +3 . 864 x 10
2 2
7
= 3.9 x 107 N C-1

13(a) Define
(i) capacitance (1)

(ii) dielectric strength (1)

(b) Describe an experiment to show the relationship between capacitor charge and
potential difference. (5)

(c) Derive an expression for the equivalent capacitance of three capacitors connected in
series. (3)

(d) Two large metal plates, placed parallel to each other and separated by dry air, form a
capacitor. The arrangement is given a charge, then isolated and finally an ideal
voltmeter is connected across its plates as shown.

V
Page 30 of 33
 Explain what is observed on the voltmeter reading when

(i) an insulating material is inserted in between the plates. (2)

(ii) the separation of the plates is increased. (2)

(e) When two capacitors, C1 and C2 are connected in series and the combination
connected to a supply V the charge stored by C1 is 8C while the p.d. across C1 is 4V.
When the capacitors are connected in parallel to the same supply the total charge
stored by the combination is 36C. Given that C1< C2, find;

(i) the capacitances of the capacitors (4)

(ii) the p.d, V, of the supply (2)

Suggested Solution:

13. (i) Capacitance is the ratio of the magnitude of charge on either plate to the
(a) potential difference between the plates.

(ii) The dielectric strength of a dielectric is the maximum potential gradient

the dielectric can withstand without its insulation breaking down.

(b) The following arrangement, known as the vibrating-reed switch, may be

used to investigate the relationship.
Vibrating-reed switch

Protective resistor

V X Y
G
Sensitive galvanometer
C

C is the capacitor formed by two large square plates separated by small

pieces of polythene at the corners. When the vibrating reed makes contact
with X, C gets charged and when it makes contact with Y, C is discharged.
- A p.d V is set and the vibrating-reed is switched into operation.
- V is noted and the current, I, registered by the galvanometer is also noted.
Now, if f is the frequency of the reed switch and Q the charge acquired by C
and discharged through G, the current I =f Q.
Thus for a given frequency, Q  I
By varying V in steps of tens of volts the procedure is repeated using various
values of V, each time noting the corresponding values of I.
A graph of I against V is plotted.
It is a straight line through the origin and since Q  I, it follows that Q  V.
C1 C2 C3
(c) +
Q -Q +
Q - Q +Q - Q

V1 V2 V3
V Page 31 of 33
 In series all the capacitors carry the same charge, Q but the potential
differences are different as follows
Q Q Q
V 1= ,V 2= , V 3= ,
C1 C2 C3
The total p.d across the network is
V =V 1+V 2+V 3 =Q ( 1 1 1
+ +
C1 C 2 C3 )
If C is the equivalent capacitance of the network, then
Q
V = =Q
C ( 1 1 1
+ +
C 1 C2 C 3 )
1 1 1 1
= + +
C C1 C 2 C 3

(d) (i) The voltmeter reading decreases.

This is because the inserted material increases the capacitance of the
arrangement.
Since the charge has remained the same, the p.d drops (since Q = CV)

(ii) The voltmeter reading rises

Increasing the plate separation decreases capacitance.
Since the charge has remained the same, the p.d increases
C1 C2 C1
(e) (i)

V-4 V
4V
V
C2

4C1 = 8
 C1 = 2 F
Also C2(V – 4) = 8
C2V – 4C2 = 8 ……….. (1)
From the parallel connection: (C1 + C2)V = 36 …. (2)
36
From (2) V = C1 + C2
36C2
- 4C2
Substituting for V in (1), we have C1 + C2 = 8
2
C 2 - 5C + 4 = 0
2

5±√ 25 - 16
 C2 = 2 = 1 or 4
So C2 = 4 F

Page 32 of 33
 36 36
=
(ii) From above V = C1 +C2 2+4
= 6V
Total = 20

Page 33 of 33