1

U2M1
Physical Constants
Permeability of free space, o = 4 x 10-7 Hm-1
Elementary charge, e = 1.60 x 10-19 C
Avogadros Constant, NA = 6.02 x 1023 per mole
Rest mass of a proton, mp = 1.67 x 10-27 kg

Permittivity of free space, o = 8.85 x 10-12 Fm-1

Acceleration of free fall, g = 9.81 ms-2
Mass of an electron, me = 9.11 x 10-31 kg
1
40

= 9.0 109 1

2008 Paper 2
1

When a capacitor discharges through a resistor its

current at any instant is given by the equation:

= 0

3.0 V
68

C
Using the circuit shown in Figure 1, a student
collected data to plot a linear graph from this
A
function.
(a) In the space below write a suitable linear
Figure 1
equation and then complete the table so that the
straight line graph may be plotted. (Note that there is no need to convert the A to amperes.)
Equation: ______________________________

(b)
(c)

(d)

t/s
I/A
Ln(I/A)
20
36
40
30
60
25
80
20
100
18
120
15
140
12
Use the students results to plot on page 5 [not printed here] the required linear graph.
[5]
Use the graph to find
(i)
the value of the current at time t = 0
(ii) the time constant for the discharge.
[4]
(i)
On the grid below sketch a graph to show how the potential difference (p.d.) across the capacitor varies
with time during this discharge.

(ii)

Write an equation for this voltage change using the actual values for the constants in it.
Equation: _________________________________

[3]

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4

(a)
(b)

Define magnetic flux and state Lenzs law.

[2]
Figure 4(a) shows a metal ring placed on top of a large coil, with an iron core threading the centre of the ring
and the coil. A current is suddenly started in the coil and the ring jumps several centimetres into the air.
(i)
Explain why the ring jumps into the air.
(ii) Describe and explain the motion of the ring, if any, when a slot is cut into the ring as shown in Figure
4(b).
[4]

(c)

Figure 5 shows a circular coil of 150 turns, each of diameter 0.1 m which rotates 25 times each second about a
diameter [of the coil] between the poles of a permanent magnet. The magnet produces a uniform magnetic
field of flux density 4.0 x 10-4 T. At t = 0, the coil is in the position shown.
(i)
Calculate the total magnetic flux through the coil at time t = 0
(ii) Given that the rate of change of total flux at any time t is equal to 2fsin2ft
(f is the frequency of rotation) find
a)
the maximum instantaneous value of the induces e.m.f. in the coil.
b)
the r.m.s. value of the e.m.f. induced in the coil.
(iii) If the coil were fixed and the magnet were rotated at the same rate in the same direction, what
difference would this make to the induced e.m.f.?
[9]

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2009 Paper 1
1)

In the equation for the current through a conductor

I = nevA, v represents the
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

2)

4)

Four identical resistors are arranged as shown in

the diagram below.

voltage
terminal p.d.
volume
velocity

I1
R

I2

R
R

I1
I3

The correct unit for resistivity is

What is the current ratio I1 : I2 : I3?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

3)

m
m-1
m-1
m-2

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

The diagram below shows a battery connected in

series with a 2 ohm resistor and a switch S. A
voltmeter connected across the battery reads 6 V
when S is opened and 4 V when S is closed.

5)

6)

In SI, the unit of electric field is

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

0.3
1.0
2.0
3.0

N A-1
N C-1
C m-1
J m-1

What is the electrical potential of point X in the

diagram below?

2
15 cm

What is the internal resistance of the battery?

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

1:1:1
1:1:2
2:2:1
3:2:1

Q1

5 cm
Q2
X

4 x 10-8 C
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

0 volts
800 volts
1 600 volts
2 700 volts

-8

-1 x 10 C

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7)

Which one of the following shows the possible path of a high speed electron through a uniform electric field?

8)

A capacitor of capacitance 100F is fully charged

by a 200 V battery. How much energy is stored by
the capacitor?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

9)

1 JC-1
1 NC-1
1 CV-1
1 VC-1

Item 10 refers to the diagram below which shows a long

air coil solenoid carrying a current, I, with a flux density
of 40 T along its centre line.

If the solenoid is compressed so that its length, l, is

reduced to half its original value, what would be
the flux density along the centre line?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

2 mJ
2J
4J
10 mJ

1 farad is equivalent to
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

10)

11)

20 T
80 T
120 T
160 T

Consider a current-carrying conductor, XY, placed

between the poles of a magnet as shown below. In
which orientation would the wire experience the
greater force?

X
(A)

I
Y
I

(B)
N

X
I

(C)

X
S

N
Y
(D)

X
N

S
Y

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12)

A road is 15 m below a transmission line which

carries an alternating current of peak value 100 A.
The magnitude of the magnetic flux density at the
road (due to the current in the transmission line) is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

When a current flows from X to Y, what could be

done to restore balance?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

The iron core of a transformer is laminated

because
(A) it can be more easily magnitized and
demagnitized
(B) it increases the magnetic flux of the core
(C) it increases the surface area and the induced
e.m.f.
(D) it minimizes the circulation of induced
currents

15)

The diagrams below show a bar magnet being

inserted or withdrawn from a solenoid. In which
diagram is the current flow correct?

1.18 x 10-2 T
1.26 x 10-4 T
1.33 x 10-6 T
4.19 x 10-6 T

Item 13 refers to the diagram below which shows a

rectangular coil, resting on points. Part of the coil is
between North and South poles of magnets, as shown. A
small mass, m, rests on the shaft PQ. The coil is in
equilibrium when no current flows.

13)

14)

Reverse the direction of the current

Move m towards P
Move m towards Q
Increase mass of m

Item 14 refers to the following diagram

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2009 Paper 2
1

(a)

Sketch graph to show the I V characteristics of EACH of the following devices:

(i)
a metallic conductor at constant temperature, (ii) a filament bulb
I

(i) Metallic conductor

(b)

(c)

(a)

(ii) Filament bulb

It is desired to test the I V characteristics of a diode to be used in a circuit. Below the turn on voltage the
current, I, is related to the voltage, V, by the relation = where k and n are constants for the particular
diode.
(i)
Draw a potential divider circuit that could be used to examine the I V characteristics of the diode. [2]
(ii) Describe how the readings would be taken.
[2]
Figure 1 shows the I V characteristic that was obtained for a diode, operated at a temperature of 25 0C.

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

[2]

Figure 1 I V characteristic of a diode for small p.d.s

Use the data presented in Figure 1 to determine the value of n in the relation = .
[3]
Deduce the actual equation relating the current, I, to the voltage, V, for this diode.
[2]
Calculate the d.c. resistance of the diode at I = 0.32 A.
[2]
Suggest a better way of processing the data obtained in this experiment to determine the values of n and
k.
[2]

(i)
Distinguish between magnetic flux density and magnetic flux.
(ii) State Faradays law of electromagnetic induction.
(iii) State Lenzs law.

[4]

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(b)

Figure 5 shows a long solenoid which has a small copper disc mounted at its centre. The disc spins on an axle
which lies along the axis of the solenoid. By means of brushes, one connected to the rim of the disc and the
other to the axle, the millivoltmeter can display the e.m.f. generated.

(i)
(ii)

Explain why an e.m.f. is generated between the axle and the rim of the disc when the disc rotates.
The disc has a diameter of 40 mm and rotates at 9.5 revolutions per second. The solenoid is 0.80 m
long, has 160 000 turns, and carries a steady current of 5.0 mA. Calculate
a)
the magnetic field [strength] within the solenoid
b)
the magnetic flux cut every rotation
c)
the potential difference maintained between the rim and the axle of the disc.
[8]
(c) The apparatus in Figure 5 could be used in an experiment to verify Faradays law by changing the speed of
the motor and measuring the corresponding e.m.f. Sketch a graph of the expected results and state how your
conclusion would be made from the graph. Also state factors which must be held constant if the conclusion is
to be valid.
[3]
2010 Paper 2
1

(a)

(b)

Define the term capacitance.

[1]
A capacitor with a capacitance of 2100 F is charged until the potential difference between its plates is
6.0 V Determine
a)
the charge on one of the plates
[2]
b)
the energy stored by the capacitor.
[2]
A student set up the circuit shown in Figure 1 and
6V
after closing the switch, S, observed how the
voltmeter reading varied with time. A graph of the
data obtained is shown in Figure 2. Noting that the
voltmeter reading decreased as time elapsed the
R
V
student proposed the hypothesis that the voltmeter
reading V is inversely proportional to the elapsed
S
time t.
(i)
(ii)

Figure 1

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(i)

(ii)

(a)

(b)
(c)

Test his hypothesis by taking data from the graph in Figure 2

to complete Table 1and then plotting 1/V against t on the grid
provided on page 5. [A 16cm x 18 cm grid not printed here]
[8]
State, with reasons, the conclusion which may be drawn from
the data.
[2]

State Kirchhoffs two laws for electrical circuits

and give the physical principle that each law is
based on.
[4]
Distinguish between the e.m.f. and the
terminal p.d. of a cell.
[2]
Figure 3 shows a network of resistors and
batteries. The internal resistance of each battery
is 1 as shown.

(ii)

Calculate the current flowing through the

12 V battery.
Points a and b are connected by a wire of
negligible resistance. Calculate the new
value for the current that will flow
through the 12 V battery.
[9]

t/s

V/V

1/V

15
30
45
60
75
90

12V

1
1
a

(i)

Table 1

7V

1
1

Figure 3

8V

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June 2011 Paper 2
1

(a)
(b)

(c)

Define magnetic flux density, B, in terms of the

force on a current-carrying wire.
[2]
Figure 1(b) shows a wire, P, carrying a current
perpendicular to the plane of the paper,
between two flat permanent magnets which
have poles on their faces as shown in Figure
1(a). Draw the resultant magnetic field pattern
between the two magnets. Indicate on the
figure, with an arrow labelled M, the direction
of the [subsequent] motion of the wire. [4]
Figure 1(c) shows a narrow beam of electrons
travelling at a speed, v, and directed into a
uniform electric field between two oppositely
charged parallel plates placed at a distance, d,
apart. The top plate is at a positive potential, V, relative to the
lower plate. A magnetic field is now applied perpendicularly
to the direction of the electric field between the plates and the
deflection of the beam is cancelled.
(i)
State the direction of the magnetic field. [1]
(ii) By considering the forces on EACH electron, show that
the magnetic flux density is given by

B=

V
vd

[4]

(iii) Given that V = 3500 V, v = 2.8 x 107 ms-1, and d = 50 mm, calculate the magnetic flux density of the
magnetic field.
[2]
(iv) the magnetic flux density is now doubled. The distance between the plates is then adjusted so that no
deflection occurs. Calculate the new distance.
[2]
4

(a)
(b)

(c)

Derive an equation for the equivalent capacitance of two capacitors connected in series.
[3]
A "black box" contains a 4.7 F capacitor in series with another capacitor with unknown capacitance, C. To
collect the data for the graph below [Figure 4] it [the black box] was connected to a battery with emf, E and
then discharged through a 10 M resistor. Describe, with the aid of a circuit diagram, how the experiment
should be performed, assuming any other required apparatus is available in the laboratory.
[4]
Figure 4 shows a graph depicting the experimental results obtained using the black box for the discharging to
the capacitors through the resistor. The decay voltage, V, varies with time, t, according to the equation

V = V0 exp (

t
RCeq

) , where Ceq is the capacitance of the two capacitors in series.

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(i)
Calculate the gradient of the graph and hence determine the time constant of the circuit.
(ii) Calculate the value of the unknown capacitance, C.
(iii) Determine the value of the unknown source of emf, E.

[4]
[3]
[1]

2012 Paper 2
1

(a)

Figure 1 shows a current balance used to determine the field between two poles of a permanent magnet. A
current from the power supply flows through the pivots P, P' to the horizontal wire, AB, which experiences a
downward force, F. This force is balanced by the torque caused by the weight, mg, of a small moveable
slider.

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(i)
(ii)

Mark on Figure 1 the direction of the current though the portion of the wire AB of the circuit and state
the name of the rule used to determine the direction of the flow of current.
Show on the diagram below, the field lines between the poles of the magnet when the current is flowing
in AB.
[3]

N
(b)

(i)

Show that at equilibrium, the current through the circuit is given by

=

, where L is the length of wire, AB.

(ii)
(c)

Describe how the apparatus would be used to obtain a set of readings for I and x, clearly stating how the
results are taken.
[6]
Figure 2, on page 5 [printed below here], shows a graph of the data obtained for the current I/A versus
position x/m.
(i)
Draw the best straight line through the data.

(ii) Determine the gradient of the best line drawn.

(iii) Given that l = 2.0 cm [assume that l is y], L = 5.0 cm, m = 0.50 g, calculate the value of the magnetic
flux density, B, for the magnet.
[6]
4

(a)

Define the terms capacitance and farad.

Write an expression for the net capacitance of three capacitors of capacitance C 1, C2, C3 connected in
a)
series
b)
parallel.
(iii) State what is meant by the term time constant for a capacitor discharge circuit.
[5]
(i)
(ii)

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(b)

Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram for a highway emergency flasher that uses a 120 V battery, a 1.0 M
resistor, a 1.0 F capacitor and a neon flash lamp. The flash lamp has a resistance of more than 1 x 10 7
when the voltage across it is less than 110 V. Above 110 V, the neon gas ionizes, the resistance of the lamp
drops to 10 and the capacitor then discharges completely in three time constants of the discharge circuit.

120 Volts

Neon
Lamp

Figure 5
(i)

Calculate EACH of the following:

a)
The time between flashes, that is, the time it takes for the uncharged capacitor to reach a p.d. of
110 V

(ii)

t
CR

[The formula for the charging of a capacitor is V = V0 (1 e )]

b)
The duration of each flash
c)
The energy released in each flash
[6]
It is claimed that during the flash, the light is as bright as that from a 200 W light bulb. Comment on
this statement.
[4]

2013 Paper 2
1

(a)
(b)

With the aid of a diagram, derive the formula for the equivalent resistance of two resistors in parallel. [6]
Figure 1A is a potential divider circuit which splits up the 32 V from the battery into voltages, V 1 and V2.
Figure 1B is the equivalent circuit to Figure 1A.
(i)
Calculate the equivalent resistance, Req in Figure 1B.
[2]
(ii) Determine the voltage, V2.
[1]

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(c)

The calculations above assume that the output resistance of the 32 V battery is zero. In practice this may not
be so. In order to determine the internal resistance of the battery, an ammeter is inserted in the circuit at Y and
the resistance of R1 is reduced.
The terminal voltage, VT, of the battery is monitored using a high resistance digital voltmeter. The readings of
the ammeter (I) and the voltmeter (VT) are recorded and tabulated. These are shown in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1
VT/V
I/A
30
0.8
28
1.6
26
2.5
24
3.3
22
4.1
(i)
Use the results above to plot a graph of I against V T on the grid provided on page 7 [not printed here.
Grid is 17 cm x 21 cm]
[3]
(ii)

The slope, S, of the graph is related to the internal resistance, r, by = 1 .

Find S and hence determine the internal resistance, r, of the battery.

4

(a)

[3]

Figure 3 shows a model of an electron gun similar to

that found in older television sets and oscilloscopes.
Electrons from a thermionic emitter are accelerated to
high velocities by the potential difference between the
plates and pass through a small hole in the negative
plate.
(i)

By equating the gain in kinetic energy of the

electrons to the work done in accelerating them,
show that the velocity, ve, of the emerging beam
electron is given by:
2

(b)

where Vp is the potential difference between the plates.

(ii) Calculate the velocity of the electrons in the emerging electron beam when V p = 25 kV.
Figure 4 shows a long solenoid which has 1000 turns per metre and carries a current of 10 A.

[4]

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(i)
(ii)

Calculate the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field inside the solenoid.
[3]
The solenoid is placed with its long axis horizontal so that a tiny hole (shown exaggerated in the
diagram) faces upwards and is displaced from the axis by a radial distance X. An electron beam is
directed through the hole as shown in Figure 4.
a)
Explain the effect on the electrons horizontal velocity component, resulting from its interaction
with the B-field.
b)
Describe the effect on the electrons vertical velocity component
c)
Describe the resultant motion of the electrons and the nature of the image produced on the
phosphorescent screen when the B-field is large enough to prevent the electrons from touching
the interior of the solenoid.
[8]

2014 Paper 2
1
(a) (i)
Define the term capacitance
(ii) State the unit in which capacitance is measured.
(iii) Identify the two SI units that comprise the unit for capacitance stated in (a) (ii) above.

VA

[1]
[1]
[1]

100V
2
S

CA

CB=60F

1
1 M

VR

300V

Figure 1
(b)

(c)

(a)
(b)

Figure 1 shows a circuit including two capacitors in series, where C B = 60F.

(i)
Calculate the value of the voltage, VA, when the switch, S, is in position 1.
[2]
(ii) Use your results from (b)(i) above to calculate the value of the capacitance, C A.
[3]
(iii) Show that the two capacitors in series in Figure 1 are equivalent to a single capacitor of value 20 F.
[2]
The switch, S, is placed in Position 1for several minutes and then changed to Position 2 and, VR, the voltage
across the resistor is recorded every 20 seconds. The results obtained are presented in Table 1.
TABLE 1
Time
Voltage x 102
t (s)
VR (V)
0
3.00
20
1.11
40
0.42
60
0.15
80
0.06
(i)
On the grid provided on page 7 [not printed here], plot a graph of VR against t for these results. [3]
(ii) Draw the tangent to the curve at the point where t = 0.
[1]
(iii) Hence, determine the time constant of the voltage decay.
[1]
Define the term electric field strength and state the unit in which it is measured.
[3]
Two horizontal metal plates, in vacuo, are separated by 1 cm and a potential difference of 1 kV is applied
between them as shown in Figure 2.

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1 cm

1000 V
600

Figure 2
(c)

(d)

Calculate the electric field strength between the plates.

[2]
0
A beam of electrons is projected through a hole in this positive plate with velocity, v, at an angle of 60 to the
plate.
(i)
Describe the subsequent motion of the electron beam.
[1]
(ii) Compare the motion of the electrons in the electric field with that of an object in the earths
gravitational field by considering the effect of the fields on the horizontal and vertical velocity
components.
[4]
What must be the value of v if the beam is to just touch the negative plate?
[5]

2015 Paper 2
1

(a)

Figure 1 shows a coil of wire made from an unknown metal.

Distinguish between the electrical resistance and the electrical
resistivity of the coil.
[2]

(b)

Identify the circuit shown in Figure 2.

[1]

(c)

By treating the circuit in Figure 2 as

two potential dividers in parallel, show
that the voltage, VAB, indicated by the
multimeter (MM) will be given by:
= [

2
1 + 2

+ 3

]
[4]

(d)

The circuit in Figure 2 is set up with the

following component values:
R1 = R3 = 4.0 k
R2 = 1.0 k
Vs = 20 V
Rx is one of several resistance coils made from pieces of wire drawn from an unknown metal of different
lengths, L. The wires all have the same diameter of 0.6 mm. The values of V AB, the voltage indicated by the
multimeter (MM) and the length of wire, L, were recorded in Table 1.

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TABLE 1: RESULTS
Length of Coil Wire
Multimeter Reading
L (metres)
VAB (volts)
100
2.73
80
2.98
60
3.24
40
3.49
20
3.74
0
4.02
(i)
(ii)

(a)
(b)

On the grid provided in Figure 3 (page 7) [not printed here. Graph page 21 cm x 16 cm], plot a graph of
VAB against L and draw your best straight line through the points.
[4]
It can be shown that for a certain range of values of R x and the given values for the other components,
the equation in Part (c) can be approximated to
VAB = 4 KL ,
where K = 1.27 x 105 (m-2V-1) and is the resistivity of the coil wire.
Use this equation and your graph to determine , the resistivity of the coil wire.

By using the formula F = BILsin, define FULLY the unit of magnetic flux density, the tesla.
(i)
The heaters of an electric stove dissipate 5 kW when connected to a 110 d.c. source.
Calculate the current drawn from the source.
(ii) The cable connecting the heating elements to the
source consists of two parallel conductors
encased in plastic insulation and separated by
0.5 cm ass shown in Figure 6.

[3]
[2]

Ignoring the effect of the insulation, the

arrangement is approximately that of Figure 7
(not drawn to scale).
Redraw Figure 7 and add to your drawing a rough
sketch of the magnetic field of the current in
Conductor A. Indicate by an arrow on the
diagram, the direction of the force experienced by
Conductor B due to the magnetic field of the
current in A.
[3]
(c)

(i)

(ii)

(d)

Calculate the value of the magnetic field at

B due to the current in A.
[2]

Determine the magnitude and direction of

the force experienced by EACH centimetre
of Wire B due to the magnetic field of the current in Wire A.
[2]
The calculations carried out in (c)(i) and (c)(ii) ignore the effect of the insulating plastic sheath in which the
copper conductors are encased. Deduce the effect that the plastic sheath would have on the magnetic field of
the current in Wire A and give a reason for your answer.
[3]