Electric potential and field patternsEdexcel International A Level Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on Electric potential and field patterns

1. Two large, flat, parallel metal plates are 4.0 cm apart in a vacuum. A potential difference of 600 V is maintained between them, with the upper plate positive.
   A proton is placed in the field between the plates. Calculate the force on the proton and state its direction. (Charge of a proton = 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C.)2 marks
2. An isolated small sphere carries a charge of +8.0 nC in a vacuum. Its charge may be treated as a point charge at its centre.
   Calculate the work done by an external force in moving a +2.0 nC charge slowly from 0.40 m to 0.20 m from the centre of the sphere.2 marks
3. Along a straight line in a region of electric field, the potential falls uniformly from 240 V at a point X to 80 V at a point Y. The distance XY is 0.040 m.
   Calculate the electric field strength between X and Y, assuming it is uniform, and state its direction.3 marks