3.

Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical

1 (a) (i) Define gravitational field.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) Define electric field.

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(iii) State one similarity and one difference between the gravitational potential due to a point
mass and the electric potential due to a point charge.

similarity: ...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

difference: ..........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Yameen Jadoon
[2]

(b) An isolated uniform conducting sphere has mass M and charge Q.

The gravitational field strength at the surface of the sphere is g.
The electric field strength at the surface of the sphere is E.

(i) Show that

M g
=α
Q E
where α is a constant.

[3]

(ii) Show that the numerical value of α is 1.35 × 1020 kg2 C–2.

[1]

9702/41/M/J/23
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(c) Assume that the Earth is a uniform conducting sphere of mass 5.98 × 1024 kg.
The surface of the Earth carries a charge of – 4.80 × 105 C that is evenly distributed.

(i) Use the information in (b) to determine the electric field strength at the surface of the
Earth. Give a unit with your answer.

electric field strength = .................................. unit ............... [2]

(ii) State how the direction of the electric field at the surface of the Earth compares with the
direction of the gravitational field.

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 11]

Yameen Jadoon

9702/41/M/J/23
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
2. (a) State what is indicated by the direction of an electric field line.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Fig. 4.1 shows a pair of parallel metal plates with a potential difference (p.d.) of 2400 V
between them.

+ 2400 V

metal plates

4.6 cm

Yameen Jadoon
0V

Fig. 4.1

The plates are separated by a distance of 4.6 cm. The plates are in a vacuum.

(i) On Fig. 4.1, draw five lines to represent the electric field in the region between the plates.
[3]

(ii) Calculate the strength of the electric field between the plates.

electric field strength = ............................................... N C–1 [2]

9702/41/O/N/22
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(c) A moving proton enters the region between the plates from the left, as shown in Fig. 4.2.

+ 2400 V

region of
electric field

proton

0V

Yameen Jadoon
Fig. 4.2

(i) The proton is deflected by the electric field.

On Fig. 4.2, draw a line to show the path of the proton as it moves through and out of the
region of the electric field. [2]

(ii) A helium nucleus ( 42He) now enters the region of the electric field along the same initial
path as the proton and travelling at the same initial speed.

State and explain how the final speed of the helium nucleus compares with the final
speed of the proton after leaving the region of the electric field.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 12]

9702/41/O/N/22
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
3 (a) Define electric potential at a point.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) An isolated conducting sphere is charged. Fig. 5.1 shows the variation of the potential V due
to the sphere with displacement x from its centre.

0
– 0.3 – 0.2 – 0.1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3
x/m

– 250

V/V

– 500

Yameen Jadoon
– 750

– 1000

Fig. 5.1

Use Fig. 5.1 to determine:

(i) the radius of the sphere

radius = ..................................................... m [1]

(ii) the charge on the sphere.

charge = ..................................................... C [2]

9702/42/O/N/22
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(c) Two spheres are identical to the sphere in (b). Each sphere has the same charge as the
sphere in (b).

The spheres are held in a vacuum so that their centres are separated by a distance of 0.46 m.
Assume that the charge on each sphere is a point charge at the centre of the sphere.

(i) Calculate the electric potential energy EP of the two spheres.

EP = ...................................................... J [2]

(ii) The two spheres are now released simultaneously so that they are free to move.

Describe and explain the subsequent motion of the spheres.

Yameen Jadoon
...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

[Total: 10]

9702/42/O/N/22 [Turn over

3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
4 (a) State Coulomb’s law.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Positronium is a system in which an electron and a positron orbit, with the same period,
around their common centre of mass, as shown in Fig. 2.1.

centre of mass

electron positron

Yameen Jadoon
Fig. 2.1 (not to scale)

The radius r of the orbit of both particles is 1.59 × 10–10 m.

(i) Explain how the electric force between the electron and the positron causes the path of
the moving particles to be circular.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) Show that the magnitude of the electric force between the electron and the positron is
2.28 × 10–9 N.

[2]

9702/42/M/J/22
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(iii) Use the information in (b)(ii) to determine the period of the circular orbit of the two
particles.

period = ...................................................... s [3]

(c) Positronium is highly unstable, and after a very short period of time it becomes gamma
radiation.

(i) Describe how gamma radiation is formed from the two particles in positronium.

Yameen Jadoon
...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [3]

(ii) State one medical application of the process described in (c)(i).

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

[Total: 13]

9702/42/M/J/22
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
5 (a) State what is represented by an electric field line.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Two point charges P and Q are placed 0.120 m apart as shown in Fig. 4.1.

0.120 m

P Q
+4.0 nC –7.2 nC

Fig. 4.1

(i) The charge of P is +4.0 nC and the charge of Q is –7.2 nC.

Determine the distance from P of the point on the line joining the two charges where the
electric potential is zero.

Yameen Jadoon
distance = ...................................................... m [2]

(ii) State and explain, without calculation, whether the electric field strength is zero at the
same point at which the electric potential is zero.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

9702/42/F/M/22
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(iii) An electron is positioned at point X, equidistant from both P and Q, as shown in Fig. 4.2.

P Q

Fig. 4.2

On Fig. 4.2, draw an arrow to represent the direction of the resultant force acting on the
electron. [1]

[Total: 6]

Yameen Jadoon

9702/42/F/M/22
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
6 (a) Define electric potential.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) An isolated conducting sphere in a vacuum has radius r and is initially uncharged. It is then
charged by friction so that it carries a final charge Q. This charge can be considered to be
acting at the centre of the sphere.

By considering the electric potential at its surface, show that the capacitance C of the sphere
is given by

C = 4πε0r

where ε0 is the permittivity of free space.

Yameen Jadoon
[2]

(c) The dome of an electrostatic generator is a spherical conductor of radius 13 cm. It is initially
charged so that the electric potential at the surface is 4.5 kV.

A smaller isolated sphere of radius 5.2 cm, initially uncharged, is brought near to the dome.
Sparking causes a current between the two spheres until they reach the same potential.
Assume that any charge on a sphere may be considered to act as a point charge at its centre.

Calculate the charge that is transferred between the two spheres.

charge = ..................................................... C [3]

[Total: 7]

9702/42/O/N/21 [Turn over

3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
7 (a) State a similarity between the gravitational field lines around a point mass and the electric
field lines around a point charge.

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

(b) The variation with radius r of the electric field strength E due to an isolated charged sphere in
a vacuum is shown in Fig. 6.1.

1.3

1.2

1.1
E / 105 V m–1
1.0

0.9

Yameen Jadoon
0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
r / cm

Fig. 6.1

Use data from Fig. 6.1 to:

(i) state the radius of the sphere

radius = ................................................... cm [1]

9702/42/F/M/21
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(ii) calculate the charge on the sphere.

charge = ..................................................... C [2]

(c) Using the formula for the electric potential due to an isolated point charge, determine the
capacitance of the sphere in (b).

capacitance = ...................................................... F [3]

Yameen Jadoon
[Total: 7]

9702/42/F/M/21
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
8 (a) Define electric potential at a point.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Two point charges A and B are separated by a distance of 12.0 cm in a vacuum, as illustrated
in Fig. 5.1.

charge A P charge B

12.0 cm

Fig. 5.1

The charge of A is +2.0 × 10–9 C.

Yameen Jadoon
A point P lies on the line joining charges A and B. Its distance from charge A is x.

The variation with distance x of the electric potential V at point P is shown in Fig. 5.2.

20

V / 102 V

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
x / cm

–10

–20

–30

–40
Fig. 5.2

9702/41/O/N/20
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
Use Fig. 5.2 to determine:

(i) the charge of B

charge = ..................................................... C [3]

(ii) the change in electric potential when point P moves from the position where x = 9.0 cm to
the position where x = 3.0 cm.

Yameen Jadoon
change = ...................................................... V [1]

(c) An α-particle moves along the line joining point charges A and B in Fig. 5.1.

The α-particle moves from the position where x = 9.0 cm and just reaches the position where
x = 3.0 cm.

Use your answer in (b)(ii) to calculate the speed v of the α-particle at the position where
x = 9.0 cm.

v = ................................................ m s–1 [3]

[Total: 9]

9702/41/O/N/20 [Turn over

3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
9 (a) (i) State what is meant by a field of force.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State one similarity and one difference between the electric field due to a point charge
and the gravitational field due to a point mass.

similarity: ...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

difference: ..........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

Yameen Jadoon
[2]

(b) An isolated solid metal sphere of radius 0.15 m is situated in a vacuum, as illustrated in
Fig. 5.1.

0.15 m
P

Fig. 5.1

The electric field strength at the surface of the sphere is 84 V m–1.

Determine:

(i) the charge Q on the sphere

Q = ...................................................... C [2]
9702/42/O/N/20
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(ii) the electric field strength at point P, a distance x = 0.45 m from the centre of the sphere.

electric field strength = ................................................ V m–1 [2]

(c) Use information from (b) to show, on the axes of Fig. 5.2, the variation of the electric field
strength E with distance x from the centre of the sphere for values of x from x = 0 to x = 0.45 m.

100

Yameen Jadoon
80

E / V m–1

60

40

20

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
x/m

Fig. 5.2
[3]

[Total: 11]

9702/42/O/N/20 [Turn over

3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
10 (a) State one similarity and one difference between the fields of force produced by an isolated
point charge and by an isolated point mass.

similarity: ...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

difference: .................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) An isolated solid metal sphere A of radius R has charge +Q, as illustrated in Fig. 5.1.

R
P

Yameen Jadoon
2R
sphere A
charge +Q

Fig. 5.1

A point P is distance 2R from the surface of the sphere.

Determine an expression that includes the terms R and Q for the electric field strength E at
point P.

E = ......................................................... [2]

9702/41/M/J/20 [Turn over

3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(c) A second identical solid metal sphere B is now placed near sphere A. The centres of the
spheres are separated by a distance 6R, as shown in Fig. 5.2.

R R
P

sphere A sphere B
charge +Q 6R charge –Q

Fig. 5.2

Point P lies midway between spheres A and B.

Sphere B has charge –Q.

Explain why:

Yameen Jadoon
(i) the magnitude of the electric field strength at P is given by the sum of the magnitudes of
the field strengths due to each sphere

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [1]

(ii) the electric field strength at point P due to the charged metal spheres is not, in practice,
equal to 2E, where E is the electric field strength determined in (b).

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

[Total: 7]

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3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
11 A metal sphere of radius R is isolated in space.

Point P is a distance x from the centre of the sphere, as illustrated in Fig. 7.1.

R P

Fig. 7.1

The variation with distance x of the electric field strength E due to the charge on the sphere is
shown in Fig. 7.2.

20

Yameen Jadoon
15

E / 105 V m–1

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
x / cm

Fig. 7.2

(a) State what is meant by electric field strength.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

9702/42/M/J/20
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(b) (i) Use Fig. 7.2 to determine the radius R of the sphere. Explain your working.

R = ................................................... cm [2]

(ii) Use Fig. 7.2 to determine the charge Q on the sphere.

Yameen Jadoon
Q = ..................................................... C [3]

(c) An α‑particle is situated a distance 8.0 cm from the centre of the sphere.

Calculate the acceleration of the α‑particle.

acceleration = ................................................ m s–2 [3]

[Total: 10]

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3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
12 Two positively charged identical metal spheres A and B have their centres separated by a distance
of 24 cm, as shown in Fig. 6.1.

24 cm

sphere A sphere B

Fig. 6.1 (not to scale)

The variation with distance x from the centre of A of the electric field strength E due to the two
spheres, along the line joining their centres, is represented in Fig. 6.2.

8
E / 104 N C–1
7

Yameen Jadoon
6

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
–1 x / cm

–2

Fig. 6.2

(a) State the radius of the two spheres.

radius = ................................................... cm [1]

9702/42/F/M/20
3. Electric Fields A2 Physics Topical
(b) The charge on sphere A is 3.6 × 10−9 C. Determine the charge QB on sphere B.

Assume that spheres A and B can be treated as point charges at their centres.

Explain your working.

QB = ..................................................... C [3]

(c) (i) Sphere B is removed.

Yameen Jadoon
Use information from (b) to determine the electric potential on the surface of sphere A.

electric potential = ...................................................... V [2]

(ii) Calculate the capacitance of sphere A.

capacitance = ...................................................... F [2]

[Total: 8]

9702/42/F/M/20 [Turn over

Q1

Question Answer Marks

1(a)(i) force per unit mass B1

1(a)(ii) force per unit positive charge B1

1(a)(iii) similarity: B1
 inversely proportional to distance (from point)
 points of equal potential lie on concentric spheres
 zero at infinite distance
Any point, 1 mark

Yameen Jadoon
difference: B1
 gravitational potential is (always) negative
 electric potential can be positive or negative
Any point, 1 mark

1(b)(i) g = GM / r2 M1

E = Q / 40r2 M1

algebra showing the elimination of r leading to M / Q = (1 / 4G0) (g / E) A1

1(b)(ii)  = 1 / (4  6.67  10–11  8.85  10–12) = 1.35  1020 (kg2 C–2) A1

or

 = (8.99  109) / (6.67  10–11) = 1.35  1020 (kg2 C–2)

1(c)(i) E = gQ / M C1

= (1.35  1020  9.81  4.80  105) / (5.98  1024)

= 106 N C–1 or 106 V m–1 A1

1(c)(ii) same (direction) B1

Q2

Question Answer Marks

4(a) (field line indicates) direction of force B1

force on a positive charge B1

Yameen Jadoon
4(b)(i) one straight line perpendicular to plates, starting on one plate and finishing on the other B1

five straight lines perpendicular to plates between the plates, uniformly spaced B1

downwards arrows on lines B1

4(b)(ii) E = V/d C1

= 2400 / 0.046 A1

= 5.2  104 N C–1

4(c)(i) smooth curve in region of field and straight line outside field B1

direction of deflection shown as downwards in region of field B1

4(c)(ii) helium nucleus has double the charge but four times the mass B1

velocity parallel to plates same and acceleration perpendicular to plates smaller (for helium) B1

final speed is lower (for helium) B1

Q3

Question Answer Marks

5(a) work done per unit charge B1

work done (on charge) in moving positive charge from infinity (to the point) B1

5(b)(i) radius = 0.060 m A1

5(b)(ii) V = Q / 40x C1

Q = (–) 850  4  8.85  10–12  0.060

or
Q = (–) 850  0.060 / 8.99  109

Yameen Jadoon
(any correct pair of V and x values from curve)

Q = – 5.7  10–9 C A1

5(c)(i) EP = Q2 / 40x C1

= (5.67  10–9)2 / (4  8.85  10–12  0.46)

= 6.3  10–7 J A1

5(c)(ii) • force is repulsive so spheres move apart B3

• force in direction of motion so speed increases
• potential energy converted to kinetic energy so speed increases
• force decreases with distance so acceleration decreases
• momentum is conserved (at zero) (and masses are equal) so velocities are always equal and opposite
Any three points, 1 mark each
Q4

Question Answer Marks

2(a) (electric) force is (directly) proportional to product of charges B1

force (between point charges) is inversely proportional to the square of their separation B1

2(b)(i) (electric) force is perpendicular to velocity (of particles) B1

force (perpendicular to velocity) causes centripetal acceleration B1

or
force does not change the speed of the particles
or
force has constant magnitude

Yameen Jadoon
2(b)(ii) F = e2 / 40x2 C1

= (1.60  10–19)2 / [4  8.85  10–12  (2  1.59  10–10)2] A1

= 2.28  10–9 N

2(b)(iii) F = mr2 and  = 2 / T C1

or
F = mv2 / r and v = 2r / T

F = 42mr / T2 C1

T = √ [42  9.11  10–31  1.59  10–10 / (2.28  10–9)]

= 1.58  10–15 s A1

2(c)(i)  electron and positron interact B2

 positron is anti-particle of electron
 (pair) annihilation occurs
Any two points, 1 mark each

mass of the electron and positron converted into photon energy B1

2(c)(ii) PET scanning B1

 Q5

Question Answer Marks

4(a) direction of force B1

force on a positive charge B1

4(b)(i) Q C1
V=
4πεor

4.0 × 10−9 −7.2 × 10−9

+ =0
4πεo x 4πεo (0.120 − x)

Yameen Jadoon
4 ( 0.120 − x ) = 7.2 x

x = 0.043 m A1

4(b)(ii) fields are in the same direction so no B1

4(b)(iii) straight arrow drawn leftwards from X in direction between extended line joining Q and X and the horizontal B1
Q6

Question Answer Marks

6(a) work done per unit charge B1

(work done in) moving positive charge from infinity B1

6(b) C = Q/V C1

V = Q / (4πε0r) and so C = Q / [Q / (4πε0r)] = 4πε0r A1

Yameen Jadoon
6(c) Q = 4πε0rV = 4π × 8.85 × 10–12 × 0.13 × 4500 C1

(= 6.5 × 10–8 C)

(Q – q) / 13 = q / 5.2 C1

5.2Q – 5.2q = 13q, so q = (5.2 / 18.2)Q A1

q = (5.2 / 18.2) × 6.5 × 10–8

= 1.9 × 10–8 C

or

VT = QT / CT (C1)

= 6.5 × 10–8 / [4π × 8.85 × 10–12 × (0.13 + 0.052)]

( = 3210 V)

q = 4π × 8.85 × 10–12 × 0.052 × 3210 (A1)

= 1.9 × 10–8 C
Q7

Question Answer Marks

6(a) (both have) radial field lines B1

6(b)(i) 2.1 cm B1

6(b)(ii) Q C1
E= 2
4πε o r

Yameen Jadoon
e.g. r = 2.1 cm, E = 1.30 × 105 V m–1

Q = 4πε o r 2E

= 4 × π × 8.85 × 10−12 × 0.0212 × 1.30 × 105

= 6.4 × 10−9 C A1
Question Answer Marks

6(c) Q C1
C=
V

either
Q
V = leading to C = 4πε o r
4πε o r

C = 4 × π × 8.85 × 10−12 × 0.021 C1

(C = ) 2.3 × 10−12 F A1

Yameen Jadoon
or (C1)

Q
V =
4πε o r
6.4 × 10 −9
=
4 × π × 8.85 × 10 −12 × 0.021

= 2740V

6.4 × 10−9
C=
2740

= 2.3 × 10−12 F (A1)

 Q8

Question Answer Marks

Yameen Jadoon
5(a) work done per unit charge B1

(work done on charge) moving positive charge from infinity B1

5(b)(i) (2.0 × 10–9) / 4πε0(4.0 × 10–2) + Q / 4πε0(8.0 × 10–2) = 0 C1

Q = 4.0 × 10–9 C A1

Q given with negative sign B1

5(b)(ii) change = 1200 V A1

5(c) ½mv2 = qV C1

½ × 4 × 1.66 × 10–27 × v2 = 2 × 1.60 × 10–19 × 1200 C1

v = 3.4 × 105 m s–1 A1

Q9

Question Answer Marks

5(a)(i) region (of space) B1

where a particle experiences a force B1

5(a)(ii) similarity – any one point from: B1

• both have an inverse square variation
• both decrease with distance
• both are radial

Yameen Jadoon
difference – any one point from: B1
• gravitational field always towards (the mass)
• electric field can be towards or away from (the charge)

5(b)(i) E = Q / 4πε0x2 C1

Q = 4π × 8.85 × 10–12 × 84 × 0.152 A1

= 2.1 × 10–10 C

5(b)(ii) E = 84 × (0.15 / 0.45)2 C1

or

E = (2.1 × 10–10) / (4π × 8.85 × 10–12 × 0.452)

E = 9.3 V m–1 A1

5(c) line at E = 0 from x = 0 to x = 0.15 m B1

smooth curve with decreasing negative gradient throughout, from x = 0.15 m to x = 0.45 m, passing through (0.15, 84) B1

line passing through (0.45, 9.3) B1

Q10

Question Answer Marks

5(a) similarity: both are radial B1

or
both have inverse square (variations)

Yameen Jadoon
difference: direction is always/only towards the mass B1
or
direction can be towards or away from charge

5(b) field strength = Q / 4πε0x2 C1

E = Q / 36πε0R 2 A1

5(c)(i) fields (due to each sphere) are in same direction B1

5(c)(ii) charges on spheres attract/affect each other B1

or
charge distribution on each sphere distorted by the other sphere
or
charges on the surface of the spheres move

spheres are not point charges (at their centres) B1

Q11

Question Answer Marks

7(a) force per unit charge M1

(force on) positive charge A1

7(b)(i) no electric field inside a conductor B1

Yameen Jadoon
R = 4.5 cm A1

7(b)(ii) E = Q / (4πε0x2) C1

clear correct read-off of a pair of values of E and x C1

e.g. Q = 18 × 105 × 4π × 8.85 × 10–12 × (4.5 × 10–2)2 A1

= 4.0 × 10–7 C or 4.1 × 10–7 C

7(c) At 8.0 cm, E = 5.75 × 105 V m–1 C1

F = Eq and a = F / m C1

F = (5.75 × 105 × 2 × 1.6 × 10–19) / (4 × 1.66 × 10–27) A1

= 2.8 × 1013 m s–2

Q12

Question Answer Marks

6(a) 2.0 cm B1

6(b) At 16 (cm) from A the electric fields are equal or EA = EB B1

Yameen Jadoon
E = Q / 4πεor2 C1

QA / (4πεorA2) = QB / (4πεorB2)

3.6 × 10-9 / 0.162 = QB / 0.082

QB = 9.0 × 10–10 C A1

6(c)(i) V = Q / 4πεorA C1

V = 3.6 × 10–9 / (4 × π × 8.85 × 10–12 × 0.020)

V = 1600 V A1

6(c)(ii) C= Q / V C1

= 3.6 × 10–9 / 1600

= 2.3 × 10–12 F A1