Topic D: Fields

Topic D: Fields

D1: Gravitation fields

1. In Newton’s universal law of gravitation the masses are assumed to be

A. extended masses.

B. masses of planets.

C. point masses.

D. spherical masses.

2. Newton’s law of gravitation for the force F between two point objects of masses M and m,
separated by a distance d may be written as

Fd2 ∝ Mm.

The expression may also be used for the force of attraction between the Sun and the Earth,
although they are not point masses. This is because

A. the gravitational constant G is not involved in the expression.

B. the force between the Sun and the Earth is very large.

C. the separation of the Sun and the Earth is much greater than their radii.

D. the mass of the Earth is much less than the mass of the Sun.

3. Gravitational field strength at a point may be defined as

A. the force on a small mass placed at the point.

B. the force per unit mass on a small mass placed at the point.

C. the work done to move unit mass from infinity to the point.

D. the work done per unit mass to move a small mass from infinity to the point.

4. The acceleration of free fall of a small sphere of mass 5.0 × 10–3 kg when close to the surface of
Jupiter is 25 ms–2. The gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter is

A. 2.0 × 10–4 N kg–1.

B. 1.3 × 10–1 N kg–1.

C. 25 N kg–1.

D. 5.0 × 103 N kg–1.

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 Topic D: Fields

5. The Earth is distance RM from the Moon and distance RS from the Sun. The ratio

is proportional to which of the following?

A. B. C. D.

6. Planet X has radius R and mass M. Planet Y has radius 2R and mass 8M.

Which one of the following is the correct value of the ratio

A. 4 B. 2 C. D.

7. Two isolated spheres of masses M and m are held a distance d apart, as shown below.

Mass M is greater than mass m.

The gravitational field strength g is measured on a line between the two masses. Which graph
best shows the variation with distance x from the larger sphere of the magnitude of the field
strength g? The Earth’s gravitational field is to be ignored.

8. A satellite of mass m and speed v orbits the Earth at a distance r from the centre of the Earth.
The gravitational field strength due to the Earth at the satellite is equal to

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 Topic D: Fields

A. . B. . C. . D. .

9. Earth is moving around the Sun in elliptical orbit as shown. The Sun is at O. The ratio of OB
and OA is R. The ratio of the speed of Earth at A and B is

B
Su
n

A. R-1
B. √𝑅
C. R
D. R2/3
10. If the distance between the Sun and the Earth is doubled, what will be the duration of the
year?
A. 2 years
B. 2√2 years
C. 4 years
D. 8 years
11. A satellite orbits the Earth at a constant speed as shown below.

(a) Draw on the diagram

(i) an arrow labelled F to show the direction of the gravitational force of the Earth on
the satellite.

(ii) an arrow labelled V to show the direction of the velocity of the satellite.
(2)

(b) Although the speed of the satellite is constant, it is accelerating. Explain why it is
accelerating.

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 Topic D: Fields

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(2)

(c) Discuss whether or not the gravitational force does work on the satellite.

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(3)
(Total 7 marks)

12. This question is about gravitational fields.

(a) Define gravitational field strength.

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(2)

(b) The gravitational field strength at the surface of Jupiter is 25 N kg–1 and the radius of
Jupiter is 7.1 × 107 m.

(i) Derive an expression for the gravitational field strength at the surface of a planet in
terms of its mass M, its radius R and the gravitational constant G.

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(2)

(ii) Use your expression in (b)(i) above to estimate the mass of Jupiter.

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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

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 Topic D: Fields

13. This question is about a spacecraft.

A spacecraft above Earth’s atmosphere is moving away from the Earth. The diagram below
shows two positions of the spacecraft. Position A and position B are well above Earth’s
atmosphere.

At position A, the rocket engine is switched off and the spacecraft begins coasting freely. At
position A, the speed of the spacecraft is 5.37 × 103 m s–1 and at position B, 5.10 × 103 m s–1.
The time to travel from position A to position B is 6.00 × 102 s.

(a) (i) Explain why the speed is changing between positions A and B.

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(1)

(ii) Calculate the average acceleration of the spacecraft between positions A and B.

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(2)

(iii) Estimate the average gravitational field strength between positions A and B.
Explain your working.

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(3)
(Total 6 marks)
14. This question is about gravitation.

A binary star consists of two stars that each follow circular orbits about a fixed point P as shown
below.

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 Topic D: Fields

The stars have the same orbital period T. Each star may be considered to act as a point mass
with its mass concentrated at its centre. The stars, of masses M1 and M2, orbit at distances R1
and R2 respectively from point P.

(a) State the name of the force that provides the centripetal force for the motion of the stars.

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(1)

(b) By considering the force acting on one of the stars, deduce that the orbital period T is
given by the expression

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(3)

(c) The star of mass M1 is closer to the point P than the star of mass M2. Using the answer in
(b), state and explain which star has the larger mass.

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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

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 Topic D: Fields

D1: Gravitation fields(HL)

1. Which one of the following statements correctly defines the gravitational potential at a point P
in a gravitational field?

A. The work done per unit mass in moving a small mass from point P to infinity.

B. The work done per unit mass in moving a small mass from infinity to point P.

C. The work done in moving a small mass from infinity to point P.

D. The work done in moving a small mass from point P to infinity.

2. An isolated point object has mass M. A second small point object of mass m is placed a distance
x from the larger mass.

Which one of the following is a correct expression for the gravitational potential energy of the
mass m?

A. B. C. D.

3. The centre of two isolated spherical stars each of mass M and radius R are separated by a
distance d as shown in the diagram below.

The distance d is very large compared to R. Point X is mid-way between the stars. The
gravitational potential at point X due to the two stars is

A. B. C. D. zero.

4. Which of the following diagrams best represents the gravitational equipotential surfaces due to
two equal spherical masses?

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 Topic D: Fields

5. The escape speed from a planet is defined as the speed at which an object must leave the
planet’s surface to

A. escape completely from the gravitational field of the planet.

B. enter a geostationary orbit about the planet.

C. escape from the atmosphere of the planet.

D. overcome the gravitational force of the planet.

6. The escape speed of an object of mass m from a planet of mass M and radius r depends on the
gravitational constant and

A. M and r.

B. m and r.

C. M only.

D. M, m, and r.

7. A planet is in a circular orbit of radius r about a star. The period of the planet in its orbit is T. A
second planet orbits the same star in a circular orbit of radius rS.

Which of the following is a correct expression for the period of the second planet in its orbit
about the star?

A. B.

C. D.

8. Two satellites, X and Y, move in circular orbits about the Earth. The orbital period of satellite X
is eight times that of satellite Y.

The ratio

A. 2. B. 4. C. 8. D. 16.

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 Topic D: Fields

9. A powered spaceship is moving directly away from a planet as shown below.

At point P the motors of the spaceship are switched off but the spaceship remains under the
influence of the planet. Which one of the following graphs best represents the variation with
time t of the velocity v of the spaceship after it passes point P?

10. Which one of the following graphs best shows the variation of the total energy E of a satellite
orbiting the Earth with distance r from the centre of the Earth? (The radius of the Earth is R.)

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 Topic D: Fields

11. A satellite is in orbit about Earth. The satellite moves to an orbit closer to Earth. Which of the
following correctly gives the change in the potential energy and the kinetic energy of the
satellite?

change in potential energy change in kinetic energy

A. Decreases Increases

B. Decreases Decreases

C. Increases Increases

D. Increases Decreases

12. A spacecraft orbits Earth. An astronaut inside the spacecraft feels “weightless” because

A. the gravitational field in the spacecraft is negligible.

B. the Earth exerts equal forces on the spacecraft and the astronaut.

C. the spacecraft and the astronaut have the same acceleration towards the Earth.

D. the spacecraft and the astronaut exert equal and opposite forces on each other.

13. This question is about gravitation.

(a) (i) Define gravitational potential at a point in a gravitational field.

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(2)

(ii) Explain why values of gravitational potential have negative values.

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(2)

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 Topic D: Fields

The Earth and the Moon may be considered to be two isolated point masses. The masses of the
Earth and the Moon are 5.98 x 1024kg and 7.35 x 1022 kg respectively and their separation is 3.84
x 108 m, as shown below. The diagram is not to scale.

(b) (i) Deduce that, at point P, 3.46 x 108m from Earth, the gravitational field strength is
approximately zero.

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(3)

(ii) The gravitational potential at P is −1.28 x 106 J kg–1. Calculate the

minimum speed of a space probe at P so that it can escape from the attraction of the
Earth and the Moon.

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(3)
(Total 10 marks)

14. Gravitation

The diagram below illustrates the planet Saturn.

Saturn has several rings, each of which consists of many small particles that orbit the planet.
Saturn may be considered to be a sphere with its mass M concentrated at its centre.

(a) Deduce that, for a particle in one ring moving in a circular orbit of radius R, the linear

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 Topic D: Fields

speed v of the particle in its orbit is given by the expression

GM = Rv2.

Explain your reasoning.

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(2)

(b) One ring, the A ring, has an outer diameter of 2.72 x 108 m. The mass of Saturn is 5.69 x
1026 kg. A particle orbits on the outer edge of this ring. Determine the time for the particle
to complete one orbit of Saturn.

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(3)

(c) Another particle of mass m is orbiting at a distance r from the centre of Saturn.

(i) State a formula, in terms of G, M, m and r for the gravitational potential energy EP
of the particle.

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(1)

(ii) The gravitational potential energy of this particle decreases. Suggest and explain
the change, if any, in the linear speed of the particle.

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(2)

(d) Explain the concept of escape speed.

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(2)

(e) A planet has radius R and the acceleration of free fall at its surface is g. The planet may
be considered to be a sphere with its mass concentrated at its centre.

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 Topic D: Fields

Deduce that the escape speed ves is given by the expression

Explain your working and state one assumption that is made in the derivation.

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(4)

(f) Calculate the escape speed for a spherical planet of radius 1.7 × 103 km having an
acceleration of free fall at its surface of 1.6 m s–2.

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(2)

(g) The mean kinetic energy EK, in joule, of helium-4 atoms at thermodynamic temperature T
is given by the expression

EK = 2.1 × 10–23 T.

Determine the surface temperature of the planet such that helium-4 atoms on the surface
of the planet have the escape speed calculated in (f).

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(2)

(h) Suggest one reason why, at temperatures below that calculated in (g), helium will escape
from the planet.

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(1)
(Total 19 marks)

D2: Electric and magnetic forces

1. Two identical spherical conductors X and Y are mounted on insulated stands. X carries a charge
of +8.0 nC and Y carries a charge of –2.0 nC.

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 Topic D: Fields

+8. –
0n 2.0

conduct insulated conduct

or X stands or Y

The two conductors are brought into contact and are then separated. Which of the following
gives the charge on each conductor?

Charge on X Charge on Y

A. 0.0 nC 0.0 nC

B. +8.0 nC –2.0 nC

C. +5.0 nC +5.0 nC

D. +3.0 nC +3.0 nC

2. The diagram below shows a positively charged rod brought near an isolated uncharged metal
plate.

As a result of bringing the rod near to the plate,

A. the metal plate will gain a charge dependent on the separation of the rod and the plate.

B. the metal plate will remain uncharged.

C. the metal plate will gain a negative charge.

D. the metal plate will gain a positive charge.

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 Topic D: Fields

3. An isolated, uncharged metal conductor is brought close to a positively charged insulator.

The conductor is earthed (grounded) for a short time and then the insulator is removed.

Which of the following best represents the charge distribution on the surface of the conductor
as a result of these actions?

4. X and Y are two identical conducting spheres separated by a distance d. X has a charge +6 μC
and Y has a charge –2 μC. The electric force between them is + F (ie attractive). The spheres
are touched together and are then returned to their original separation d. The force between
them now is

A. +F. B. –F. C. D.

5. Three equal point charges X, Y and Z are fixed in the positions shown.

The distance between q1 and q2 and the distance between q2 and q3 is 1.0 m. The electric force
between the charges at X and Y is F. The electric force between the charges at X and Z is

A. B. C. F. D. 2F.

6. The electric field strength at a point may be defined as

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 Topic D: Fields

A. the force exerted on unit positive charge placed at that point.

B. the force per unit positive charge on a small test charge placed at that point.

C. the work done on unit positive charge to move the charge to that point from infinity.

D. the work done per unit positive charge to move a small test charge to that point from
infinity.

7. Two positive point charges P and Q are held a certain distance apart.

At which point(s) could the electric field strength, due to the charges, be zero?

A. X only

B. Y only

C. Z only

D. X and Z only

8. Two point charges of magnitude +2Q and −Q are fixed at the positions shown below. At
which point is the electric field due to the two charges most likely to be zero?

9. The diagram below shows two parallel conducting plates that are oppositely charged.

The line XY is perpendicular to the plates.

Which of the following diagrams shows the variation along the line XY of the magnitude E of
the electric field strength between the plates?

10. Which of the following is the correct discovery of the Millikan Oil-drop experiment?
A. charges are continuous
B. electrons are massless

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 Topic D: Fields

C. charges come in integer multiples of elementary charge e

D. electrons are the smallest particles
11. The Earth’s magnetic field may be compared with that of a bar magnet.

Which of the following diagrams correctly shows the orientation of the bar magnet in this
model?

12. A current-carrying solenoid is placed with its axis pointing east-west as shown below. A small
compass is situated near one end of the solenoid.

The axis of the needle of the compass is approximately 45° to the axis of the solenoid. The
current in the solenoid is then doubled. Which of the following diagrams best shows the new
position of the compass needle?

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 Topic D: Fields

13. A long, straight current-carrying wire is placed normal to the plane of the page. The current in
the wire is into the plane of the page.

Which of the following diagrams best represents the magnetic field around the wire?

14. Two long, vertical wires X and Y carry currents in the same direction and pass through a
horizontal sheet of card.

Iron filings are scattered on the card. Which one of the following diagrams best shows the
pattern formed by the iron filings? (The dots show where the wires X and Y enter the card.)

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 Topic D: Fields

15. A strip of aluminium foil is held between the poles of a strong magnet, as shown below.

When a current is passed through the aluminium foil in the direction shown, the foil is
deflected. In which direction is this deflection?

A. Vertically downwards

B. Vertically upwards

C. Towards the North pole of the magnet

D. Towards the South pole of the magnet

16. This question is about electric charge at rest.

(a) Define electric field strength at a point in an electric field.

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(2)

Four point charges of equal magnitude, are held at the corners of a square as shown below.

2
+Q a +Q

P 2
a

– –
Q Q

The length of each side of the square is 2a and the sign of the charges is as shown. The point P
is at the centre of the square.

(b) (i) Deduce that the magnitude of the electric field strength at point P due to one of the

point charges is equal to .

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(2)

(ii) On the diagram above, draw an arrow to represent the direction of the resultant

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 Topic D: Fields

electric field at point P.

(1)

(iii) Determine, in terms of Q, a and k, the magnitude of the electric field strength at
point P.

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(3)
(Total 8 marks)

17. This question is about aspects of electric fields and electric charge.

Fields and electric charge associated with atoms

(a) Define electric field strength.

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(2)

(b) A proton may be considered to be a point charge. For such a proton

(i) sketch the electric field pattern.

(2)

(ii) calculate the magnitude of the electric field strength at a distance of 5.0×10–11 m
from the proton.

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(2)

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 Topic D: Fields

(c) In a simple model of the hydrogen atom, an electron orbits the proton. Both electron and
proton are regarded as point charges. The orbital radius of the electron is 5.0×10–11 m.

(i) Using your answer to (b)(ii) deduce that the magnitude of the electric force
between the electron and the proton is 9.3×10–8N.

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(1)

(ii) Deduce that the kinetic energy of the electron is 2.3×10–18 J.

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(3)

(iii) The total energy of the electron is –14 eV. Determine the potential energy of the
electron in electron volt.

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(3)
Fields and electric charge in conductors

(d) Describe the concept of drift velocity as applied to the conduction electrons in a
conductor.

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(4)

(e) Define electromotive force (e.m.f.).

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(1)

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 Topic D: Fields

(f) A filament lamp is operating at normal brightness.

The potential difference across the lamp is 6.0 V. The current in the filament is 0.20 A.
For the filament of this lamp, calculate

(i) the resistance.

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(1)

(ii) the power dissipated.

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(1)

(g) The lamp in (f) is connected in the circuit below. The lamp is still operating at normal
brightness.

The battery B has an internal resistance of 5.0 Ω and the resistance R of the resistor is
15 Ω.

(i) Calculate the current in the resistor R.

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(1)

(ii) Determine the e.m.f. of the battery.

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(4)
(Total 25 marks)

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 Topic D: Fields

D2: Electric and magnetic forces(HL)

1. Which of the following correctly describes the nature of electric potential and electric field
strength?

Potential Field strength

A. Scalar Scalar

B. Scalar Vector

C. Vector Scalar

D. Vector Vector

2. The diagram shows the electric field lines produced by an electrostatic focussing device.

Which one of the following diagrams best shows the corresponding equipotential lines? The
electric field lines are shown as broken lines on each of the diagrams.

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3. The diagram below shows two lines of equipotential in a region of a uniform electric field. Line
X has a potential of +50 V and line Y has a potential of +100V. The distance between X and
Y is 2.0 cm.

Which one of the following correctly gives the direction of the electric field and its strength?

Direction Strength / V cm–1

A. X Y 25

B. X Y 100

C. Y X 25

D. Y X 100

4. An isolated conducting sphere of radius r is positively charged.

Which one of the following graphs best shows the variation with distance x from the centre of
the sphere of the electric potential V?

5. Which one of the following statements about electric potential gradient is correct?
A. Electric potential gradient is numerically equal to the gradient of the electric field.
B. Electric potential gradient at a point is numerically equal to the electric field strength at

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that point.
C. When one joule of work is done in moving one coulomb of charge between two points,
the electric potential gradient between the points is one volt per metre.
D. When one joule of work is done in moving one coulomb of charge to a point, the electric
potential gradient at that point is one volt per metre.

6. The diagram below shows the electric field lines in a region of space. A positively charged
particle moves from P to Q.

Which of the following is correct?

Change in potential energy of particle Change in potential between P and Q

A. decreases zero
B. decreases negative
C. increases zero
D. increases negative

7. This question is about the electric potential due to a charged sphere.

(a) Define electric potential at a point in an electric field.

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(3)

The diagram below shows an isolated, metal sphere in a vacuum that carries a negative
electric charge of 9.0 nC.

(b) On the diagram above draw

(i) arrows to represent the electric field pattern in the region outside the charged
sphere.
(3)

(ii) lines to represent three equipotential surfaces in the region outside the sphere. The
potential differences between the lines are to be equal in value.
(2)

(c) Explain how the lines representing the equipotential surfaces that you have sketched

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 Topic D: Fields

indicate that the strength of the electric field is decreasing with distance from the centre
of the sphere.

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(2)

(d) The electric field strength at all points inside the conductor is zero. On the axes below,
draw a graph to show the variation with distance r from the centre of the sphere of the
potential V. The dotted line is drawn at r = a where a is the radius of the sphere. (Note:
this is a sketch graph; you do not need to add values to the axes.)

(2)

(e) The electric field strength at the surface of the sphere and at points outside the sphere
may be determined by assuming that the sphere acts as though a point charge of
magnitude 9.0 nC is situated at its centre. The radius of the sphere is 4.5 × 10–2 m. Deduce
that the potential at the surface of the sphere is –1800 V.

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(1)

An electron is initially at rest at the surface of the sphere.

(f) (i) Describe the path followed by the electron as it leaves the surface of the sphere.

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(1)

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 Topic D: Fields

(ii) Determine the speed of the electron when it reaches a point a distance 0.30 m from
the centre of the sphere.

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(4)
(Total 18 marks)
8. Fields and potential

Electric fields and potential

(a) Define electric potential.

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(2)

An isolated metal sphere of radius 50.0 cm has a positive charge. The electric potential at the
surface of the sphere is 6.0 V.

(b) (i) On the diagram above, draw a line to represent an equipotential surface outside the
sphere.
(1)

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 Topic D: Fields

(ii) On the axes below, draw a sketch graph to show how the potential V outside the
sphere varies with distance r from the surface of the sphere.

(4)

(iii) Explain how the graph drawn in (b) (ii) can be used to determine the magnitude of
the electric field strength at the surface of the sphere.

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(2)

(c) On the diagram below draw lines to represent the electric field outside the sphere.

(2)

Gravitational fields and potential

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 Topic D: Fields

(d) Derive an expression for the gravitational field strength as a function of distance away
from a point mass M.

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(3)

(e) The radius of the Earth is 6400 km and the gravitational field strength at its surface is 9.8
N kg–1. Calculate a value for the mass of the Earth.

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(2)

(f) On the diagram below draw lines to represent the gravitational field outside the Earth.

(2)

(g) A satellite that orbits the Earth is in the gravitational field of the Earth. Discuss why an
astronaut inside the satellite feels weightless.

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(3)

(h) The gravitational potential outside the Earth and the electric potential outside the sphere

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 Topic D: Fields

both vary with distance. Compare these variations.

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(2)
(Total 23 marks)

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 Topic D: Fields

D3: Motion in electromagnetic fields

1. A magnetic force acts on an electric charge in a magnetic field when

A. the charge is not moving.

B. the charge moves in the direction of the magnetic field.

C. the charge moves in the opposite direction to the magnetic field.

D. the charge moves at right angles to the lines of the magnetic field.

2. The diagram below shows a charged particle about to enter a region of uniform magnetic field
directed into the page.

Which of the following correctly describes the change, if any, in the kinetic energy and the
momentum of the particle in the magnetic field?

Kinetic energy Momentum

A. Changed Changed

B. Changed Unchanged

C. Unchanged Changed

D. Unchanged Unchanged

3. The currents in two parallel wires are I and 3I in the directions shown in the diagram below.

The magnetic force on wire 2 due to the current in wire 1 is F. The magnitude of the force on
wire 1 due to the current in wire 2 is

A. B. C. F. D. 3F.

4. The diagram below shows three parallel wires P, Q and R that are equally spaced.

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 Topic D: Fields

The currents in the wires are each of the same magnitude I and are in the directions shown.
The resultant force on wire Q due to the current in wire P and in wire R is

A. perpendicular and into the plane of the paper.

B. perpendicular and out of the plane of the paper.

C. in the plane of the paper to the right.

D. in the plane of the paper to the left.

5. A straight conductor is in the plane of a uniform magnetic field as shown.

The current in the conductor is I and the conductor is at an angle θ to the magnetic field.
The force per unit length on the conductor due to the current in the magnetic field is P.
Which is the correct expression for the magnitude of the magnetic field strength?

A. B. C. D.

6. A positively charged particle enters a region of uniform magnetic field. The direction of the
particle’s velocity is parallel to the direction of the magnetic field as shown in the diagram
below.

Which of the following diagrams correctly shows the path of the charged particle while in the
region of magnetic field?

(1)

7. An electron is travelling in the direction shown and enters a region of uniform magnetic field.

32
 Topic D: Fields

On entering the field the direction of the force acting on the electron is

A. into the plane of the paper.

B. out of the plane of the paper.

C. towards the top of the page.

D. towards the bottom of the page.

8. This question is about forces on charged particles in electric and magnetic fields.

The diagram shows two parallel plates situated in a vacuum. One plate is at a positive
potential with respect to the other.

A positively charged particle passes into the region between the plates. Initially, the particle is
travelling parallel to the plates.

(a) On the diagram,

(i) draw lines to represent the electric field between the plates.
(3)

(ii) show the path of the charged particle as it passes between, and beyond, the plates.
(2)

(b) An electron is accelerated from rest in a vacuum through a potential difference of 750 V.

(i) Determine the change in electric potential energy of the electron.

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

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

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Deduce that the final speed of the electron is 1.6 × 107 m s–1.

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

33
 Topic D: Fields

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

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

The diagram below shows a cross-section through a current-carrying solenoid. The current is
moving into the plane of the paper at the upper edge of the solenoid and out of the plane of the
paper at the lower edge. There is a vacuum in the solenoid.

(c) (i) Sketch lines to represent the magnetic field inside and at each end of the solenoid.
(4)

(ii) A positively charged particle enters the solenoid along its axis. On the diagram,
show the path of the particle in the solenoid.
(1)

An electron is injected into a region of uniform magnetic field of flux density 4.0 mT. The
velocity of the electron is 1.6 × 107 m s–1 at an angle of 35° to the magnetic field, as shown
below.

(d) (i) Determine the component of the velocity of the electron normal to the direction of
the magnetic field.

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

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Describe, making calculations where appropriate, the motion of the electron due to
this component of the velocity.

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

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

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

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

...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(iii) Determine the component of the velocity of the electron along the direction of the
magnetic field.

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

34
 Topic D: Fields

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iv) State and explain the magnitude of the force on the electron due to this component
of the velocity.

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

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

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(e) With reference to your answers in (d), describe the shape of the path of the electron in the
magnetic field. You may draw a diagram if you wish.

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

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 25 marks)

9. (a) On the diagram below, draw the magnetic field pattern around a long straight current-
carrying conductor.

(3)

35
 Topic D: Fields

The diagram below shows a coil consisting of two loops of wire. The coil is suspended
vertically.

Each loop has a diameter of 6.0 cm and the separation of the loops is 0.20 cm. The coil forms
part of an electrical circuit so that a current may be passed through the coil.

(b) (i) State and explain why, when the current is switched on in the coil, the distance
between the two loops changes.

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

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

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

...........................................................................................................................
(3)

When there is a current I in the coil, a mass of 0.10 g hung from the free end of the coil returns
the separation of the loops to the original value of 0.20 cm.

The circumference C of a circle of radius r is given by the expression

C = 2πr.

(ii) Calculate the current I in the coil. You may assume that each loop behaves as a
long straight current-carrying wire.

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

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

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

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

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

...........................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 11 marks)

36
 Topic D: Fields

10. This question is about motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field.

A charged particle is projected from point X with speed v at right angles to a uniform
magnetic field. The magnetic field is directed out of the plane of the page. The particle moves
along a circle of radius R and centre C as shown in the diagram below.

(a) On the diagram above, draw arrows to represent the magnetic force on the particle at
position X and at position Y.
(1)

(b) State and explain whether

(i) the charge is positive or negative;

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) work is done by the magnetic force.

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

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

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) A second identical charged particle is projected at position X with a speed in a

direction opposite to that of the first particle. On the diagram above, draw the path
followed by this particle.
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

11. This question is about the forces betwee two parallel wires.

The two wires of a 2.0 m long appliance cord are 3.0 mm apart and carry a current of 8.0 A.
The current in each wire is flowing upward.

(a) Is the force between these two wires attractive or repulsive?

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

37
 Topic D: Fields

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

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

(b) Calculate the magnitude of the force.

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

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

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

38
 Topic D: Fields

D4: Induction(HL only)

1. A conductor in the shape of a solid square is moving with constant velocity in a region of
magnetic field as shown in the diagram below.

The direction of the field is into the plane of the page.

Which of the following diagrams correctly represents the separation of the induced charges?

2. A uniform magnetic field of strength B completely links a coil of area S. The field makes an
angle φ to the plane of the coil.

The magnetic flux linking the coil is

A. BS. B. BS cos φ.

C. BS sin φ. D.BS tan φ.

3. Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction states that the induced emf is

A. proportional to the change in magnetic flux linkage.

B. proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linkage.

C. equal to the change in magnetic flux linkage.

D. equal to the change of magnetic flux.

39
 Topic D: Fields

4. The magnetic flux Φ through a coil having 500 turns varies with time t as shown below.

The magnitude of the emf induced in the coil is

A. 0.25 V. B. 0.50 V. C. 250 V. D. 1 000 V.

5. The variation with time t of the magnetic flux Φ through a coil is shown below.

Which of the following diagrams best shows the variation with time t of the emf E induced in
the coil?

6. A magnetic field links a closed loop of metal wire. The magnetic field strength B varies with

40
 Topic D: Fields

time t as shown.

A current is induced in the loop during the time period

A. t1 only.

B. t2 only.

C. t2 and t3 only.

D. t1 and t3 only.

7. The north pole of a permanent bar magnet is pushed along the axis of a coil as shown below.

The pointer of the sensitive voltmeter connected to the coil moves to the right and gives a
maximum reading of 8 units. The experiment is repeated but on this occasion, the south pole of
the magnet enters the coil at twice the previous speed.

Which of the following gives the maximum deflection of the pointer of the voltmeter?

A. 8 units to the right

B. 8 units to the left

C. 16 units to the right

D. 16 units to the left

41
 Topic D: Fields

8. The diagram below shows two concentric loops lying in the same plane.

The current in the inner loop is clockwise and increases with time as shown in the graph below.

The current in the inner loop is clockwise and increases with time as shown in the graph below.

The induced current in the outer loop is

A. constant in the clockwise direction.

B. constant in the anticlockwise direction.

C. variable in the clockwise direction.

D. variable in the anticlockwise direction.

9. The diagram shows a coil of wire wound on an iron core.

When the switch is closed, the ammeter reading gradually increases from zero to a maximum
value.
What is the explanation for this gradual growth of current?

A. An e.m.f. is induced in the coil.

B. The e.m.f. of the battery is increasing.

C. The iron core has a very low resistance.

D. The battery has a large internal resistance.

42
 Topic D: Fields

10. Electrical conduction and induced currents

(a) The diagram below shows a copper rod inside which an electric field of strength E is
maintained by connecting the copper rod in series with a cell. (Connections to the cell are
not shown.)

Describe how the electric field enables the conduction electrons to have a drift velocity in
a direction along the copper rod.

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

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

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

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

...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b) A copper rod is placed on two parallel, horizontal conducting rails PQ and SR as shown
below.

The rails and the copper rod are in a region of uniform magnetic field of strength B. The
magnetic field is normal to the plane of the conducting rods as shown in the diagram
above.

A conducting wire is connected between the ends P and S of the rails. A constant force,
parallel to the rails, of magnitude F is applied to the copper rod in the direction shown.
The copper rod moves along the rails with a decreasing acceleration.

(i) On the diagram, draw an arrow to show the direction of induced current in the
copper rod. Label this arrow with the letter I.
(1)

(ii) Explain, by reference to Lenz’s law, why the induced current is in the direction you

43
 Topic D: Fields

have shown in (i).

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

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

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

.........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii) By considering the forces on the conduction electrons in the copper rod, explain
why the acceleration of the copper rod decreases as it moves along the rails.

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

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

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

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

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(c) The copper rod in (b) eventually moves with constant speed v. The induced emf ε in the
copper rod is given by the expression

ε = Bvl

where l is the length of copper rod in the region of uniform magnetic field.

(i) State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.

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

.........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Deduce that the expression is consistent with Faraday’s law.

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

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

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

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

.........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii) The following data are available:

44
 Topic D: Fields

F = 0.32 N
l = 0.40 m
B = 0.26 T
resistance of copper rod = 0.15 Ω

Determine the induced current and the speed v of the copper rod.

Induced current: ...........................................................................................

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

Speed v: ...........................................................................................

...........................................................................................
(4)
(Total 17 marks)

11. Electromagnetic induction

(a) State Lenz’s law.

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

...................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) A long solenoid is connected in series with a battery and a switch S. Several loops of wire
are wrapped around the solenoid close to its midpoint as shown below.

The ends of the wire are connected to a high resistance voltmeter V that has a centre zero
scale (as shown in the inset diagram). The switch S is closed and it is observed that the
needle on V moves to the right and then drops back to zero.

Describe and explain, the deflection on the voltmeter when the switch S is re-opened.

Description: ...........................................................................................................

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

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

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

45
 Topic D: Fields

Explanation: ...........................................................................................................

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

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

...........................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 5 marks)
12. This question is about electromagnetic induction.

A small coil is placed with its plane parallel to a long straight current-carrying wire, as shown
below.

(a) (i) State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.

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

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

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii) Use the law to explain why, when the current in the wire changes, an emf is
induced in the coil.

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

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

46
 Topic D: Fields

The diagram below shows the variation with time t of the current in the wire.

(b) (i) Draw, on the axes provided, a sketch-graph to show the variation with time t of the
magnetic flux in the coil.
(1)

(ii) Construct, on the axes provided, a sketch-graph to show the variation with time t of
the emf induced in the coil.
(2)

(iii) State and explain the effect on the maximum emf induced in the coil when the coil
is further away from the wire.

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

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

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c) Such a coil may be used to measure large alternating currents in a high-voltage cable.
Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of this method.

Advantage: …..……………………………..........................................................

…..……………………………..........................................................

Disadvantage: …..……………………………..........................................................

…..……………………………..........................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

47