18 Worksheet (A2)

Data needed to answer questions can be found in the Data, formulae and relationships sheet.
1

Convert the following angles into radians.

a 30
b 210
c 0.05

[1]
[1]
[1]

Convert the following angles from radians into degrees.

a 1.0 rad
b 4.0 rad
c 0.15 rad

[1]
[1]
[1]

The planet Mercury takes 88 days to orbit once round the Sun.
Calculate its angular displacement in radians during a time interval of:
a 44 days
b 1 day.

In each case below, state what provides the centripetal force on the object.
a
b
c
d

[1]
[1]

A car travels at a high speed round a sharp corner.

A planet orbits the Sun.
An electron orbits the positive nucleus of an atom.
Clothes spin round in the drum of a washing machine.

An aeroplane is circling in the sky at a speed of 150 m s1.

The aeroplane describes a circle of radius 20 km.
For a passenger of mass 80 kg inside this aeroplane, calculate:
a her angular velocity
b her centripetal acceleration
c the centripetal force acting on her.

[1]
[1]
[1]
[1]

[2]
[3]
[2]

The diagram shows a stone tied to the end of a length of string.

It is whirled round in a horizontal circle of radius 80 cm.

The stone has a mass of 90 g and it completes 10 revolutions in a time of 8.2 s.

a Calculate:
i the time taken for one revolution
ii the distance travelled by the stone during one revolution (this distance is equal to the
circumference of the circle)
iii the speed of the stone as it travels in the circle
iv the centripetal acceleration of the stone
v the centripetal force on the stone.
b What provides the centripetal force on the stone?
c What is the angle between the acceleration of the stone and its velocity?

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[1]
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[2]
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[1]

18 Worksheet (A2)

A lump of clay of mass 300 g is placed

close to the edge of a spinning turntable.
The centre of mass of the lump of clay travels
in a circle of radius 12 cm.

The lump of clay takes 1.6 s to complete one revolution.

i Calculate the rotational speed of the clay.
ii Calculate the frictional force between the clay and the turntable.

b The maximum magnitude of the frictional force F between the clay and the turntable is
70% of the weight of the clay. The speed of rotation of clay is slowly increased.
Determine the speed of the clay when it just starts to slip off the turntable.
8

[4]

The diagram shows a skateboarder of mass 70 kg who drops through a vertical height
of 5.2 m.

The dip has a radius of curvature of 16 m.

a Assuming no energy losses due to air resistance or friction, calculate the speed of the
skateboarder at the bottom of the dip at point B.
You may assume that the speed of the skateboarder at point A is zero.
b i Calculate the centripetal acceleration of the skateboarder at point B.
ii Calculate the contact force R acting on the skateboarder at point B.
9

[2]
[3]

[2]
[3]
[3]

A car of mass 820 kg travels at a constant speed

of 32 m s1 along a banked track.
The track is banked at an angle of 20
to the horizontal.

The net vertical force on the car is zero.

Use this to show that the contact force R on the car is 8.56 kN.
b Use the answer from a to calculate the radius of the circle described by the car.

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[2]
[4]

18 Worksheet (A2)

10 A stone of mass 120 g is fixed to one end of a light rigid rod.

The stone is whirled at a constant speed of 4.0 m s1 in a vertical circle of radius 80 cm.
Calculate the ratio:

tension in the rod at A

tension in the rod at B

[6]

Total:

AS and A Level Physics

59

Score:

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

19 Worksheet (A2)
Data needed to answer questions can be found in the Data, formulae and relationships sheet.
1

Define gravitational field strength at a point in space.

[1]

Show that the gravitational constant G has the unit N m2 kg2.

[2]

The gravitational field strength on the surface of the Moon is 1.6 N kg1.
What is the weight of an astronaut of mass 80 kg standing on the surface of the Moon?

[2]

Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force between the objects described below.
You may assume that the objects are point masses.
a

two protons separated by a distance of 5.0 1014 m

(mass of a proton = 1.7 1027 kg)

b two binary stars, each of mass 5.0 1028 kg,

with a separation of 8.0 1012 m

[3]

[2]

two 1500 kg elephants separated by a distance of 5.0 m

[2]

The diagram shows the Moon and an artificial satellite orbiting round the Earth.
The radius of the Earth is R.

Write an equation for the gravitational field strength g at a distance r from the centre of
an isolated object of mass M.
b By what factor would the gravitational field decrease if the distance from the centre of
the mass were doubled?
c The satellite orbits at a distance of 5R from the Earths centre and the Moon is at a
distance of 59R. Calculate the ratio:
gravitational field strength at position of satellite
gravitational field strength at position of Moon
a

6 The planet Neptune has a mass of 1.0 1026 kg and a radius of 2.2 107 m.
Calculate the surface gravitational field strength of Neptune.

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

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[2]

[3]

[3]

19 Worksheet (A2)

7 Calculate the radius of Pluto, given its mass is 5.0 1023 kg and its surface
gravitational field strength has been estimated to be 4.0 N kg1.

[3]

8 A space probe of mass 1800 kg is travelling from Earth to the planet Mars.
The space probe is midway between the planets. Use the data given to calculate:
a the gravitational force on the space probe due to the Earth
b the gravitational force on the space probe due to Mars
c the acceleration of the probe due to the gravitational force acting on it.

[3]
[2]
[3]

Data

separation between Earth and Mars = 7.8 1010 m

mass of Earth = 6.0 1024 kg

mass of Mars = 6.4 1023 kg

9 An artificial satellite orbits the Earth at a height of 400 km above its surface.
The satellite has a mass 5000 kg, the radius of the Earth is 6400 km and the mass of the
Earth is 6.0 1024 kg. For this satellite, calculate:
a the gravitational force experienced
b its centripetal acceleration
c its orbital speed.
10 a Explain what is meant by the term gravitational potential at a point.
b Write down the gravitational potential energy of a body of mass 1 kg when it is at
an infinite distance from another body.
c The radius of the Earth is 6.4 106 m and the mass of the Earth = 6.0 1024 kg.
Calculate the potential energy of the 1 kg mass at the Earths surface.
d Write down the minimum energy required to remove the body totally from the Earths
gravitational field.
11 The planets in our solar system orbit the Sun in almost circular orbits.
a Show that the orbital speed v of a planet at a distance r from the centre of the Sun is
given by:
GM
v=
r
b The mean distance between the Sun and the Earth is 1.5 1011 m and the mass of the Sun
is 2.0 1030 kg.
Calculate the orbital speed of the Earth as it travels round the Sun.

[3]
[2]
[3]
[2]
[1]
[3]
[1]

[4]

[2]

12 There is a point between the Earth and the Moon where the net gravitational field strength
is zero. At this point the Earths gravitational field strength is equal in magnitude but
opposite in direction to the gravitational field strength of the Moon.
Given that:
mass of Earth
= 81
mass of Moon
calculate how far this point is from the centre of the Moon in terms of R, where R is
the separation between the centres of the Earth and the Moon.
Total:

AS and A Level Physics

57

Score:

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[4]
%

20 Worksheet (A2)
1

For an oscillating mass, define:

a the period
b the frequency.

[1]
[1]

The graph of displacement x against time t for an object executing simple harmonic motion
(s.h.m.) is shown here.

a State a time at which the object has maximum speed. Explain your answer.
b State a time at which the magnitude of the objects acceleration is a maximum.
Explain your answer.

[2]
[2]

An apple is hung vertically from a length of string to form a simple pendulum.

The apple is pulled to one side and then released. It executes 12 oscillations in a time of 13.2 s.
a Calculate the period of the oscillations.
[2]
b Calculate the frequency of the oscillations.
[2]

This is the graph of displacement x against time t for an oscillating object.

Use the graph to determine the following:

a the amplitude of the oscillation
b the period
c the frequency in hertz (Hz)
d the angular frequency in radians per second (rad s1).
e the maximum speed of the oscillating mass.

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[1]
[1]
[2]
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20 Worksheet (A2)

Two objects A and B have the same period of oscillation. In each case a and b below,
determine the phase difference between the motions of the objects A and B.
a

[2]

[2]

A mass at the end of a spring oscillates with a period of 2.8 s.

The maximum displacement of the mass from its equilibrium position is 16 cm.
a What is the amplitude of the oscillations?
b Calculate the angular frequency of the oscillations.
c Determine the maximum acceleration of the mass.
d Determine the maximum speed of the mass.

[1]
[2]
[3]
[2]

A small toy boat is floating on the waters surface. It is gently pushed down and then
released. The toy executes simple harmonic motion. Its displacementtime graph
is shown here.

For this oscillating toy boat, calculate:

a its angular frequency
b its maximum acceleration
c its displacement after a time of 6.7 s, assuming that the effect of damping on the boat is
negligible.

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[2]
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20 Worksheet (A2)

8 The diagram shows the displacementtime graph for a particle executing simple
harmonic motion.

Sketch the following graphs for the oscillating particle:

a velocitytime graph
b accelerationtime graph
c kinetic energytime graph
d potential energytime graph.

[2]
[2]
[2]
[2]

9 A piston in a car engine executes simple harmonic motion.

The acceleration a of the piston is related to its displacement x by the equation:
a = 6.4 105x
a Calculate the frequency of the motion.
b The piston has a mass of 700 g and a maximum displacement of 8.0 cm.
Calculate the maximum force on the piston.

[3]
[2]

10 The diagram shows a trolley of mass m attached

to a spring of force constant k. When the trolley
is displaced to one side and then released, the
trolley executes simple harmonic motion.

Show that the acceleration a of the trolley is given by the expression:

k
a = x
m
where x is the displacement of the trolley from its equilibrium position.
b Use the expression in a to show that the frequency f of the motion is given by:
1 k
f=
2 m
c The springs in a cars suspension act in a similar way to the springs on the trolley.
For a car of mass 850 kg, the natural frequency of oscillation is 0.40 s.
Determine the force constant k of the cars suspension.

Total:

AS and A Level Physics

59

Score:

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[3]
[2]

[3]
%

21 Worksheet (A2)
Specific heat capacity of water = 4200 J kg1 K1
Specific latent heat of fusion of water = 3.4 105 J kg1
1

2
3

Describe the arrangement of atoms, the forces between the atoms and the motion of the
atoms in:
a a solid
b a liquid
c a gas.

[3]
[3]
[3]

A small amount of gas is trapped inside a container. Describe the motion of the gas atoms
as the temperature of the gas within the container is increased.

[3]

a Define the internal energy of a substance.

b The temperature of an aluminium block increases when it is placed in the flame of a
Bunsen burner. Explain why this causes an increase in its internal energy.

c
4
5
6

7
8

A lump of metal is melting in a hot oven at a temperature of 600 C.

Explain whether its internal energy is increasing or decreasing as it melts.

[1]
[3]

[4]

Write a word equation for the change in the thermal energy of a substance in terms of its
mass, the specific heat capacity of the substance and its change of temperature.

[1]

The specific heat capacity of a substance is measured in the units J kg1 K1, whereas
its specific latent heat of fusion is measured in J kg1. Explain why the units are different.

[2]

During a hot summers day, the temperature of 6.0 105 kg of water in a swimming pool
increases from 21 C to 24 C. Calculate the change in the internal energy of the water.

[3]

A 300 g block of iron cools from 300 C to room temperature at 20 C. The specific heat
capacity of iron is 490 J kg1 K1. Calculate the heat released by the block of iron.

[3]

Calculate the energy that must be removed from 200 g of water at 0 C to convert it all
into ice at 0 C.

[2]

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

21 Worksheet (A2)

Change the following temperatures from degrees Celsius into kelvin.

i 0 C
ii 80 C
iii 120 C
b Change the following temperatures from kelvin into degrees Celsius.
i 400 K
ii 272 K
iii 3 K

9 a

[3]

[3]

10 An electrical heater is used to heat 100 g of water in a well-insulated container at a steady

rate. The temperature of the water increases by 15 C when the heater is operated for a
period of 5.0 minutes. Determine the change of temperature of the water when the same
heater and container are individually used to heat:
a 300 g of water for the same period of time
b 100 g of water for a time of 2.5 minutes.

[3]
[3]

11 The graph below shows the variation of the temperature of 200 g of lead as it is heated
at a steady rate.

a Use the graph to state the melting point of lead.

b Explain why the graph is a straight line at the start.
c Explain what happens to the energy supplied to the lead as it melts at a constant
temperature.
d The initial temperature of the lead is 0 C. Use the graph to determine the total
energy supplied to the lead before it starts to melt.
(The specific heat capacity of lead is 130 J kg1 K1.)
e Use your answer to d to determine the rate of heating of the lead.
f Assuming that energy continues to be supplied at the same rate, calculate the
specific latent heat of fusion of lead.

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[1]
[1]
[1]
[3]
[2]
[3]

21 Worksheet (A2)

12 The diagram shows piped water being heated by an electrical heater.

The water flows through the heater at a rate of 0.015 kg s1. The heater warms the water
from 15 C to 42 C. Assuming that all the energy from the heater is transferred to
heating the water, calculate the power of the heater.

[5]

13 A gas is held in a cylinder by a friction-free piston. When the force holding the piston in
place is removed, the gas expands and pushes the piston outwards.
Explain why the temperature of the gas falls.

[2]

14 Hot water of mass 300 g and at a temperature of 90 C is added to 200 g of cold water
at 10 C. What is the final temperature of the mixture? You may assume there are no
losses to the environment and all heat transfer takes place between the hot water and
the cold water.

[5]

15 A metal cube of mass 75 g is heated in a naked flame until it is red hot. The metal block is
quickly transferred to 200 g of cold water. The water is well stirred. The graph shows the
variation of the temperature of the water recorded by a datalogger during the experiment.

The metal has a specific heat capacity of 500 J kg1 K1. Use the additional information
provided in the graph to determine the initial temperature of the metal cube. You may
assume there are no losses to the environment and all heat transfer takes place between
the metal block and the water.

Total:

AS and A Level Physics

71

Score:

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[5]

22 Worksheet (A2)
Data needed to answer questions can be found in the Data, formulae and relationships sheet.
1

Determine the number of atoms or molecules in each of the following.

a 1.0 mole of carbon
b 3.6 moles of water
c 0.26 moles of helium

[1]
[1]
[1]

The molar mass of helium is 4.0 g.

Determine the mass of a single atom of helium in kilograms.

[2]

The molar mass of uranium is 238 g.

a Calculate the mass of one atom of uranium.
b A small rock contains 0.12 g of uranium. For this rock, calculate the number of:
i moles of uranium
ii atoms of uranium.

[2]
[1]

Explain what is meant by the absolute zero of temperature.

[3]

a Write the ideal gas equation in words.

b One mole of an ideal gas is trapped inside a rigid container of volume 0.020 m3.
Calculate the pressure exerted by the gas when the temperature within the
container is 293 K.

[1]

A fixed amount of an ideal gas is trapped in a container of volume V.

The pressure exerted by the gas is P and its absolute temperature is T.
a Using a sketch of PV against T, explain how you can determine the number of moles
of gas within the container.
b Sketch a graph of PV against P when the gas is kept at a constant temperature.
Explain the shape of the graph.
A rigid cylinder of volume 0.030 m3 holds 4.0 g of air. The molar mass of air is about 29 g.
a Calculate the pressure exerted by the air when its temperature is 34 C.
b What is the temperature of the gas in degrees Celsius when the pressure is twice
your value from part a?

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[2]

[3]

[4]
[3]
[4]
[4]

22 Worksheet (A2)

The diagram shows two insulated containers holding gas.

The containers are connected together by tubes of negligible volume.

The internal volume of each container is 2.0 102 m3.

The temperature within each container is 13 C. The gas in container A exerts a pressure
of 180 kPa and the gas in container B exerts a pressure of 300 kPa.
a Show that the amount of gas within the two containers is about 4.4 moles.
b The valve connecting the containers is slowly opened and the gases are allowed to mix.
The temperature within the containers remains the same.
Calculate the new pressure exerted by the gas within the containers.
9 The diagram shows a cylinder containing air
at a temperature of 5.0 C.
The piston has a cross-sectional area 1.6 103 m2
It is held stationary by applying a force
of 400 N applied normally to the piston.
The volume occupied by the compressed air
is 2.4 104 m3.
The molar mass of air is about 29 g.
a Calculate the pressure exerted by the compressed air.
b Determine the number of moles of air inside the cylinder.
c Use your answer to b to determine:
i the mass of air inside the cylinder
ii the density of the air inside the cylinder.
10 The mean speed of a helium atom at a temperature of 0 C is 1.3 km s1. Estimate the mean
speed of helium atoms on the surface of a star where the temperature is 10 000 K.
11 The surface temperature of the Sun is about 5400 K. On its surface, particles behave like the
atoms of an ideal gas. The atmosphere of the Sun mainly consists of hydrogen nuclei.
These nuclei move in random motion.
a Explain what is meant by random motion.
b i Calculate the mean translational kinetic energy of a hydrogen nucleus
on the surface of the Sun.
ii Estimate the mean speed of such a hydrogen nucleus.
(The mass of hydrogen nucleus is 1.7 1027 kg.)
12 a Calculate the mean translational kinetic energy of gas atoms at 0 C.
b Estimate the mean speed of carbon dioxide molecules at 0 C.
(The molar mass of carbon dioxide is 44 g.)
c Calculate the change in the internal energy of one mole of carbon dioxide gas when its
temperature changes from 0 C to 100 C.

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[3]

[3]

[2]
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[6]

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[5]
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22 Worksheet (A2)

13 The diagram below shows three different types of arrangements of gas particles.

A gas whose particles consist of single atoms is referred to as monatomic for example
helium (He). A gas with two atoms to a molecule is called diatomic for example oxygen
(O2). A gas with more than two atoms to a molecule is said to be polyatomic for example
water vapour (H2O).
A single atom can travel independently in the x, y and z directions: it is said to have three
degrees of freedom. From the equation for the mean translational kinetic energy of the atom,
1
we can generalise that a gas particle has mean energy of kT per degree of freedom.
2
Molecules can also have additional degrees of freedom due to their rotational energy.
a Use the diagram above to explain why:
5
i the mean energy of a diatomic molecule is kT
2
ii the mean energy of a polyatomic molecule is 3kT.
b Calculate the internal energy of one mole of water vapour (steam) per unit kelvin.

Total:

AS and A Level Physics

75

Score:

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[2]
[2]
[3]

23 Worksheet (A2)
Data needed to answer questions can be found in the Data, formulae and relationships sheet.
1

a Explain what is meant by the electric field strength at a point.

b Explain what is meant by the electric potential at a point.

[1]
[1]

A pair of parallel metal plates has a potential difference of 5000 V across them.
The electric field strength between them is 400 kN C1. Calculate:
a the separation between the plates
b the force on a dust particle between the plates which carries a charge of 1.6 1019 C.

[2]
[2]

The electric field strength E at a distance r from a point charge Q may be written as:
Q
E=k 2
r
What is the value for k?

[1]

The diagram shows a point charge +q placed in the electric field of a charge +Q.

The force experienced by the charge +q at point A is F. Calculate the magnitude of the
force experienced by this charge when it is placed at points B, C, D and E. In each case,
explain your answer.
5

A spherical metal dome of radius 15 cm is electrically charged. It has a positive charge of

+2.5 C distributed uniformly on its surface.
a Calculate the electric field strength on the surface of the dome.
b Explain how your answer to a would change at a distance of 30 cm from the surface of
the dome.

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[9]

[3]
[2]

23 Worksheet (A2)

The diagram shows two point charges.

The point X is midway between the charges.

Calculate the electric field strength at point X due to:

i the +20 C charge
ii the +40 C charge.
b Calculate the resultant electric field strength at point X.

[3]
[2]
[2]

The dome of a van de Graaff generator has a diameter of 30 cm and is at a potential of

+20 000 V. Calculate:
a the charge on the dome
b the electric field strength at the surface of the dome
c the force on a proton near the surface of the dome.

[2]
[2]
[1]

An isolated charged sphere of diameter 10 cm carries a charge of 2000 nC.

Calculate the potential at its surface.
b Calculate the work that must be done to bring an electron from infinity to the
surface of the dome.

[3]
[2]

Describe some of the similarities and differences between the electrical force due to a point
charge and the gravitational force due to a point mass.

10 The diagram shows two point charges.

Calculate the distance x of point P from
charge +Q where the net electric field
strength is zero.

[6]

[6]

11 Show that the ratio:

electrical force between two protons

gravitational force between two protons
is about 1036 and is independent of the actual separation between the protons.

[6]

12 A helium nucleus consists of two protons and two neutrons. Its diameter is about 1015 m.
a Calculate the force of electrostatic repulsion between two protons at this separation.
b Calculate the potential at a distance of 1015 m from the centre of a proton.
c How much work would need to be done to bring two protons this close to each other?
d If one proton were stationary, at what speed would the second proton need to be fired
at it to get this close? (Ignore any relativistic effects.)

Total:

AS and A Level Physics

66

Score:

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[2]
[2]
[2]
[3]

24 Worksheet (A2)
Data needed to answer questions can be found in the Data, formulae and relationships sheet.
1

A 30 F capacitor is connected to a 9.0 V battery.

a Calculate the charge on the capacitor.
b How many excess electrons are there on the negative plate of the capacitor?

The p.d. across a capacitor is 3.0 V and the charge on the capacitor is 150 nC.
a

Determine the charge on the capacitor when the p.d. is:

i 6.0 V
ii 9.0 V.

[2]
[2]

b Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.

3

[2]
[2]

[2]

A 1000 F capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 9.0 V.

a Calculate the energy stored by the capacitor.
b Determine the energy stored by the capacitor when the p.d. across it is doubled.

For each circuit below, determine the total capacitance of the circuit.

The diagram shows an electrical circuit.

a
b
c
d

Calculate the total capacitance of the two capacitors in parallel.

What is the potential difference across each capacitor?
Calculate the total charge stored by the circuit.
Calculate the total energy stored by the capacitors.

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[2]
[2]
[13]

[2]
[1]
[2]
[2]

24 Worksheet (A2)

A 10 000 F capacitor is charged to its maximum operating voltage of 32 V.

The charged capacitor is discharged through a filament lamp. The flash of light from
the lamp lasts for 300 ms.
a Calculate the energy stored by the capacitor.
b Determine the average power dissipated in the filament lamp.

[2]
[2]

The diagram shows a 1000 F capacitor charged to a p.d. of 12 V.

a

Calculate the charge on the 1000 F capacitor.

[2]

b The 1000 F capacitor is connected across an uncharged 500 F capacitor by closing

the switch S. The charge initially stored by the 1000 F capacitor is now shared with
the 500 F capacitor.
i Calculate the total capacitance of the capacitors in parallel.
ii Show that the p.d. across each capacitor is 8.0 V.
8

[2]
[2]

The diagram shows a circuit used to measure the capacitance of a capacitor.

reed switch

mA
9.0 V

The reed switch vibrates between the two contacts with a frequency of 50 Hz. On each oscillation
the capacitor is fully charged and totally discharged. The current through the milliammeter is
225 mA.
a Calculate the charge that flows off the capacitor each time it is discharged.
b Calculate the capacitance of the capacitor.
c Calculate the current through the milliammeter when a second identical capacitor
is connected:
i in parallel with the original capacitor
ii in series with the original capacitor.

AS and A Level Physics

[1]
[2]

[1]
[1]

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

24 Worksheet (A2)

9 A capacitor of capacitance 200 F is connected across a 200 V supply.

a Calculate the charge stored on the plates.
b Calculate the energy stored on the capacitor.
The capacitor is now disconnected from the power supply and is connected across a 100 F
capacitor.

[1]
[1]

c Calculate the potential difference across the capacitors.

d Calculate the total energy stored on the capacitors.
e Suggest where the energy has been lost.

[3]
[2]
[1]

10 The diagram below shows a charged capacitor of capacitance C. When the switch S is closed,
this capacitor is connected across the uncharged capacitor of capacitance 2C.
Calculate the percentage of energy lost as heat in the resistor and explain why the actual
resistance of the resistor is irrelevant.

Total:

AS and A Level Physics

64

Score:

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

[7]

25 Worksheet (A2)
Data needed to answer questions can be found in the Data, formulae and relationships sheet.
current into paper

The diagram shows the magnetic field pattern for a

current-carrying straight wire drawn by a student in her notes.
List two errors made by the student.
[2]

A current-carrying conductor is placed in an external magnetic field. In each case below, use
Flemings left-hand rule to predict the direction of the force on the conductor.

[3]
3
4
5

The unit of magnetic flux density is the tesla.

Show that: 1 T = 1 N A1 m1

[2]

Calculate the force per centimetre length of a straight wire placed at right angles to a uniform
magnetic field of magnetic flux density 0.12 T and carrying a current of 3.5 A.

[3]

A 4.0 cm long conductor carrying a current of 3.0 A is placed in a uniform magnetic field
of flux density 50 mT. In each of a, b and c below, determine the size of the force acting
on the conductor.

[6]

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

25 Worksheet (A2)

The diagram shows the rectangular loop PQRS of a simple electric motor placed in a
uniform magnetic field of flux density B.

axis

The current in the loop is I. The lengths PQ and RS are both L and lengths QR and SP are both x.
Show that the torque of the couple acting on the loop for a given current and magnetic flux
density is directly proportional to the area of the loop.
[5]
7

The diagram shows a rigid wire AB pivoted at

the point A so that it is free to move in a vertical
plane. The lower end of the wire dips into
mercury. A uniform magnetic field of
6.0 103 T acts into the paper throughout the
diagram.
When the current is switched on, the wire
continuously moves up out of the mercury
and then falls back again. Explain this
motion.
[4]
b The force on the wire due to the current may
be taken to act at the midpoint of the wire.
When the current is first switched on, the
moment of this force about A is 3.5 105 N m.
Calculate:
a

i the force acting on the wire

ii the current in the wire.
8

[2]
[2]

The coil in the d.c. motor shown in question 6 has a length L = 7.0 102 m and width
x = 3.0 102 m. There are 25 turns on the coil and it is placed in a uniform magnetic field of
0.19 T. The coil carries a current of 2.8 A. The coil is free to rotate about an axis midway between
PQ and RS.
a Calculate the force on the longest side of the coil.
[2]
b Calculate the maximum torque (moment) exerted on the coil.
[2]
c Explain why the force acting on the long side of the coil does not change as the coil rotates
but the torque exerted on the coil varies.
[2]

AS and A Level Physics

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010

25 Worksheet (A2)

The diagram shows an arrangement that is used to determine the magnetic flux density
between the poles of a magnet.

The magnet is placed on a sensitive top pan balance. A current-carrying wire is placed at right
angles to the magnetic field between the poles of the magnet. The force experienced by the
current-carrying wire is equal but opposite to the force experienced by the magnet. The magnet
is pushed downward when the wire experiences an upward force.
The length of the wire in the magnetic field is 5.0 cm. The balance reading is 102.00 g when
there is no current in the wire. The balance reading increases to 103.14 g when the current in
the wire is 8.2 A.
a Show that the force experienced by the wire is equal to 1.1 102 N.
[1]
b Calculate the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field between the poles of the magnet. [3]

Total:

AS and A Level Physics

39

Score:

Original material Cambridge University Press 2010