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Electric fields - Exam Questions.docx

Built from the lesson script on 30 September 2026.

AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER

Exam Practice: Electric fields

Electric fields · Electricity · Lesson 10 of 10 · 13 marks · 14 minutes

Name

Date

 

Instructions

• Answer all the questions.

• Write your answers in the spaces provided.

• The marks for each question are shown in brackets - use this as a guide to how much to write.

• The answers are on separate pages at the back. Attempt every question before you look at them.

• Answer all questions. Use the mark allocation as a guide to how much to write.

Question 1 DRAW (2 marks)

Draw the electric field pattern of an isolated negatively charged sphere.

(Total for Question 1 = 2 marks)

Question 2 COMPLETE THE DIAGRAM (3 marks)

The diagram shows a positively charged sphere with two field lines drawn. Complete the diagram to show the electric field. Explain what the diagram shows about the field strength.

(Total for Question 2 = 3 marks)

Question 3 EXPLAIN (2 marks)

A small positive charge is moved towards a positively charged sphere. Explain how the force on the small charge changes.

(Total for Question 3 = 2 marks)

Question 4 EXPLAIN (3 marks)

Explain how the idea of an electric field helps to explain how a charged comb can pick up small pieces of paper without touching them.

(Total for Question 4 = 3 marks)

Question 5 EXPLAIN (3 marks)

Explain, using the idea of an electric field, how a spark can jump between a charged sphere and a metal rod.

(Total for Question 5 = 3 marks)

TOTAL FOR PAPER = 13 MARKS

 

Answers and mark scheme

Check your answer only once you have written one.

Question 1 (2 marks)

At least four straight lines going radially towards the sphere with arrows pointing towards it.

• Straight radial lines 1 mark

• Arrows pointing towards the sphere 1 mark

Question 2 (3 marks)

Add at least six more radial lines with arrows pointing away from the sphere, evenly spaced. The lines are closer together near the sphere, so the field is stronger close to the sphere.

• Additional radial straight lines evenly spaced 1 mark

• Arrows pointing away 1 mark

• Field strongest close to the sphere 1 mark

Question 3 (2 marks)

The force is repulsive and increases as the charge gets closer, because the field is stronger closer to the sphere.

• Force increases as the distance decreases 1 mark

• The field is stronger closer to the sphere 1 mark

Question 4 (3 marks)

The charged comb has an electric field around it. The field exerts a non-contact force on the paper pieces, so they are attracted without touching.

• Charged object has an electric field 1 mark

• The field exerts a force on other objects 1 mark

• Non-contact force of attraction 1 mark

Question 5 (3 marks)

The charged sphere creates a strong electric field. When the field is strong enough it ionises the air between the sphere and the rod, making the air conduct, so charge flows as a spark.

• Strong field near the sphere 1 mark

• Ionises the air 1 mark

• Charge flows through the air as a spark 1 mark