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CAIE A-Level Physics 18.1.2 Force on a Charge: F = qE

Practise calculating and rearranging electric force F = qE, then interpreting its direction for positive and negative charges in a stated field.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
A2

Exam points

  • calculate force on a charge using F = qE
  • rearrange F = qE to determine charge or field strength and maintain sign and units
  • interpret the direction of electric force for positive and negative charges in a stated field

18.1.2—F = qE for the force on a charge in an electric field question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Two parallel metal plates X and Y are separated by a distance of 0.041 m , as shown in Fig. 6.1.

Fig. 6.1

Fig. 6.1

There is a vacuum between the plates. An electron is at rest at the centre of plate X.
A potential difference (p.d.) of 58 kV is applied across the plates. This causes the electron to accelerate towards plate Y.

Determine the acceleration of the electron.
acceleration = ms−2\mathrm{ms}^{-2} [2]

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