EduNinja

[Maximum number: 2]

Ion-thrust engines can power spacecraft. In this type of engine, ions are created in a chamber and expelled from the spacecraft. The spacecraft is in outer space when the propulsion system is turned on. The spacecraft starts from rest.

The mass of ions ejected each second is $6.6 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~kg}$ and the speed of each ion is $5.2 \times 10^{4} \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ . The initial total mass of the spacecraft and its fuel is 740 kg . Assume that the ions travel away from the spacecraft parallel to its direction of motion.

In practice, the ions leave the spacecraft at a range of angles as shown.

Outline why the ions are likely to spread out.

[Maximum number: 8]

This question is in two parts. Part 1 is about simple harmonic motion and forced oscillations. Part 2 is about electric and magnetic force fields.

Part 1 Simple harmonic motion and forced oscillations
The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of an object undergoing simple harmonic motion.
displacement / mm

time / ms

(a)

Part 2 Electric and magnetic force fields

[ 8 ]

(i)

Define electric field strength.

[ 2 ]

(ii)

The diagram shows a pair of horizontal metal plates. Electrons can be deflected vertically using an electric field between the plates.

Figure for Question (ii) — IB Physics SL

[ 4 ]

(i)

Draw the shape and direction of the electric field between the plates on the diagram.

[ 2 ]

(ii)

Calculate the force on an electron between the plates when the electric field strength has a value of $2.5 \times 10^{3} \mathrm{NC}^{-1}$ .

[ 2 ]

$F=2.5 \times 10^{3} \times 1.6 \times 10^{-19}$ ;
$4.0 \times 10^{-16} \mathrm{~N}$ ;

Marking guidance:

Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

(iii)

The diagram shows two isolated electrons, X and Y , initially at rest in a vacuum. The initial separation of the electrons is 5.0 mm . The electrons subsequently move apart in the directions shown.

Figure for Question (iii) — IB Physics SL

[ 2 ]

(i)

Show that the initial electric force acting on each electron due to the other electron is approximately $9 \times 10^{-24} \mathrm{~N}$ .

[ 2 ]

(c) (i) use of $F=\frac{\left(1.60 \times 10^{-19}\right)^{2}}{4 \pi \varepsilon_{0}\left(5.0 \times 10^{-3}\right)^{2}}$ or $F=\frac{\left(1.60 \times 10^{-19}\right)^{2}}{\left(5.0 \times 10^{-3}\right)^{2}} \times 8.99 \times 10^{9}$ ;
$9.2 \times 10^{-24} \mathrm{~N} ;$

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows a junction in a circuit.

The currents in the three wires are related by $I_{1}=I_{2}+I_{3}$ .
State the fundamental law of Physics from which this relation is derived.

IB Physics SL D 2 Electric and Magnetic Fields Topic Practice

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IB Physics SL D 2 Electric and Magnetic Fields Topic Practice

Learn this topic

Question 1

Question 2

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (ii)

Question (i)

Question (ii)

Question (iii)

Question (i)

Question 3