AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Higher), June 2024: Question 4
10 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Analyze static electricity phenomena including hair standing up from a generator, definitions of electric fields, calculation of potential difference from energy and charge, and factors affecting spark distance.
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Question text
04 Figure 4 shows a static electricity generator.
Figure 4
The rubber belt is turned by a motor.
As the rubber belt moves, charge is transferred from the rubber belt to the12
metal dome.
04.1 Figure 5 shows a student touching the metal dome of the static electricity generator.
The dome is negatively charged.
Figure 5
Explain why the student’s hair stands up on end.
[3 marks]
The charged metal dome creates an electric field.
04.2 What is an electric field?
[1 mark]
04.3 How does the electric field strength vary as the distance from the charged metal
dome increases?
[1 mark]
Figure 6 shows the negatively charged metal dome and an earthed conductor.
Figure 6
When the earthed conductor is moved towards the metal dome, there is a spark
between the dome and the earthed conductor.
04.4 The spark transfers 0.60 J of energy, and 2.0 μC of charge is transferred from the
dome to the earthed conductor.
Calculate the potential difference between the metal dome and the earthed conductor.
Use the Physics Equations Sheet.
[4 marks]
Potential difference =15 V
04.5 Which of the following changes would increase the distance a spark can jump
between the dome and the earthed conductor?
[1 mark]
*14* Tick ( ) one box.
Decreased charge on the metal dome
Decreased electric field strength
Decreased electrical resistance of air
Decreased potential difference
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 4
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
04.1 electrons are transferred to the 1 AO1
student 4.2.5.1
(so) her hair is negatively allow each hair has the same 1
charged (negative) charge
(and) like charges repel do not accept student being 1
positively charged for MP1 and
MP2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.2 the region (around a charged allow space / area for region 1 AO1
object) where another charged allow particle for object 4.2.5.2
object experiences a force
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.3 (electric field strength) 1 AO1
decreases 4.2.5.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.4 Q = 2 × 10–6 (C) 1 AO2
4.2.4.2
0.6 = 2 × 10–6 × V allow a correct substitution of an 1
incorrectly / not converted value
of Q
0.6 allow a correct rearrangement of 1
V = –6 an incorrectly / not converted
2×10
value of Q
V = 300 000 (V) allow an answer consistent with 1
an incorrectly / not converted– – –
value of Q
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.5 decreased electrical resistance 1 AO3
of air 4.2.5.1
Total Question 4 10
How to answer it
Static Electricity and Electric Fields
This question assesses your understanding of electrostatic charge transfer, the definition and properties of electric fields, applying the potential difference equation involving energy and charge (E = V × Q), and factors affecting electrical spark discharge.
Part (04.1): Explaining Hair Standing on End
[3 marks]
✅ Correct Answer
- Electrons are transferred to the student.
- Her hair becomes negatively charged.
- Like charges repel, causing the hairs to push away from each other.
💡 Key Knowledge
Charging by friction or contact involves the transfer of electrons (negative charge), never protons. Since every strand of hair gains the same negative charge, they experience a repulsive force.
🧠 Exam Technique
To secure all 3 marks, you must follow a logical causal chain: Movement of particles → Charge on the object → Force experienced.
❌ Common Errors
Students often lose marks by stating that "protons moved" or claiming the student "gained a positive charge." Remember: only electrons can move easily in solids!
Part (04.2): Definition of an Electric Field
[1 mark]
✅ Correct Answer
The region (around a charged object) where another charged object experiences a force.
💡 Key Knowledge
An electric field is a non-contact force field. Any charged particle placed within this region will feel an electrostatic attraction or repulsion.
Part (04.3): Variation of Electric Field Strength
[1 mark]
✅ Correct Answer
(Electric field strength) decreases.
🧠 Exam Technique
Keep your answer concise. A single keyword like "decreases" or "gets weaker" is sufficient for 1 mark.
Part (04.4): Potential Difference Calculation
[4 marks]
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify the formula: Energy transferred = Potential difference × Charge ( E = V × Q or W = V × Q ) from the Physics Equations Sheet.
- Convert units: Charge must be in Coulombs (C). Convert microcoulombs to coulombs: 2.0 µC = 2.0 × 10⁻⁶ C (or 0.000002 C ).
- Rearrange the formula: V = E / Q
- Substitute and solve:
V = 0.6 / (2.0 × 10⁻⁶)
V = 300 000 V (or 3 × 10⁵ V )
❌ Common Calculation Traps
Forgetting to convert microcoulombs ( µC ) into coulombs ( C ) using the multiplier ×10⁻⁶ will result in a completely incorrect final value. However, the mark scheme allows ecf (error carried forward) if substitution and rearrangement were done correctly with un-converted values.
🧠 Exam Technique
Always write down the formula you are using first, show your substitution clearly, and include standard units ( V ) in your final line.
Part (04.5): Factors Affecting Spark Distance
[1 mark]
✅ Correct Answer
Decreased electrical resistance of air (Tick the third box).
💡 Key Knowledge
Air is normally an insulator. When an electric field becomes extremely strong, air molecules ionize, lowering its electrical resistance and allowing charge to flow through the air as a spark.
Topics
Physics · P2: Electricity
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Higher), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.