Quick answer: An electric field E = F/q is the force per unit positive charge, a vector drawn with field lines. This AP Physics 2 test on electric field has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: force from a field, field and potential and parallel plates. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
This test covers electric fields, field lines, potential, equipotentials and energy at AP Physics 2 level. Use k = 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C² and e = 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C. A calculator is allowed. Show every step and include units on numerical answers.
Level: AP Physics 2 (algebra-based) · Curriculum: AP P2 Unit 10
Question 1 Force from a field (2 marks)
At a point the electric field is 4.0 × 10³ N/C.- State the definition of electric field. (1 mark)
- Calculate the force on a 5.0 nC charge at that point. (1 mark)
Question 2 Field and potential (3 marks)
A +2.0 nC point charge is in air. Calculate the electric field and potential at 0.50 m, and give the direction of the field. (3 marks)Question 3 Parallel plates (2 marks)
Two parallel plates 5.0 mm apart have a potential difference of 250 V. Calculate the field between them. (2 marks)Question 4 Accelerated electron (3 marks)
An electron is accelerated from rest through 800 V. Use e = 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C and m = 9.11 × 10⁻³¹ kg. Calculate the kinetic energy gained and the final speed. (3 marks)Question 5 Moving along an equipotential (3 marks)
A positive charge is at the centre of two equipotential circles (shown). Points A and B are on the inner circle and C is on the outer one.- State the work done by the field when a charge moves from A to B and justify. (2 marks)
- State whether the work done by the field moving a +q charge from A to C is positive or negative. (1 mark)
Question 6 Inside a conductor (3 marks)
Explain why the electric field is zero inside a metal conductor in electrostatic equilibrium and where the excess charge is found. (3 marks)Question 7 Proton energy change (2 marks)
A proton moves from a point at 50 V to a point at 150 V. Calculate the change in its electric potential energy and state whether it increases or decreases. (2 marks)Question 8 Force on an electron (2 marks)
An electron is in a uniform field that points to the right. State the direction of the force on it and the way it moves in terms of potential. (2 marks)
