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Capacitance: Eduqas A‑Level Physics questions

Every Eduqas A-Level Physics exam question on 2.4 Capacitance, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,592 questions

  1. Q4(a)

    June 2025 · Component 2

    6 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 2, question 4(a): A student sets up the following circuit in which the capacitor is initially uncharged. resistor V supply + A A capacitor X Y V When the switch is closed, the ch

  2. Q4(b)(i)

    June 2025 · Component 2

    4 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 2, question 4(b)(i): Robert uses the following arrangement. air rifle pellet A B 0.100 m 9.0 V V 6.8 μF 160 Ω supply Initially, the voltmeter reading is 9.0 V. The pellet first brea

  3. Q4(a)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 4(a): Use the graph to confirm that the charge on the capacitor is approximately 100 mC at time t = 0 s. [2]

  4. Q4(b)(i)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    3 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 4(b)(i): Using information from the diagram and graph, determine values for V0, C and R. [3]

  5. Q4(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    3 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 4(b)(ii): Hence determine the pd across the capacitor when t is equal to the time constant, and confirm that your answer is consistent with the milliammeter reading at th

  6. Q4(c)(i)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 4(c)(i): 2 QV is a formula for the energy, U, stored in a capacitor. Show clearly that U = 1 2 CV 2 is an equivalent formula. [2]

  7. Q4(c)(ii)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 4(c)(ii): Determine the energy stored in the capacitor at t = 60 s. [2]

  8. Q3(a)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    3 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 3(a): Briefly outline the experimental steps Laura should take to obtain her results. [3]

  9. Q3(b)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 3(b): Laura rearranges the equation V = V0 e into the form: t lnV = –CR + lnV0 She plots a graph of lnV against t. She plots all points apart from the point at t = 60

  10. Q3(c)(i)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    3 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 3(c)(i): Draw lines of maximum and minimum gradients and determine the gradients of both lines. [3]

  11. Q3(c)(ii)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 3(c)(ii): Hence calculate the mean gradient and the percentage uncertainty in its value. [2]

  12. Q3(d)(i)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    5 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 3(d)(i): Determine a value for the capacitance, C, of the capacitor along with its absolute uncertainty. Assume that the resistor has a tolerance (uncertainty) of 5%. Gi

  13. Q3(d)(ii)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 3(d)(ii): Determine the pd, V, of the power supply along with the absolute uncertainty in its value. [2]

  14. Q2(a)

    Autumn 2021 · Component 2

    3 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2021 Component 2, question 2(a): Show how the unit of the time constant, RC, can be given as the ‘second’. [3]

  15. Q2(b)(i)

    Autumn 2021 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2021 Component 2, question 2(b)(i): Sketch a diagram of the circuit he would use to obtain data. [2]

  16. Q2(b)(ii)

    Autumn 2021 · Component 2

    4 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2021 Component 2, question 2(b)(ii): Calculate the charge on the capacitor after 20 seconds. [4]

  17. Q2(b)(iii)

    Autumn 2021 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2021 Component 2, question 2(b)(iii): The reading on the voltmeter after 20 seconds is noted as 1.1 V. Determine whether or not this is consistent with your answer to part (b)(ii). [2]

  18. Q2(c)

    Autumn 2021 · Component 2

    1 mark2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2021 Component 2, question 2(c): Calculate the number of electrons transferred from the positive plate to the negative plate of the capacitor when it is fully charged. [1]

  19. Q2(a)(i)

    Autumn 2020 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2020 Component 2, question 2(a)(i): Zack notes that, for all of the capacitors, the joulemeter reading for the first trial was different from the reading for the second trial. Using values from on

  20. Q2(a)(ii)

    Autumn 2020 · Component 2

    2 marks2.4 Capacitance
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2020 Component 2, question 2(a)(ii): Determine the percentage tolerance of the capacitors. [2]
All 41 questions on Capacitance, as a list
  1. June 2025, Component 2, Q4(a) (6 marks): A student sets up the following circuit in which the capacitor is initially uncharged. resistor V supply + A A capacitor X Y V When the switch is closed, the ch
  2. June 2025, Component 2, Q4(b)(i) (4 marks): Robert uses the following arrangement. air rifle pellet A B 0.100 m 9.0 V V 6.8 μF 160 Ω supply Initially, the voltmeter reading is 9.0 V. The pellet first brea
  3. June 2024, Component 2, Q4(a) (2 marks): Use the graph to confirm that the charge on the capacitor is approximately 100 mC at time t = 0 s. [2]
  4. June 2024, Component 2, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): Using information from the diagram and graph, determine values for V0, C and R. [3]
  5. June 2024, Component 2, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): Hence determine the pd across the capacitor when t is equal to the time constant, and confirm that your answer is consistent with the milliammeter reading at th
  6. June 2024, Component 2, Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): 2 QV is a formula for the energy, U, stored in a capacitor. Show clearly that U = 1 2 CV 2 is an equivalent formula. [2]
  7. June 2024, Component 2, Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the energy stored in the capacitor at t = 60 s. [2]
  8. June 2023, Component 2, Q3(a) (3 marks): Briefly outline the experimental steps Laura should take to obtain her results. [3]
  9. June 2023, Component 2, Q3(b) (2 marks): Laura rearranges the equation V = V0 e into the form: t lnV = –CR + lnV0 She plots a graph of lnV against t. She plots all points apart from the point at t = 60
  10. June 2023, Component 2, Q3(c)(i) (3 marks): Draw lines of maximum and minimum gradients and determine the gradients of both lines. [3]
  11. June 2023, Component 2, Q3(c)(ii) (2 marks): Hence calculate the mean gradient and the percentage uncertainty in its value. [2]
  12. June 2023, Component 2, Q3(d)(i) (5 marks): Determine a value for the capacitance, C, of the capacitor along with its absolute uncertainty. Assume that the resistor has a tolerance (uncertainty) of 5%. Gi
  13. June 2023, Component 2, Q3(d)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the pd, V, of the power supply along with the absolute uncertainty in its value. [2]
  14. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q2(a) (3 marks): Show how the unit of the time constant, RC, can be given as the ‘second’. [3]
  15. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): Sketch a diagram of the circuit he would use to obtain data. [2]
  16. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q2(b)(ii) (4 marks): Calculate the charge on the capacitor after 20 seconds. [4]
  17. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q2(b)(iii) (2 marks): The reading on the voltmeter after 20 seconds is noted as 1.1 V. Determine whether or not this is consistent with your answer to part (b)(ii). [2]
  18. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q2(c) (1 mark): Calculate the number of electrons transferred from the positive plate to the negative plate of the capacitor when it is fully charged. [1]
  19. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q2(a)(i) (2 marks): Zack notes that, for all of the capacitors, the joulemeter reading for the first trial was different from the reading for the second trial. Using values from on
  20. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q2(a)(ii) (2 marks): Determine the percentage tolerance of the capacitors. [2]
  21. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Using the values of the gradients given on the grid and an appropriate equation, determine the maximum and minimum values for V. [3]
  22. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q2(b)(ii) (3 marks): Hence determine the pd, V, along with its absolute uncertainty. [3]
  23. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q2(c) (3 marks): Zack’s teacher suggests that he should carry out another experiment. Zack decides to discharge the 6.8 μF capacitor through a 5.6 MΩ resistor. He notes that it
  24. June 2019, Component 2, Q3(a) (2 marks): Two parallel plate capacitors, X and Y, have equal plate areas. The capacitance of X is greater than the capacitance of Y. Suggest two possible reasons for the
  25. June 2019, Component 2, Q3(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the total capacitance of this combination of capacitors. [3]
  26. June 2019, Component 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why: pd across C2 = 1.5 × pd across C3 [2]
  27. June 2019, Component 2, Q3(b)(iii) (1 mark): Hence, calculate the pd across C3 given that 100 V is applied between A and B. [1]
  28. June 2019, Component 2, Q3(b)(iv) (2 marks): Explain which of the three capacitors stores the greatest charge, and calculate the size of this charge. [2]
  29. June 2019, Component 2, Q3(c) (5 marks): A 1.6 mF capacitor is charged from a 300 V d.c supply. Engineers wish to use the energy stored in this capacitor to heat a small coil embedded in a thermally in
  30. June 2018, Component 2, Q6(a) (1 mark): Define the capacitance of a capacitor. [1]
  31. June 2018, Component 2, Q6(b)(i) (3 marks): Write down the charges on each of the plates Q, R and S. Give a reason for your answer to the charge on plate S. [3] Charge on Q: Charge on R: Charge on S: Reas
  32. June 2018, Component 2, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the pd across A and B. [2]
  33. June 2018, Component 2, Q6(b)(iii) (2 marks): A Physics student makes the following comment: For capacitors in series, a capacitor of higher capacitance stores more energy than a capacitor of smaller capaci
  34. June 2018, Component 2, Q6(c) (4 marks): Some computer keyboards work on the principle of varying capacitance. When a key is pressed, a spring is compressed and the separation of two parallel metal pla
  35. June 2017, Component 2, Q3(a) (2 marks): The plates of the capacitor are labelled Y and Z. When the switch is moved to S1, explain how each plate becomes charged in terms of the movement of charges in
  36. June 2017, Component 2, Q3(b)(i) (1 mark): The initial current in the circuit was 88 μA. Show that this is consistent with the value R = 68 kΩ. [1]
  37. June 2017, Component 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Katie took single readings of pd. She used a voltmeter with a resolution of 0.01 V. Explain why it was not appropriate to include error bars when plotting pd. [
  38. June 2017, Component 2, Q3(b)(iii) (1 mark): She uses a stopwatch of resolution 1 second. State how this is represented on the graph. [1]
  39. June 2017, Component 2, Q3(b)(iv) (2 marks): Show that the time constant of the circuit is approximately 30 s. [2]
  40. June 2017, Component 2, Q3(b)(v) (4 marks): The resistor manufacturer states that the resistors are accurate to ± 3% of their given values. Use this information to calculate C along with its absolute unce
  41. June 2017, Component 2, Q3(b)(vi) (3 marks): Determine a value for pd at a time t = 55 s and state whether this is consistent with the trend shown by the graph. [3]

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