Skip to content
Try on iPad

Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force: Eduqas A‑Level Physics questions

Every Eduqas A-Level Physics exam question on 2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

Find questions1,592
Calculations

1,592 questions

  1. Q5(c)(i)

    June 2025 · Component 1

    2 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 1, question 5(c)(i): Determine the gravitational field strength on the surface of the Moon. [2] Mass of Moon, MM = 7.4 × 1022 kg and radius of Moon, RM = 1740 km

  2. Q8(b)

    June 2025 · Component 1

    3 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 1, question 8(b): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Laser Fusion 1 Apart from the hydrogen fusion bomb, which actually requires a fission bomb to detonate i

  3. Q6(a)

    June 2025 · Component 2

    1 mark2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 2, question 6(a): In a Physics exam, a student gave the following response to the question: Define electric potential, V, at a point in an electric field. “It is the work done in

  4. Q6(b)(i)

    June 2025 · Component 2

    3 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 2, question 6(b)(i): Determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field strength at R. [3]

  5. Q6(b)(ii)

    June 2025 · Component 2

    2 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 2, question 6(b)(ii): A teacher states: “When a small test charge is moved between R and S, the net work done is zero.” Explain, without calculation, why the teacher is correct. [2]

  6. Q6(b)(iii)

    June 2025 · Component 2

    4 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 2, question 6(b)(iii): Calculate the work done in moving a proton from the mid-point of AB to point S. [4]

  7. Q7(c)

    June 2025 · Component 2

    4 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Component 2, question 7(c): Astronomers describe the planet as: “A gas giant similar to Saturn, with the same density as Saturn but 8 times the mass.” Determine the ratio: (g at surface of

  8. Q5(a)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    6 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 5(a): Gravitational fields and electric fields have many features in common but also have several differences. For both gravitational and electric fields, describe th

  9. Q5(b)(i)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    1 mark2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 5(b)(i): Show that the electric field strength between the plates is 10 kN C–1 [1]

  10. Q5(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    3 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 5(b)(ii): On the diagram above, draw arrows to represent the three forces acting on the sphere. Label each arrow with the name of the force it represents. [3]

  11. Q5(b)(iii)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    4 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 5(b)(iii): Hence calculate the charge on the sphere. [4]

  12. Q5(c)

    June 2024 · Component 2

    1 mark2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Component 2, question 5(c): A physics student comments: “The charge on the sphere corresponds to trillions of electrons being placed on it.” Determine whether the student’s comment is just

  13. Q8(b)

    June 2023 · Component 1

    2 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 1, question 8(b): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke

  14. Q5(a)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    6 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 5(a): Curves of gravitational potential versus distance from the surfaces of the Earth ( ) and Moon ( ) are shown along with the curve for the combined potential due

  15. Q5(b)(i)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    4 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 5(b)(i): Use the following data to calculate the speed with which the rocket must be launched from the surface of Mars to reach the height of the orbiting spacecraft. Ig

  16. Q6(a)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    5 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 6(a): Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant electric field strength at P. [5]

  17. Q6(b)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    3 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 6(b): Calculate the potential at P. [3]

  18. Q6(c)

    June 2023 · Component 2

    3 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Component 2, question 6(c): An electron released from rest from a point where the potential is +50 V follows a path that takes it through point P. John calculates that, at P, the electron’

  19. Q4(b)(ii)

    Autumn 2021 · Component 1

    3 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force1.5 Circular motion
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2021 Component 1, question 4(b)(ii): Assuming the charge on the nucleus to be +e, show that the speed of the electron is approximately 800 m s–1 [3]

  20. Q5(a)(i)

    Autumn 2021 · Component 2

    2 marks2.6 Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force
    The whole paper ↗
    Autumn 2021 Component 2, question 5(a)(i): at least 4 electric field lines, including their direction;
All 60 questions on Electrostatic and gravitational fields of force, as a list
  1. June 2025, Component 1, Q5(c)(i) (2 marks): Determine the gravitational field strength on the surface of the Moon. [2] Mass of Moon, MM = 7.4 × 1022 kg and radius of Moon, RM = 1740 km
  2. June 2025, Component 1, Q8(b) (3 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Laser Fusion 1 Apart from the hydrogen fusion bomb, which actually requires a fission bomb to detonate i
  3. June 2025, Component 2, Q6(a) (1 mark): In a Physics exam, a student gave the following response to the question: Define electric potential, V, at a point in an electric field. “It is the work done in
  4. June 2025, Component 2, Q6(b)(i) (3 marks): Determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field strength at R. [3]
  5. June 2025, Component 2, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): A teacher states: “When a small test charge is moved between R and S, the net work done is zero.” Explain, without calculation, why the teacher is correct. [2]
  6. June 2025, Component 2, Q6(b)(iii) (4 marks): Calculate the work done in moving a proton from the mid-point of AB to point S. [4]
  7. June 2025, Component 2, Q7(c) (4 marks): Astronomers describe the planet as: “A gas giant similar to Saturn, with the same density as Saturn but 8 times the mass.” Determine the ratio: (g at surface of
  8. June 2024, Component 2, Q5(a) (6 marks): Gravitational fields and electric fields have many features in common but also have several differences. For both gravitational and electric fields, describe th
  9. June 2024, Component 2, Q5(b)(i) (1 mark): Show that the electric field strength between the plates is 10 kN C–1 [1]
  10. June 2024, Component 2, Q5(b)(ii) (3 marks): On the diagram above, draw arrows to represent the three forces acting on the sphere. Label each arrow with the name of the force it represents. [3]
  11. June 2024, Component 2, Q5(b)(iii) (4 marks): Hence calculate the charge on the sphere. [4]
  12. June 2024, Component 2, Q5(c) (1 mark): A physics student comments: “The charge on the sphere corresponds to trillions of electrons being placed on it.” Determine whether the student’s comment is just
  13. June 2023, Component 1, Q8(b) (2 marks): Read through the following article carefully. Paragraph Bulges and supermassive black holes 1 It could be argued that dark matter was first predicted by Lord Ke
  14. June 2023, Component 2, Q5(a) (6 marks): Curves of gravitational potential versus distance from the surfaces of the Earth ( ) and Moon ( ) are shown along with the curve for the combined potential due
  15. June 2023, Component 2, Q5(b)(i) (4 marks): Use the following data to calculate the speed with which the rocket must be launched from the surface of Mars to reach the height of the orbiting spacecraft. Ig
  16. June 2023, Component 2, Q6(a) (5 marks): Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant electric field strength at P. [5]
  17. June 2023, Component 2, Q6(b) (3 marks): Calculate the potential at P. [3]
  18. June 2023, Component 2, Q6(c) (3 marks): An electron released from rest from a point where the potential is +50 V follows a path that takes it through point P. John calculates that, at P, the electron’
  19. Autumn 2021, Component 1, Q4(b)(ii) (3 marks): Assuming the charge on the nucleus to be +e, show that the speed of the electron is approximately 800 m s–1 [3]
  20. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(a)(i) (2 marks): at least 4 electric field lines, including their direction;
  21. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(a)(ii) (2 marks): at least 3 equipotential surfaces. [2] +
  22. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the magnitude and direction of the force on the + 3.0 nC charge. [3]
  23. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): Without further calculation, state the force on the – 6.0 nC charge, giving a reason for your answer. [2]
  24. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(c)(i) (1 mark): Define electric potential, V, at a point in an electric field. [1]
  25. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(c)(ii) (4 marks): The – 6.0 nC charge is now moved directly to the right of B by 2.0 mm, to point C, and is fixed there. This is shown below. +3.0 nC – 6.0 nC A 4.0 mm B 2.0 mm C
  26. Autumn 2021, Component 2, Q5(d) (3 marks): In moving the – 6.0 nC charge from B to C, the following alternative pathway is possible. Explain why the work done in moving the charge along this pathway is t
  27. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q7(c)(ii) (6 marks): It is proposed to send a space-probe to study Phobos and Deimos. The first part of the mission will be to place the probe in orbit around Phobos. I. Show that t
  28. Autumn 2020, Component 2, Q7(c)(iii) (1 mark): Explain why it is not possible to use the equation ∆Ep = mg∆h when determining the change in the gravitational potential energy of the probe as it moves between
  29. Autumn 2020, Component 3, Q8(a) (5 marks): Show that, when the electron has travelled a distance, d, horizontally, it will have travelled a distance of d vertically (from the point where it enters the pa
  30. Autumn 2020, Component 3, Q8(b) (2 marks): Explain whether or not an oxygen ion with charge –2e accelerated from rest in the above set-up instead of an electron would pass through the same point. [2]
  31. Autumn 2020, Component 3, Q9(a) (5 marks): A sphere made of caesium is placed in space and illuminated by ultraviolet radiation of photon energy 10.3 eV. The work function of caesium is 2.1 eV. Explain i
  32. Autumn 2020, Component 3, Q9(b) (3 marks): Hence, calculate the maximum electric field strength around the caesium sphere given that its radius is 6.5 cm. [3]
  33. June 2019, Component 2, Q6(a) (2 marks): Assuming that the potential at the surface is correct, confirm that the potential at 3r is plotted correctly. [2]
  34. June 2019, Component 2, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the gravitational potential energy of a spacecraft of mass 600 kg at rest on the surface. [2]
  35. June 2019, Component 2, Q6(b)(ii) (3 marks): ‘Escape velocity’ is defined as the minimum velocity required for a body to escape from the gravitational influence of a massive body. Calculate the ‘escape vel
  36. June 2019, Component 2, Q6(c) (4 marks): The radius of Pluto is 1.18 × 106 m and the gravitational field strength at the surface is 0.62 N kg–1. Using this information and by drawing a suitable tangent
  37. June 2019, Component 2, Q8(a) (2 marks): State one similarity and one difference between gravitational and electric fields. [2]
  38. June 2019, Component 2, Q8(b)(i) (3 marks): Show that the two forces acting on the sphere are approximately 9 × 10–14 N vertically and 7 × 10–14 N horizontally. [3]
  39. June 2019, Component 2, Q8(b)(ii) (3 marks): Draw, in the space below, a free body diagram for the sphere, showing the magnitude and direction of the two forces acting on it. Determine the direction with w
  40. June 2019, Component 2, Q8(c) (4 marks): Calculate the time taken for the sphere to travel a distance of 2.0 cm. [4]
  41. June 2018, Component 1, Q9(c) (2 marks): Show that the acceleration of an electron in an electric field, of strength E, is: a = eE (Equation 2) [2] me
  42. June 2018, Component 2, Q7(a) (3 marks): Complete the following table: [3] Quantity Definition Vector or Scalar Electric field strength, E Electric potential, V
  43. June 2018, Component 2, Q7(b)(i) (1 mark): Draw on the diagram two arrows to show the directions of the field strength at P due to each charge. [1]
  44. June 2018, Component 2, Q7(b)(ii) (1 mark): Hence draw on the diagram one arrow to represent the direction of the resultant field strength at P. Label this arrow R. [1]
  45. June 2018, Component 2, Q7(b)(iii) (4 marks): Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field strength at P. [4]
  46. June 2018, Component 2, Q7(c)(i) (2 marks): Show that the potential at P is + 540 V. [2]
  47. June 2018, Component 2, Q7(c)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the gain in kinetic energy in joules of an electron as it moves from infinity to P. [2]
  48. June 2017, Component 2, Q4(a) (1 mark): Sketch the electric field pattern between the plates indicating clearly the direction of the field. [1]
  49. June 2017, Component 2, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): the force on an electron; [2]
  50. June 2017, Component 2, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): the gain in kinetic energy of an electron as it travels from Y to X; [2]
  51. June 2017, Component 2, Q4(b)(iii) (3 marks): the time it takes for an electron to travel from Y to X. Assume the electron starts from rest at plate Y. [3]
  52. June 2017, Component 2, Q4(c) (2 marks): The separation between the plates is now halved but the pd is unchanged. The scientist believes that the gain in kinetic energy of an electron travelling (from
  53. June 2017, Component 2, Q5(a)(i) (4 marks): State an advantage and a disadvantage of each method. [4]
  54. June 2017, Component 2, Q5(a)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest an improvement to one of the techniques which would increase the accuracy of measuring r. [1]
  55. June 2017, Component 2, Q5(b)(i) (3 marks): Show that the value of Q1Q2, the product of the charges on the spheres, when r = 20 mm is approximately 4.4 × 10–18 C2. [3]
  56. June 2017, Component 2, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): One of the spheres is now discharged. The graph shows how the discharge current varies with time. 4.0 Current / μA 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 Time / ms
  57. June 2017, Component 2, Q7(a)(i) (2 marks): Explain why the potentials have negative signs. [2]
  58. June 2017, Component 2, Q7(a)(ii) (4 marks): A spacecraft of mass 300 kg orbits the Moon. Determine, showing your reasoning, the changes in the gravitational potential energy of the spacecraft when it move
  59. June 2017, Component 2, Q7(a)(iii) (4 marks): The spacecraft is now directed from point D towards the Moon’s surface with an initial speed of 0 m s–1 in this direction. Calculate the speed at which the spac
  60. June 2017, Component 2, Q7(b) (2 marks): Many space agencies have deliberately crashed their spacecraft on to the Moon for scientific purposes. The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROS

Questions, mark schemes and examiner’s reports are © WJEC Eduqas, from their published past papers. Plumi isn’t affiliated with any exam board. Want whole papers? Every Eduqas A-Level Physics paper.

Rather write your answers by hand on iPad? Plumi marks them against the same mark schemes.