AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
Students should be able to: draw the electric field pattern for an…
Full specification wording
Electric fields: Students should be able to: draw the electric field pattern for an isolated charged sphere explain the concept of an electric field explain how the concept of an electric field helps to explain the non-contact force between charged objects as well as other electrostatic phenomena such as sparking.
For an isolated charged sphere, draw straight lines radiating from the surface, evenly spaced all the way round, each meeting the surface at a right angle, with arrows pointing outwards for a…
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 6 of 6
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
For an isolated charged sphere, draw straight lines radiating from the surface, evenly spaced all the way round, each meeting the surface at a right angle, with arrows pointing outwards for a positive sphere and inwards for a negative one. Lines must never cross, and they should be drawn closer together near the surface to show the stronger field there. The field concept then does two jobs. It explains the non-contact force, because the first object fills the space around it with a field and any charge placed in that space feels a force, so nothing has to reach across the gap. It also explains sparking, because a strong field near a highly charged object pulls electrons free from air molecules, so the air conducts and charge crosses the gap.
What earns the marks
- Radial straight lines drawn at right angles to the surface of the sphere.
- Arrows drawn in the correct direction for the sign of the charge on the sphere.
- The field defined as the region where another charged object experiences a force.
- A strong field near the surface causing the air to break down so that a spark forms.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Drawing the pattern of a bar magnet, with lines looping from one side of the sphere to the other.
Drawing lines that start away from the surface, or that cross each other.
Omitting arrows, or drawing them outwards on a negatively charged sphere.
Explaining sparking without referring to the field or to the air becoming conducting.
Exam tips
- Use a ruler for radial field lines and draw at least six of them, evenly spaced around the sphere.
- Check the sign in the stem before adding arrowheads, because it is the easiest mark to throw away.
- Bring the field into every explanation of a non-contact electrostatic effect.
Try the lesson
The start of the Electric fields: Students should be able to: draw the electric field pattern for an isolated charged sphere explain the concept of an electric field explain how the concept of an electric field helps to explain the non-contact force between charged objects as well as other electrostatic phenomena such as sparking. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which description matches the electric field pattern around an isolated charged sphere?
Listen
For an isolated charged sphere, draw straight lines radiating from the surface, evenly spaced all the way round, each meeting the surface at a right angle, with arrows pointing outwards for a positive sphere and inwards for a negative one. Lines must never cross, and they should be drawn closer together near the surface to show the stronger field there. The field concept then does two jobs. It explains the non-contact force, because the first object fills the space around it with a field and any charge placed in that space feels a force, so nothing has to reach across the gap. It also explains sparking, because a strong field near a highly charged object pulls electrons free from air molecules, so the air conducts and charge crosses the gap. A strong answer earns marks for these points. radial straight lines drawn at right angles to the surface of the sphere. arrows drawn in the correct direction for the sign of the charge on the sphere. the field defined as the region where another charged object experiences a force. a strong field near the surface causing the air to break down so that a spark forms. Exam tip: Use a ruler for radial field lines and draw at least six of them, evenly spaced around the sphere.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
field line conventions
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
explaining non-contact force
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sparking
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- field line conventions
- Lines must never cross, and they should be drawn closer together near the surface to show the stronger field there.
- explaining non-contact force
- The first object fills the space around it with a field and any charge placed in that space feels a force, so nothing has to reach across the gap.
- sparking
- A strong field near a highly charged object pulls electrons free from air molecules, so the air conducts and charge crosses the gap.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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Test your understanding of Electric fields: Students should be able to: draw the electric field pattern for an isolated charged sphere explain the concept of an electric field explain how the concept of an electric field helps to explain the non-contact force between charged objects as well as other electrostatic phenomena such as sparking.
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