m16 qp42 q7 14

7 (a) Define capacitance.

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[1]

(b) Three capacitors of capacitances C1, C2 and C3 are initially uncharged. They are then
connected in series to a battery, as shown in Fig. 7.1.

C1 C2 C3

Fig. 7.1

The battery applies a potential difference V across the three capacitors.

Show that the combined capacitance C of the capacitors is given by

1 1 1 1
= + + .
C C1 C2 C3

[2]

(c) A battery of e.m.f. 12 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to a network of two
capacitors and a resistor, as shown in Fig. 7.2.

200 +F

A B
12 V

600 +F

Fig. 7.2

The capacitors have capacitances of 200 μF and 600 μF. The switch has two positions,
A and B.

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(i) The switch is moved to position A.

Calculate

1. the combined capacitance of the two capacitors,

combined capacitance = ..................................................... μF [1]

2. the charge on the 600 μF capacitor,

charge = ....................................................... C [1]

3. the potential difference across the 600 μF capacitor.

potential difference = ....................................................... V [1]

(ii) The switch is now moved from position A to position B.

Calculate the potential difference across the 600 μF capacitor when it has discharged
50% of its initial energy.

potential difference = ....................................................... V [3]

[Total: 9]

© UCLES 2016 9702/42/F/M/16 [Turn over

 s16 qp41 q7 16

7 A student sets up the circuit shown in Fig. 7.1 to measure the charge on a capacitor C for different
values of potential difference across the capacitor.

C meter to
V
measure charge

Fig. 7.1

The variation with potential difference V of the charge Q stored on the capacitor is shown in
Fig. 7.2.

15

Q / mC

10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
V/V

Fig. 7.2

(a) State and explain how Fig. 7.2 indicates that there is a systematic error in the readings of one
of the meters.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]

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(b) Use Fig. 7.2 to determine the capacitance, in μF, of capacitor C.

capacitance = .................................................... μF [3]

(c) Use your answer in (b) to determine the additional energy stored in the capacitor C when the
potential difference across it is increased from 6.0 V to 9.0 V.

energy = ...................................................... J [3]

[Total: 8]

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 s16 qp42 q7 14

7 (a) State two uses of capacitors in electrical circuits, other than for the smoothing of direct current.

1. ..............................................................................................................................................

2. ..............................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) The combined capacitance between terminals A and B of the arrangement shown in Fig. 7.1
is 4.0 μF.

+F

& &
A B

+F

Fig. 7.1

Two capacitors each have capacitance C and the remaining capacitors each have
capacitance 3.0 μF.

The potential difference (p.d.) between terminals A and B is 12 V.

(i) Determine the capacitance C.

C = ................................................... μF [2]

(ii) Calculate the magnitude of the total positive charge transferred to the arrangement.

charge = ................................................... μC [2]

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(iii) Use your answer in (ii) to state the magnitude of the charge on one plate of

1. a capacitor of capacitance C,

charge = ......................................................... μC

2. a capacitor of capacitance 3.0 μF.

charge = ......................................................... μC
[2]

[Total: 8]

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 w16 qp42 q7 14

7 (a) (i) Define capacitance.

...........................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................................[1]

(ii) Use the expression for the electric potential due to a point charge to show that an isolated
metal sphere of diameter 25 cm has a capacitance of 1.4 × 10–11 F.

[2]

(b) Three capacitors of capacitances 2.0 μF, 3.0 μF and 4.0 μF are connected as shown in Fig. 7.1
to a battery of e.m.f. 9.0 V.

4.0 μF

3.0 μF

2.0 μF

9.0 V

Fig. 7.1

Determine

(i) the combined capacitance of the three capacitors,

capacitance = ..................................................... μF [1]

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(ii) the potential difference across the capacitor of capacitance 3.0 μF,

potential difference = ...................................................... V [2]

(iii) the positive charge stored on the capacitor of capacitance 2.0 μF.

charge = .................................................... μC [2]

[Total: 8]

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 s17 qp42 q7 16

7 A capacitor consists of two parallel metal plates, separated by an insulator, as shown in Fig. 7.1.

insulator
metal
plates

Fig. 7.1

(a) Suggest why, when the capacitor is connected across the terminals of a battery, the capacitor
stores energy, not charge.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(b) Define the capacitance of the capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

(c) The capacitor is charged so that the potential difference between its plates is V0.
The capacitor is then connected across a resistor for a short time. It is then disconnected.
1
The energy stored in the capacitor is reduced to of its initial value.
16
Determine, in terms of V0, the potential difference across the capacitor.

potential difference = ...........................................................[2]

[Total: 6]

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 w17 qp41 q6 12

6 Two capacitors P and Q, each of capacitance C, are connected in series with a battery of e.m.f.
9.0 V, as shown in Fig. 6.1.

switch S
9.0 V
X Y
P T
R
C C

Fig. 6.1

A switch S is used to connect either a third capacitor T, also of capacitance C, or a resistor R, in

parallel with capacitor P.

(a) Switch S is in position X.

Calculate

(i) the combined capacitance, in terms of C, of the three capacitors,

capacitance = ......................................................... [2]

(ii) the potential difference across capacitor Q. Explain your working.

potential difference = ..................................................... V [2]

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(b) Switch S is now moved to position Y.

State what happens to the potential difference across capacitor P and across capacitor Q.

capacitor P: ..............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

capacitor Q: .............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[4]

[Total: 8]

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 s18 qp41 q7
12

7 (a) Explain what is meant by the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

(b) A parallel plate capacitor C is connected into the circuit shown in Fig. 7.1.

X Y

120 V A
C

Fig. 7.1

When switch S is at position X, the battery of electromotive force 120 V and negligible internal
resistance is connected to capacitor C.
When switch S is at position Y, the capacitor C is discharged through the sensitive ammeter.

The switch vibrates so that it is first in position X, then moves to position Y and then back to
position X fifty times each second.

The current recorded on the ammeter is 4.5 μA.

Determine

(i) the charge, in coulomb, passing through the ammeter in 1.0 s,

charge = ....................................................... C [1]

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(ii) the charge on one plate of the capacitor, each time that it is charged,

charge = ....................................................... C [1]

(iii) the capacitance of capacitor C.

capacitance = ....................................................... F [2]

(c) A second capacitor, having a capacitance equal to that of capacitor C, is now placed in series
with C.

Suggest and explain the effect on the current recorded on the ammeter.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[2]

[Total: 9]

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 s18 qp42 q6 14

6 (a) Explain what is meant by the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................[3]

(b) Three parallel plate capacitors each have a capacitance of 6.0 μF.

Draw circuit diagrams, one in each case, to show how the capacitors may be connected
together to give a combined capacitance of

(i) 9.0 μF,

[1]

(ii) 4.0 μF.

[1]

(c) Two capacitors of capacitances 3.0 μF and 2.0 μF are connected in series with a battery of
electromotive force (e.m.f.) 8.0 V, as shown in Fig. 6.1.

3.0 μF 2.0 μF

8.0 V

Fig. 6.1

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 15

(i) Calculate the combined capacitance of the capacitors.

capacitance = ..................................................... μF [1]

(ii) Use your answer in (i) to determine, for the capacitor of capacitance 3.0 μF,

1. the charge on one plate of the capacitor,

charge = .......................................................... μC

2. the energy stored in the capacitor.

energy = ............................................................ J
[4]

[Total: 10]

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 m19 qp42 q6 12

6 (a) Define the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A student has three capacitors. Two of the capacitors have a capacitance of 4.0 μF and one
has a capacitance of 8.0 μF.

Draw labelled circuit diagrams, one in each case, to show how the three capacitors may be
connected to give a total capacitance of:

(i) 1.6 μF

[1]

(ii) 10 μF.

[1]

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(c) A capacitor C of capacitance 47 μF is connected across the output terminals of a bridge

rectifier, as shown in Fig. 6.1.

bridge C
R
rectifier 47 μF

Fig. 6.1

The variation with time t of the potential difference V across the resistor R is shown in Fig. 6.2.

10

8
V/V
6

0
0 t1 t2 time t

Fig. 6.2

Use data from Fig. 6.2 to determine the energy transfer from the capacitor C to the resistor R
between time t1 and time t2.

energy = ......................................................... J [3]

[Total: 7]

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 s19 qp41 q6 14

6 (a) State two different functions of capacitors in electrical circuits.

1. ...............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

2. ...............................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[2]

(b) Three uncharged capacitors of capacitances C1, C2 and C3 are connected in series with a
battery of electromotive force (e.m.f.) E and a switch, as shown in Fig. 6.1.

C1 C2 C3

plate P
charge +q

Fig. 6.1

When the switch is closed, there is a charge + q on plate P of the capacitor of capacitance C1.

Show that the combined capacitance C of the three capacitors is given by the expression
1 1 1 1
= + + .
C C1 C2 C3

[3]

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 15

(c) A student has available four capacitors, each of capacitance 20 μF.

Draw circuit diagrams, one in each case, to show how the student may connect some or all of
the capacitors to produce a combined capacitance of:

(i) 60 μF

[1]

(ii) 15 μF.

[1]

[Total: 7]

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 w19 qp41 q10 22

10 A bridge rectifier using four ideal diodes is shown in Fig. 10.1.

A
B

Fig. 10.1

The sinusoidal alternating electromotive force (e.m.f.) applied between points A and B has a root-
mean-square (r.m.s.) value of 7.0 V.

(a) (i) On Fig. 10.1, circle the diodes that conduct when point B is positive with respect to
point A. [1]

(ii) Calculate the maximum potential difference VMAX across resistor R.

VMAX = ...................................................... V [1]

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 23

(b) A capacitor is connected into the circuit to produce smoothing of the potential difference
across resistor R.

The variation with time t of the potential difference V across resistor R is shown in Fig. 10.2.

V magnitude of
ripple

0
t

Fig. 10.2

(i) On Fig. 10.1, draw the symbol for a capacitor, connected so as to produce smoothing.
[1]

(ii) State the effect, if any, on the magnitude of the ripple on V when, separately:

1. a capacitor of larger capacitance is used

...........................................................................................................................................

2. the resistor R has a smaller resistance.

...........................................................................................................................................
[2]

[Total: 5]

© UCLES 2019 9702/41/O/N/19 [Turn over

 w20 qp41 q6 14

6 (a) (i) Define the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State three functions of capacitors in electrical circuits.

1. .......................................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................................

3. .......................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) A student has available four capacitors, each of capacitance 24 μF.

The capacitors are connected as shown in Fig. 6.1.

24 μF
X

24 μF 24 μF

24 μF
Y

Fig. 6.1

Calculate the combined capacitance between the terminals X and Y.

capacitance = .................................................... μF [2]

[Total: 7]

© UCLES 2020 9702/41/O/N/20

 w20 qp42 q6 14

6 (a) (i) Define the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... [2]

(ii) State three functions of capacitors in electrical circuits.

1. .......................................................................................................................................

2. .......................................................................................................................................

3. .......................................................................................................................................
[3]

(b) A student has available three capacitors, each of capacitance 12 μF.

Draw diagrams, one in each case, to show how the student connects the capacitors to give a
combined capacitance between the terminals of:

(i) 18 μF

[1]

(ii) 8 μF.

[1]

[Total: 7]

© UCLES 2020 9702/42/O/N/20

 s21 qp41 q7 16

7 (a) State what is meant by the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) A capacitor of capacitance C is connected into the circuit shown in Fig. 7.1.

A B

sensitive
+ ammeter
V A
–
C

Fig. 7.1

When the two-way switch is in position A, the capacitor is charged so that the potential
difference across it is V.
The switch moves to position B and the capacitor fully discharges through the sensitive
ammeter.

The switch moves repeatedly between A and B so that the capacitor charges and then
discharges with frequency f.

(i) Show that the average current I in the ammeter is given by the expression

I = fCV.

[2]

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 17

(ii) For a potential difference V of 150 V and a frequency f of 60 Hz, the average current in
the ammeter is 4.8 μA.

Calculate the capacitance, in pF, of the capacitor.

capacitance = .................................................... pF [2]

(c) A second capacitor, having the same capacitance as the capacitor in (b), is connected into
the circuit of Fig. 7.1. The two capacitors are connected in series.

State and explain the new reading on the ammeter.

new reading = ......................................................... μA

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [3]

[Total: 9]

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 s21 qp42 q6 14

6 (a) Two flat metal plates are held a small distance apart by means of insulating pads, as shown
in Fig. 6.1.

metal plate

insulating
metal plate pad

Fig. 6.1

Explain how the plates could act as a capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) The arrangement in Fig. 6.1 has capacitance C.

The arrangement is connected into the circuit of Fig. 6.2.

A B

sensitive
ammeter
V A
C

Fig. 6.2

When the two-way switch is moved to position A, the capacitor is charged so that the potential
difference across it is V. When the switch moves to position B, the capacitor fully discharges
through the sensitive ammeter.

The switch moves repeatedly between A and B so that the capacitor charges and then
discharges with frequency f.

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 15

(i) Show that the average current I in the ammeter is given by

I = CVf.

[2]

(ii) For a potential difference V of 180 V and a frequency f of switching of 50 Hz, the average
current I in the ammeter is 2.5 μA.

Calculate the capacitance, in pF, of the parallel plates.

capacitance = .................................................... pF [2]

(c) A second capacitor is connected into the circuit of Fig. 6.2.

The two capacitors are connected in parallel.

State and explain the change, if any, in the average current in the ammeter.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 8]

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 w21 qp41 q6 16

6 (a) A capacitor consists of two parallel metal plates, separated by air, at a variable distance x
apart, as shown in Fig. 6.1. The capacitance C is inversely proportional to x.

x
metal plates

Fig. 6.1

The capacitor is charged by a supply so that there is a potential difference (p.d.) V between
the plates.

State expressions, in terms of C and V, for the charge Q on one of the plates and for the
energy E stored in the capacitor.

Q = ............................................. E = ............................................. [1]

(b) The charged capacitor in (a) is now disconnected from the supply. The plates of the capacitor
are initially separated by distance L. They are then moved closer together by a distance D, as
shown in Fig. 6.2.

D new position

original position

Fig. 6.2

State expressions, in terms of C, V, L and D, for:

(i) the new capacitance CN

CN = ......................................................... [1]

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(ii) the new charge QN on one of the plates

QN = ......................................................... [1]

(iii) the new p.d. VN between the plates.

VN = ......................................................... [1]

(c) Explain whether reducing the separation of the plates in (b) results in an increase or decrease
in the energy stored in the capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [1]

[Total: 5]

© UCLES 2021 9702/41/O/N/21 [Turn over

 m22 qp42 q5 15

5 The variation with potential difference V of the charge Q on one of the plates of a capacitor is
shown in Fig. 5.1.

1.8

1.6
Q / 10–4 C
1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
V/V

Fig. 5.1

The capacitor is connected to an 8.0 V power supply and two resistors R and S as shown in
Fig. 5.2.

8.0 V

R
25 kΩ

S
220 kΩ

Fig. 5.2

The resistance of R is 25 kΩ and the resistance of S is 220 kΩ.

The switch can be in either position X or position Y.

© UCLES 2022 9702/42/F/M/22 [Turn over

 16

(a) The switch is in position X so that the capacitor is fully charged.

Calculate the energy E stored in the capacitor.

E = ....................................................... J [2]

(b) The switch is now moved to position Y.

(i) Show that the time constant of the discharge circuit is 3.3 s.

[2]

(ii) The fully charged capacitor in (a) stores energy E.

Determine the time t taken for the stored energy to decrease from E to E / 9.

t = ....................................................... s [4]

© UCLES 2022 9702/42/F/M/22

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(c) A second identical capacitor is connected in parallel with the first capacitor.

State and explain the change, if any, to the time constant of the discharge circuit.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 10]

© UCLES 2022 9702/42/F/M/22 [Turn over

 s22 qp42 q5 12

5 (a) Define the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................. [2]

(b) Two capacitors, of capacitances C1 and C2, are connected in parallel to a power supply of
electromotive force (e.m.f.) E, as shown in Fig. 5.1.

C1

C2

Fig. 5.1

Show that the combined capacitance CT of the two capacitors is given by

CT = C1 + C2.

Explain your reasoning. You may draw on Fig. 5.1 if you wish.

[3]

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(c) Two capacitors of capacitances 22 μF and 47 μF, and a resistor of resistance 2.7 MΩ, are
connected into the circuit of Fig. 5.2.

12 V
X

2.7 MΩ
Y

22 μF 47 μF

Fig. 5.2

The battery has an e.m.f. of 12 V.

(i) Show that the combined capacitance of the two capacitors is 15 μF.

[1]

(ii) The two-way switch S is initially at position X, so that the capacitors are fully charged.

Use the information in (c)(i) to calculate the total energy stored in the two capacitors.

total energy = ...................................................... J [2]

(iii) The two-way switch is now moved to position Y.

Determine the time taken for the potential difference (p.d.) across the 22 μF capacitor to
become 6.0 V.

time = ...................................................... s [3]

[Total: 11]
© UCLES 2022 9702/42/M/J/22 [Turn over
 Markschemes - Capacitance

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