Question 22M.2.HL.TZ1.8b.ii
| Date | May 2022 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 1] | Reference code | 22M.2.HL.TZ1.8b.ii |
| Level | HL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | TZ1 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | b.ii | Adapted from | N/A |
Two capacitors C1 and C2 of capacitance 28 µF and 22 µF respectively are connected in a circuit with a two-way switch and a cell of emf 1.5 V with a negligible internal resistance. The capacitors are initially uncharged. The switch is then connected to position A.
The switch is moved to position B.
Explain why the energy gained by capacitor C2 differs from your answer in (b)(i).
[1]
energy transferred to electromagnetic radiation «to environment»
OR
energy is transferred as thermal energy / heat «to circuit components» ✓
This question used an "explain" command term, so examiners were looking for more than a generic "energy was lost". Candidates needed to specify a form of energy that was lost (such as thermal energy) for the mark. A very common incorrect response was simply stating that the difference was due to the capacitors having a different capacitance.
