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GCSE Questions: Static Electricity

Q2.

(a)     The diagram shows a polythene rod being rubbed with a woollen cloth.

The polythene rod becomes negatively charged. Explain how this happens.

[2 marks]

(b)     A student put the charged polythene rod onto a balance.

The rod was separated from the metal pan of the balance by a thin block of insulating material.

The student then held a second charged polythene rod above, but not touching, the first rod. The reading on the balance increased.

(i)      Explain why the reading on the balance increases.

(2 marks)

(ii)     The student observed that the nearer the two rods are to each other, the bigger the increase in the balance reading. What should the student conclude from this observation?

(2 marks)

 

[Total 6 marks]