Question 1

Why does a balloon stick to a wall after being rubbed?

Accepted Answer

When you rub a balloon on your hair, electrons transfer from your hair to the balloon, giving the balloon a negative charge. The wall is neutral, but the negative balloon repels electrons in the wall, leaving the surface near the balloon positively charged. The opposite charges attract, so the balloon sticks. This is an example of charging by induction.

Question 2

What is the difference between static electricity and current electricity?

Accepted Answer

Static electricity involves charges that are stationary, usually on insulators, and is caused by an imbalance of charge. Current electricity involves a continuous flow of charge (usually electrons) through a conductor, like in a circuit. Static electricity is typically high voltage but low current, while current electricity can have varying voltages and currents.

Question 3

How does a lightning conductor work?

Accepted Answer

A lightning conductor is a metal rod attached to the highest point of a building, connected to the ground by a thick metal cable. During a thunderstorm, the conductor provides a low-resistance path for the huge static charge to flow safely into the Earth, preventing damage to the building. The sharp point of the rod also helps to discharge the cloud gradually by ionising the air.

Question 4

Why do you sometimes get a shock when you touch a metal door handle?

Accepted Answer

You build up static charge on your body by walking on a carpet (friction between your shoes and the carpet transfers electrons). When you touch a metal door handle, which is a conductor, the charge flows rapidly from your body to the handle, causing a small electric shock. This is a discharge of static electricity.

Question 5

What is an electric field and how do you draw it?

Accepted Answer

An electric field is a region where a charged object experiences a force. To draw it, you use field lines: arrows that show the direction a positive test charge would move. Lines start on positive charges and end on negative charges. They are closer together where the field is stronger. For a single point charge, lines radiate outward (positive) or inward (negative).

Question 6

Can static electricity be useful?

Accepted Answer

Yes, static electricity has many practical applications. For example, electrostatic precipitators remove dust from factory chimneys by charging the dust particles and attracting them to oppositely charged plates. Photocopiers use static electricity to attract toner to paper. Spray painting uses electrostatic charge to ensure paint evenly coats a surface, reducing waste.

Topic 11 – Static electricity

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

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Related Topics in EDEXCEL GCSE Physics

Topic 1 – Key concepts of physics

Topic 10 – Electricity and circuits

Topic 12 – Magnetism and the motor effect

Topic 13 – Electromagnetic induction

How to Revise Topic 11 – Static electricity — Edexcel GCSE Physics

Examiner Tips for Topic 11 – Static electricity

Common Mistakes in Topic 11 – Static electricity

Key Marking Points