Starter quiz
- 1. Which of these materials is a good electrical conductor?
- plastic
- glass
- rubber
- copper ✓
-
- What is an insulator?
- a material that does not allow electricity to pass through ✓
- a device that generates electricity
- a material that allows electricity to pass through
- a type of battery
-
- Which of the following are carry a charge?
- atom
- proton ✓
- neutron
- electron ✓
-
- Which of the following statements about the structure of an atom is correct?
- protons orbit the nucleus
- electrons have a relative mass of 1
- electrons are located in the nucleus
- electrons orbit the nucleus ✓
-
- What is the charge on an electron?
- positive
- negative ✓
- neutral
-
- What happens when you rub your hands together quickly?
- they get colder
- they heat up due to friction ✓
- they become electrically charged
- they start glowing
-
Exit quiz
- Which of the following things need to be done to electrostatically charge a plastic ruler?
- connect it to a 9 V battery with a wire
- connect it to 230 V mains electricity
- rub it with aluminium foil
- rub it with a cloth ✓
-
- Which two of the following are the types of electrostatic charge?
- neutral
- positive ✓
- negative ✓
- north
- south
-
A charged ruler is able to pick up the uncharged pieces of paper as shown. Which of the following statements is correct?- there is an electrostatic force of attraction between the ruler and paper ✓
- there is an magnetic force of attraction between the ruler and paper
- there is an gravitational force of attraction between the ruler and paper
-
Which of the following statements can correctly describe the ruler shown? Select all that apply.- the ruler is electrostatically charged ✓
- the ruler has a positive and negative terminal
- the ruler has a positive charge ✓
- the ruler is magnetic
-
Which of the following will the two balloons shown experience due to their electrical charges?- an upward force
- a downward force
- a force of attraction ✓
- a force of repulsion
-
The ends of the plastic strip shown are pushing away from each other. Which of the following statements can explain why? Select all that apply.- the plastic strip is charged ✓
- the charge on both ends of the strip is the same ✓
- the strip has been rubbed with cloth ✓
- the strip has been magnetised
- like charges repel ✓
-
Worksheet
Presentation
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Some objects can be charged by rubbing with certain materials.
- Objects with a static electric charge can exert a force on other objects (that contain electric charge).
- The electrostatic force acts at a distance.
- Objects with opposite electric charges attract each other.
- Objects with the same electric charge as each other repel each other.
Common misconception
Pupils often think that ‘negative’ refers to a neutral material, that there is only one type of charge, and that friction creates charge.
Pupils need a secure understanding of the particle model of matter before being introduced to atomic structure. Using dynamic models to help pupils visualise what happens to negative charge can support their progression in understanding.
Keywords
Static electricity - Static electricity is caused by the build-up of charge on insulators.
Positive charge - A positive charge is a type of electrical charge that is attracted to a negative charge.
Negative charge - A negative charge is a type of electrical charge that is attracted to a positive charge.
Electrostatic force - The electrostatic force is a force that acts between charges.