Quick answer: Static electricity is electric charge that builds up on insulators when electrons are transferred by rubbing. This Physics 9-10 test on static electricity has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: forces between charges, charge in a circuit and field lines. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
This test covers charging by friction, field lines, sparks and Q = I × t. Also, show your working, give units and use e = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C. Finally, the paper is worth 20 marks.
Level: Physics grades 9-10 (GCSE · IGCSE · O Level · Class 9-10) · Curriculum: GCSE P2, HS-PS2-4
Question 1 Forces between charges (2 marks)
- Firstly, state the rule for the force between two charged objects. (1 mark)
- Then a cloth is rubbed on a rod and the rod becomes negative. State which particles moved and the charge on the cloth. (1 mark)
Question 2 Charge in a circuit (3 marks)
- Firstly, a current of 0.20 A flows for 3.0 minutes. Calculate the charge that flows. (2 marks)
- Then calculate how many electrons this is. Afterwards, the charge of an electron is 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C. (1 mark)
Question 3 Field lines (3 marks)
Firstly, the diagram shows a negatively charged sphere.
- Firstly, draw four arrowheads to show the direction of the field. (1 mark)
- Then state what the spacing of field lines shows. (1 mark)
- Finally, describe what happens to a small positive charge placed near the sphere. (1 mark)
Question 4 Car door shock (3 marks)
Wanjiru slides across the car seat, gets out and gets a small shock from the metal door. Then explain why this happens. (3 marks)
Question 5 Spark current (3 marks)
Firstly, a spark carries 6.0 × 10⁻⁸ C in 2.0 × 10⁻⁶ s. Then calculate the average current. (3 marks)
Question 6 Earthing aircraft (2 marks)
Explain why engineers earth an aircraft before they pump fuel into it. (2 marks)
Question 7 Using static charge (2 marks)
Describe one use of electrostatics and also explain why charge is useful in it. (2 marks)
Question 8 Number of electrons (2 marks)
A balloon holds a charge of 4.8 × 10⁻⁹ C. Then calculate the number of extra electrons on it. (2 marks)
