Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section
Charging materials by friction
16 practice questions
Practice questions
1–8 of 8 · Normal
Question 1
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student wants to separate conductors from insulators using a test circuit with a lamp.
(a)[1 mark]State two materials that would make the lamp light in this circuit.
(b)[1 mark]State two materials that would NOT make the lamp light in this circuit.
(c)[2 marks]Explain why the materials stated in part (a) are conductors of electricity, while those in part (b) are not.
Question 2
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Two students rub a plastic rod with a cloth, then observe that small pieces of paper are attracted to the rod.
(a)[1 mark]State the type of material (conductor or insulator) the plastic rod must be to become charged by friction.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why only certain materials can become charged by friction.
(c)[1 mark]Describe how the rod attracts the small pieces of paper.
Question 3
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain, in terms of electrons, how a polythene rod becomes negatively charged when rubbed with a woolen cloth.
Question 4
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A plastic ruler is tested in a circuit as shown.
Testing a material for conductivity (a)[2 marks]Describe the change in brightness of the lamp if a copper rod replaces the plastic ruler. Explain your answer.
(b)[1 mark]Suggest another material you could test that would behave the same as copper.
Question 5
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Describe an experiment to investigate how a balloon can be charged by friction and tested for its charge. Include at least three steps and identify the expected result.
(a)[2 marks]Describe the steps needed to charge the balloon by friction.
(b)[1 mark]Explain how to test if the balloon is charged.
(c)[1 mark]State what you would observe if your test is successful.
Question 6
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which subatomic particle is transferred when a plastic rod is charged by friction?
- A.Electron
- B.Proton
- C.Neutron
- D.Nucleus
Question 7
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A plastic ruler is charged by rubbing it with a duster. The ruler can then pick up small pieces of paper.
(a)[2 marks]Explain why the charged ruler attracts the paper pieces, even if they are uncharged.
Question 8
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A metal spoon and a plastic comb are rubbed with a woolen jumper. Only the comb becomes charged.
(a)[3 marks]Explain why the plastic comb becomes charged but the metal spoon does not.