Uses of static electricity
2 marks · NormalInkjet printers use static electricity to control where drops of ink land on the paper. Explain how electrostatic forces help form the image on the paper.
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Each drop of ink is given an electric charge. The charged droplet passes between electrically charged deflection plates. The electrostatic forces act on the drop, changing its path so that it lands in the desired position, allowing pictures and words to be printed.
Common mistakes: Mixing up magnetic and electrostatic forces; Forgetting to mention ink drops are charged
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that ink drops are charged
B1 · 1 mark · States that electrostatic forces direct drops to the correct position via charged deflection plates
Worked solution
Each ink drop receives an electric charge. When passing between charged deflection plates, electrostatic forces push or pull the charged drops so they land in the correct places on the paper, forming images and words.