Uses of static electricity
2 marks · NormalA plastic rod is charged and held near a thin stream of water from a tap. Describe what happens to the stream, and explain why this occurs.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
The stream of water bends towards the charged rod. The rod induces a charge on the water, creating an attraction between the rod and the water.
Also accept: The water is attracted to the charged plastic rod; An induced charge explains the attraction
Common mistakes: Saying water is repelled or only stating 'static attracts water' without induced charge
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that the stream of water is attracted/bends towards the rod
B1 · 1 mark · Explains that the rod induces a charge on the water, which causes the attraction
Worked solution
The water bends towards the rod because the charged rod induces opposite charges on the side of the water, resulting in an attraction.