Problems with static electricity
2 marks · NormalExplain why you might receive a small electric shock after getting out of a car on a dry day.
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Friction between your clothing and the car seat causes you to become charged with static electricity. When you touch the metal car door, the charge suddenly flows to earth, causing a small shock.
Also accept: Rubbing against the car seat builds up static. Touching the car releases the charge as a shock.
Common mistakes: Not mentioning friction or static build-up.; Describing the shock as unavoidable.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that friction causes static charge build-up.
B2 · 1 mark · States that charge flows to earth causing a shock when metal is touched.
Worked solution
Static charge builds up on your body due to friction between clothing and the seat. When you touch a metal part of the car, the charge flows rapidly to earth, causing a small shock.