ELECTRIC CHARGE

1 mark · Easy

Explain what happens when a negatively charged balloon is brought near small pieces of paper.

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The paper is attracted to the balloon because a charge is induced on the paper.

Also accept: The balloon induces opposite charges on the surface of the paper, so they attract.; Electrons in the paper are repelled, causing attraction to the balloon.

Common mistakes: Both objects become negatively charged and repel.; Nothing happens

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · Describes correctly that the pieces of paper are attracted because charge is induced on them.

Worked solution

A negatively charged balloon induces a positive charge on the side of the paper closest to it, causing the paper to be attracted.