Charging materials by friction

1 mark · Easy

State whether each of the following is a conductor or an insulator: aluminum foil, plastic cup.

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Aluminum foil: conductor; plastic cup: insulator.

Also accept: aluminium foil: conductor; plastic cup: insulator; Al foil: conductor; plastic: insulator

Common mistakes: Both listed as conductors; Both listed as insulators; Confused plastic as conductor

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · 1 mark for both answers correct: aluminum foil (conductor), plastic cup (insulator)

Worked solution

Aluminum foil is a conductor because it is a metal. Plastic cup is an insulator because plastic does not allow electricity to flow.