Uses of static electricity
3 marks · EasyState one use of electrostatic charges in daily life (other than paint spraying or inkjet printers).
Briefly describe how static electricity is useful in the example you have stated.
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.
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(a) Photocopier (or air purifier, or electrostatic dust removal)
(b) In a photocopier, static electricity charges part of a drum so that toner (powdered ink) sticks only to the charged areas, forming the image to be copied onto paper.
Also accept: Photocopier, air purifier, or electrostatic dust removal
Common mistakes: Listing an example but not explaining the role of static electricity.
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Gives a valid example of a use of static electricity (other than paint spraying or inkjet printing).
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Mentions how the material/object is charged (e.g., drum or air).
B3 (b) · 1 mark · Explains how the static charge helps achieve the useful effect (e.g., attracts toner or dust).
Worked solution
a) Photocopier. b) In a photocopier, a drum is given a static charge in the shape of the image to be copied. Toner particles are attracted to the charged parts of the drum, and then transferred to paper to make the copy.