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This question is about static electricity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 1
This question is about static electricity. (a) Draw on Figure 1 the shape and direction of the electric field due to the positive point charge. (b) A student rubs ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about static electricity - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Draw on Figure 1 the shape and direction of the electric field due to the positive point charge.
Answer
To correctly represent the electric field due to a positive point charge:
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Draw at least three straight lines radiating outward from the charge symbol in Figure 1. Ensure that these lines are straight and do not curve.
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Each line should end with an arrow pointing away from the charge. This indicates the direction of the electric field, which always moves away from positive charges.
Step 2
Explain how the ruler becomes positively charged.
Answer
The plastic ruler becomes positively charged due to the process of friction when rubbed against the woolly jumper:
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During this friction, electrons (which are negatively charged) are transferred from the ruler to the jumper. This is because materials with different affinities for electrons interact chemically, leading to charge transfer.
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As a result of losing electrons, the rubber becomes positively charged while the jumper accumulates excess electrons and becomes negatively charged.