 CIE IGCSE Physics

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4.2.2 Demonstrating Electric Charges

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Demonstrating Electrostatic Charges

Electrostatic repulsion is caused by the force between charges
When these charges are the same as each other, they repel (push apart)
In simple experiments showing the production of electrostatic charges by friction, insulating
solids such as plastics are given a charge
This is done using friction to transfer electrons from the surface
By removing electrons, which have negative charge, the insulator is left with a positive charge

Method:

Suspend one of the insulating materials using a cradle and a length of string so that the material
can rotate freely
Rub one end of the material using a cloth (in order to give it a charge)
Now take a second piece of insulating material and charge that by rubbing with a cloth
Hold the charged end of the second piece close to the charged end of the rst piece:
If the rst piece rotates away (is repelled) from the second piece then the materials have
the same charge
If the rst piece moved towards (is attracted to) the second piece then they have opposite
charges


Exam Tip
Experimental demonstrations, such as the one above, are different from experiments in
which you have to take measurements. In the case of this demonstration your results are
your observations.

When describing a demonstration you should state a conclusion – in other words, explain
what you expect to happen and what it means.

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Author: Lindsay
Lindsay graduated with First Class Honours from the University
of Greenwich and earned her Science Communication MSc at
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a Head of Physics and Examiner for A Level and IGCSE Physics
(and Biology!), her love of communicating, educating and
Physics has brought her to Save My Exams where she hopes to
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