A light, polystyrene ball is coated with a thin layer of metal - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 2
A light, polystyrene ball is coated with a thin layer of metal.
Diagram 1 shows the ball on a metal plate.
In diagram 2, the plate has been charged and the ball is r... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A light, polystyrene ball is coated with a thin layer of metal - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
State the sign of the charge on the ball as it moves upwards.
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Answer
The charge on the ball is positive as it moves upwards.
Step 2
Explain why the ball moves upwards.
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Answer
The ball moves upwards due to the repulsion between the positive charge on the ball and the positive charge on the plate. Since both have the same charge, they repel each other, causing the ball to move away from the plate.
Step 3
Explain how the ball loses its charge.
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Answer
The ball loses its charge when it hits the earthed lid because electrons from the ball move to the lid. This movement neutralizes the positive charge on the ball.
