Photo AI
A student wins a trophy - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 1
A student wins a trophy. It is a metal cup on a black plastic base. The student cleans the trophy. She holds one of the metal handles and rubs the rest of the troph... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student wins a trophy - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 1 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer.
Answer
The plastic base becomes negatively charged because it gains B electrons. When the rubber cloth is used to rub against the plastic base, electrons are transferred from the cloth to the base, resulting in the base acquiring a negative charge.
Step 2
Explain why the base gains a negative charge when she rubs the trophy with the cloth.
Answer
The plastic base gains a negative charge due to the transfer of electrons. When the cloth is rubbed against the plastic, it causes the electrons to move from the cloth to the plastic base. This transfer results in an excess of electrons on the plastic base, giving it a negative charge.
Step 3
Suggest why the cup does not become charged.
Answer
The metal cup does not become charged when she rubs the trophy because metals are good conductors of electricity. They allow electrons to move freely. When friction is applied, any charge produced tends to dissipate quickly due to the movement of electrons back and forth, preventing the cup from holding a charge.