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An electrostatic dust precipitator uses static electricity to remove smoke particles from gases before the gases are released from a chimney in a factory - OCR Gateway - GCSE Physics - Question 22 - 2023 - Paper 3
Question 22
An electrostatic dust precipitator uses static electricity to remove smoke particles from gases before the gases are released from a chimney in a factory. The diagr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:An electrostatic dust precipitator uses static electricity to remove smoke particles from gases before the gases are released from a chimney in a factory - OCR Gateway - GCSE Physics - Question 22 - 2023 - Paper 3
Step 1
Explain how the precipitator removes the smoke particles when the gases move upwards through the chimney.
Answer
The electrostatic dust precipitator works by utilizing the principles of static electricity and charge interactions. When smoke particles move upwards through the chimney, they first pass through a negatively charged metal grid. This negatively charged grid induces a positive charge on the neutral smoke particles due to charge separation.
As the positively charged smoke particles approach the positively charged metal collector at the top, they are attracted to it. This process results in the deposition of the smoke particles on the collector, effectively removing them from the gas stream before the gases are released into the atmosphere.
Step 2
Suggest why many scientists think these precipitators should be fitted to all factory chimneys.
Answer
Scientists advocate for fitting electrostatic precipitators to all factory chimneys largely because they significantly reduce air pollution. By removing harmful smoke particles, these devices contribute to improved air quality and public health. Additionally, they help factories comply with environmental regulations by minimizing emissions.
Step 3
Why are high voltages dangerous?
Answer
High voltages are dangerous because they can lead to electrical shocks or arcs that can cause severe injury or even death. Additionally, high voltages can ignite flammable materials, causing fires or explosions if proper safety measures are not followed.
Step 4
Calculate the current in the collectors.
Answer
To find the current, we can use the equation:
ext{Current} = rac{ ext{Charge Flow}}{ ext{Time}}
Given that the charge flow is 360 C and the time is 2 minutes (which is 120 seconds):
ext{Current} = rac{360 ext{ C}}{120 ext{ s}} = 3 ext{ A}
Therefore, the current in the collectors is 3 A.