P4.1 Electrical charges and fields

Question 1

What is an ion?

Answer 1

A charged atom

Question 2

Why happens when you rub a polythene rod with a dry cloth?

Answer 2

Transfer electrons to the surface atoms of the rod from the cloth
Polyethene rod becomes negatively charged

Question 3

What happens when you rub a perspex rod with a dry cloth?

Answer 3

Transfer electrons from the surface atoms of the rod on to the cloth
The perspex rod becomes positively charged

Question 4

What does a charged object create?

Answer 4

An electric field around itself

Question 5

What is the electric field of a positively charged ion?

Answer 5

Lines point away from the centre of the charged sphere

Question 6

How are sparks created?

Answer 6

Some electrons are pulled out of air molecules by the force of the field - these electrons hit other air molecules and knock electrons out of them

Question 7

What do like charges do?

Answer 7

Repel

Question 8

What do unlike charges do?

Answer 8

Attract