Paper 2 - Electricity

Question 1

What are some common electrically conductive materials?

Answer 1

• Aluminium
• Copper
• Gold
• Silver

Question 2

What are some common insulating materials?

Answer 2

• Glass
• PVC Plastic
• Rubber
• Polyethene plastic

Question 3

What are the forces between charges?

Answer 3

• Like charges repel
• Unlike charges attract

Question 4

Explain electrostatic phenomena in terms of the movement of electrons.

Answer 4

• 2 materials rub together so electrons can be transferred from one material to another
• The materials with a stronger attraction for electrons will gain electrons so it is negatively charged
• The other material loses electrons so it is positively charged
• The 2 materials are now oppositely charged so they have an electrostatic force of attraction

Question 5

What are the uses of electrostatic charges, e.g., spray painting and inkjet printers?

Answer 5

• Spray painting - Paint droplets are charged oppositely to the intended surface so they are electrostatically attracted and the paint will coat the surface well
• Photocopier/Inkjet Printer - Ink particles are oppositely charged to the paper so they have an electrostatic force of attraction

Question 6

What are the potential dangers of electrostatic charges when fueling aircraft and tankers?

Answer 6

• Friction from fuel rushing the hose
• Can cause a spark to fly
• Spark could ignite the fuel and set the aircraft tankers alight