Static and charge (P3.1) | OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) — Foundation (J249)

P3.1 Static and charge

Summary Having established the nature of matter, consideration is now given to the interactions between matter and electrostatic fields. These interactions are derived from the structure of matter which was considered in Topic P1. The generation of charge is considered. Charge is a fundamental property of matter. There are two types of charge which are given the names ‘positive’ and ‘negative’. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners should be aware of electron transfer leading to objects becoming statically charged and the forces between them. They should also be aware of the existence of an electric field.

Common misconceptions Learners commonly have difficulty classifying materials as insulators or conductors. They find it difficult to remember that positive charge does not move to make a material positive, rather it is the movement of electrons.

Reference	Mathematical learning outcomes	Mathematical skills
$PM3.1i$	$\text{charge flow (C)}=\text{current (A)}\times\text{time (s)}$

recall and apply:

\text{charge flow (C)}=\text{current (A)}\times\text{time (s)}

M1a, M2a, M3a, M3b, M3c, M3d

Learning outcomes	To include	Maths	Working scientifically	Practical suggestions
$P3.1a describe that charge is a property of all matter and that there are positive and negative charges$	$the understanding that in most bodies there are an equal number of positive and negative charges resulting in the body having zero net charge$		$WS1.1b, WS1.1e, WS1.2a, WS1.3e, WS2a$	$Use of charged rods to repel or attract one another. Use of a charged rod to deflect water or pick up paper. Discussion of why charged balloons are attracted to walls.$
$P3.1b describe the production of static electricity, and sparking, by rubbing surfaces, and evidence that charged objects exert forces of attraction or repulsion on one another when not in contact$	$the understanding that static charge only builds up on insulators$		$WS1.1b, WS1.1e, WS1.2a, WS1.3e$	$Use of a Van de Graaff generator.$
$P3.1c explain how transfer of electrons between objects can explain the phenomena of static electricity$			$WS1.1b, WS1.3e, WS1.3f, WS2a$	$Use of the gold leaf electroscope and a charged rod to observe and discuss behaviour.$
$P3.1d ☑ explain the concept of an electric field and how it helps to explain the phenomena of static electricity$	$how electric fields relate to the forces of attraction and repulsion$	$M5b$	$WS1.3e$	$Demonstration of semolina on castor oil to show electric fields.$
$P3.1e recall that current is a rate of flow of charge (electrons) and the conditions needed for charge to flow$	$conditions for charge to flow: source of potential difference and a closed circuit$
$P3.1f recall that current has the same value at any point in a single closed loop$
$P3.1g recall and use the relationship between quantity of charge, current and time$		$M1a, M2a, M3a, M3b, M3c, M3d$

P3.1a describe that charge is a property of all matter and that there are positive and negative charges

the understanding that in most bodies there are an equal number of positive and negative charges resulting in the body having zero net charge

WS1.1b, WS1.1e, WS1.2a, WS1.3e, WS2a

Use of charged rods to repel or attract one another. Use of a charged rod to deflect water or pick up paper. Discussion of why charged balloons are attracted to walls.

P3.1b describe the production of static electricity, and sparking, by rubbing surfaces, and evidence that charged objects exert forces of attraction or repulsion on one another when not in contact

the understanding that static charge only builds up on insulators

WS1.1b, WS1.1e, WS1.2a, WS1.3e

Use of a Van de Graaff generator.

P3.1c explain how transfer of electrons between objects can explain the phenomena of static electricity

WS1.1b, WS1.3e, WS1.3f, WS2a

Use of the gold leaf electroscope and a charged rod to observe and discuss behaviour.

P3.1d ☑ explain the concept of an electric field and how it helps to explain the phenomena of static electricity

how electric fields relate to the forces of attraction and repulsion

Demonstration of semolina on castor oil to show electric fields.

P3.1e recall that current is a rate of flow of charge (electrons) and the conditions needed for charge to flow

conditions for charge to flow: source of potential difference and a closed circuit

P3.1f recall that current has the same value at any point in a single closed loop

P3.1g recall and use the relationship between quantity of charge, current and time

M1a, M2a, M3a, M3b, M3c, M3d

Static and charge

Next Steps

Learning Objectives