ElectricityAQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Static Electricity

Work through the notes, try the practice questions, then take the quiz. The report tells you exactly what to revise next. (2026)

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Master the topic

Worked examples4 Definitions6 Common mistakes5

Step-by-step worked examples

01.Charging a polythene rod
Foundation
Question
A polythene rod is rubbed with a duster. After rubbing, the rod is found to be negative. Explain what has happened in terms of electron transfer.
Solution
1. 1
  Identify the direction of electron transfer.
  $\text{Electrons moved from the duster to the rod.}$
2. 2
  Charge outcome.
  $\text{Rod gained electrons → negative; duster lost electrons → positive.}$
Answer
Electrons transferred FROM the duster TO the rod. The rod gained electrons and so is negatively charged; the duster lost electrons and so is positively charged.
02.Why a spark forms
Higher
Question
A person walks across a nylon carpet and then reaches for a metal door handle. A small spark jumps to the handle. Explain.
Solution
1. 1
  Friction.
  $\text{Friction between shoes and carpet transferred electrons; the person became charged.}$
2. 2
  Large p.d.
  $\text{The p.d. between the charged person and the (earthed) metal handle became very large.}$
3. 3
  Ionisation.
  $\text{Just before contact, the p.d. across the small air gap was enough to ionise air molecules.}$
4. 4
  Spark.
  $\text{Ionised air conducts briefly, allowing charge to flow as a spark.}$
Answer
Friction charges the person. As they reach the metal handle, the p.d. across the air gap ionises air; the ionised air conducts and a spark transfers charge to earth.
Examiner note
Mention 'ionises the air' for top-band marks.
03.Field around a positive charge
Foundation
Question
Draw the electric-field pattern around a single positive point charge. Include arrows.
Solution
1. 1
  Pattern.
  $\text{Radiate lines outwards from the charge in all directions.}$
2. 2
  Direction.
  $\text{All arrows POINT AWAY from the charge (direction a positive test charge would move).}$
Answer
Lines radiate outwards in all directions; arrowheads point away from the charge.
04.Parallel plate field
Higher
Question
Two parallel plates are oppositely charged. Describe and sketch the field between them.
Solution
1. 1
  Direction.
  $\text{From the + plate to the − plate.}$
2. 2
  Shape.
  $\text{Uniform — straight parallel evenly-spaced lines in the central region.}$
3. 3
  Edges.
  $\text{Field lines curve outward and weaken near the edges.}$
Answer
Parallel evenly-spaced lines from + plate to − plate, curving outward at the edges. Field is uniform in the middle.

Practice with flashcards

Card 1 of 60 known · 0 to review

Key definitions and keywords

Charging by frictionExaminer keyword: Transfer of electrons between two insulators when rubbed together. One becomes positive, the other negative.
Like chargesExaminer keyword: Two charges of the same sign (++ or −−). They repel.
Spark: A brief conduction through ionised air when the p.d. across an air gap exceeds the air's breakdown value.
Electric fieldExaminer keyword: A region of space in which a charged object experiences a force.
Electric field lineExaminer keyword: A line showing the direction a small positive test charge would move; from + to −. Closer lines = stronger field.
Uniform field: A region in which the electric field has the same strength and direction at every point. Found between parallel charged plates.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Mistake
Saying protons transfer during friction.
Why it happens
Confusing electrons with positive charge.
How to avoid it
Protons are locked in the nucleus and don't move at GCSE level. ELECTRONS transfer.
Mistake
Saying metal rods become statically charged when rubbed.
Why it happens
Forgetting that conductors let charge spread.
How to avoid it
Conductors discharge instantly via your hand. Insulators (polythene, acetate) retain the charge.
Mistake
Drawing field lines from − to +.
Why it happens
Confusing convention with electron flow.
How to avoid it
Field lines follow conventional current direction: + to −.
Mistake
Forgetting arrows.
Why it happens
Rushed sketches.
How to avoid it
Always add arrowheads; without them the lines are meaningless.
Mistake
Drawing curved lines between parallel plates.
Why it happens
Default to radial pattern.
How to avoid it
Between plates the field is UNIFORM — straight parallel lines (curve only at edges).

ElectricityAQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Static Electricity

Work through the notes, try the practice questions, then take the quiz. The report tells you exactly what to revise next. (2026)

PreviousNext

Master the topic

Worked examples4 Definitions6 Common mistakes5

Step-by-step worked examples

01.Charging a polythene rod
Foundation
Question
A polythene rod is rubbed with a duster. After rubbing, the rod is found to be negative. Explain what has happened in terms of electron transfer.
Solution
1. 1
  Identify the direction of electron transfer.
  $\text{Electrons moved from the duster to the rod.}$
2. 2
  Charge outcome.
  $\text{Rod gained electrons → negative; duster lost electrons → positive.}$
Answer
Electrons transferred FROM the duster TO the rod. The rod gained electrons and so is negatively charged; the duster lost electrons and so is positively charged.
02.Why a spark forms
Higher
Question
A person walks across a nylon carpet and then reaches for a metal door handle. A small spark jumps to the handle. Explain.
Solution
1. 1
  Friction.
  $\text{Friction between shoes and carpet transferred electrons; the person became charged.}$
2. 2
  Large p.d.
  $\text{The p.d. between the charged person and the (earthed) metal handle became very large.}$
3. 3
  Ionisation.
  $\text{Just before contact, the p.d. across the small air gap was enough to ionise air molecules.}$
4. 4
  Spark.
  $\text{Ionised air conducts briefly, allowing charge to flow as a spark.}$
Answer
Friction charges the person. As they reach the metal handle, the p.d. across the air gap ionises air; the ionised air conducts and a spark transfers charge to earth.
Examiner note
Mention 'ionises the air' for top-band marks.
03.Field around a positive charge
Foundation
Question
Draw the electric-field pattern around a single positive point charge. Include arrows.
Solution
1. 1
  Pattern.
  $\text{Radiate lines outwards from the charge in all directions.}$
2. 2
  Direction.
  $\text{All arrows POINT AWAY from the charge (direction a positive test charge would move).}$
Answer
Lines radiate outwards in all directions; arrowheads point away from the charge.
04.Parallel plate field
Higher
Question
Two parallel plates are oppositely charged. Describe and sketch the field between them.
Solution
1. 1
  Direction.
  $\text{From the + plate to the − plate.}$
2. 2
  Shape.
  $\text{Uniform — straight parallel evenly-spaced lines in the central region.}$
3. 3
  Edges.
  $\text{Field lines curve outward and weaken near the edges.}$
Answer
Parallel evenly-spaced lines from + plate to − plate, curving outward at the edges. Field is uniform in the middle.

Practice with flashcards

Card 1 of 60 known · 0 to review

Key definitions and keywords

Charging by frictionExaminer keyword: Transfer of electrons between two insulators when rubbed together. One becomes positive, the other negative.
Like chargesExaminer keyword: Two charges of the same sign (++ or −−). They repel.
Spark: A brief conduction through ionised air when the p.d. across an air gap exceeds the air's breakdown value.
Electric fieldExaminer keyword: A region of space in which a charged object experiences a force.
Electric field lineExaminer keyword: A line showing the direction a small positive test charge would move; from + to −. Closer lines = stronger field.
Uniform field: A region in which the electric field has the same strength and direction at every point. Found between parallel charged plates.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Mistake
Saying protons transfer during friction.
Why it happens
Confusing electrons with positive charge.
How to avoid it
Protons are locked in the nucleus and don't move at GCSE level. ELECTRONS transfer.
Mistake
Saying metal rods become statically charged when rubbed.
Why it happens
Forgetting that conductors let charge spread.
How to avoid it
Conductors discharge instantly via your hand. Insulators (polythene, acetate) retain the charge.
Mistake
Drawing field lines from − to +.
Why it happens
Confusing convention with electron flow.
How to avoid it
Field lines follow conventional current direction: + to −.
Mistake
Forgetting arrows.
Why it happens
Rushed sketches.
How to avoid it
Always add arrowheads; without them the lines are meaningless.
Mistake
Drawing curved lines between parallel plates.
Why it happens
Default to radial pattern.
How to avoid it
Between plates the field is UNIFORM — straight parallel lines (curve only at edges).

Static Electricity

Master the topic

Step-by-step worked examples

01.Charging a polythene rod

02.Why a spark forms

03.Field around a positive charge

04.Parallel plate field

Practice with flashcards

Key definitions and keywords

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Static Electricity

Master the topic

Step-by-step worked examples

01.Charging a polythene rod

02.Why a spark forms

03.Field around a positive charge

04.Parallel plate field

Practice with flashcards

Key definitions and keywords

Common mistakes and misconceptions