Answers to AQA GCSE Static Electricity

Practice Questions

1.Define the term static electricity

Static electricity is the build up of electric charges on the surface of an insulator. 

2.Explain how some insulators can become electrically charged

When some insulators are rubbed together, electrons are transferred from one insulator to the other insulator. 

The insulator that loses electrons will gain a positive charge. The insulator that gains electrons will form a negative charge.

3. Material X was rubbed against material Y. Material X gained electrons from Y. 

State which material will have a 

Positive charge overall: Material Y

Negative charge overall: Material X