AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2024: Question 1
8 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Calculate the energy transferred by a spark from a static electricity generator given the potential difference and charge flow, and answer multiple-choice questions about static electricity concepts.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
01 Figure 1 shows a static electricity generator.
Figure 1
The rubber belt is turned by a motor.
As the rubber belt moves, charge is transferred from the rubber belt to the3
metal dome.
Figure 2 shows a student touching the metal dome of the static electricity generator.
The dome is negatively charged.
Figure 2
01.1 Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
negative neutral positive
When the student touches the negatively charged metal dome the student’s hair
gains a charge.
01.2 Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
attraction gravity repulsion
*03* 5
The hair on the student’s head stands up because the strands of hair experience
Figure 3 shows the negatively charged metal dome and an earthed conductor.
forces of .
Figure 3
01.3 Which of the following diagrams shows the electric field pattern around the negatively
charged metal dome?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
01.4 The air between the dome and the earthed conductor is an insulator.
Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
efficiency resistance temperature
The air between the dome and the earthed conductor has6
a high .
The earthed conductor is moved closer to the metal dome.
A spark jumps from the dome to the earthed conductor.
01.5 Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
earthed ionised neutral
The spark jumps because the air around the charged dome has
become .
01.6 Which particles are transferred when the spark jumps from the negatively charged
metal dome to the earthed conductor?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
Electrons
Neutrons
Protons
01.7 The potential difference between the metal dome and earth is 300 000 V.
When the spark jumps there is a charge flow of 0.000 002 C.
Calculate the energy transferred by the spark.
Use the equation:
energy transferred = charge flow × potential difference
[2 marks]
*06* Energy transferred = J
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 1
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
01.1 negative 1 AO1
4.2.5.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
01.2 repulsion 1 AO1
4.2.5.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
01.3 1 AO1
4.2.5.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
01.4 resistance 1 AO1
4.2.5.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
01.5 ionised 1 AO1
4.2.5.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
01.6 electrons 1 AO1
– – – 4.2.5.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
01.7 energy transferred = 0.000 002 1 AO2
× 300 000 4.2.4.2 7
energy transferred = 0.6 (J) 1
Total Question 1 8
How to answer it
Static Electricity Generator (Van de Graaff)
What this question tests
This question assesses your understanding of electrostatic charge, electric fields, electrical insulation, and the calculation relating energy transferred, charge flow, and potential difference (Energy = Charge × Potential Difference).
Charging Hair via Conduction
✅ Correct Answer
negative
💡 Key Knowledge
- The metal dome is negatively charged.
- When touched, charge is transferred to the student's body and hair, giving them the same type of charge as the dome.
Forces Between Strands of Hair
✅ Correct Answer
repulsion
💡 Key Knowledge
- Like charges repel each other.
- Since every strand of hair gains a negative charge, they push away from one another, causing the hair to stand up.
Electric Field Patterns
✅ Correct Answer
The diagram on the left (where arrows point inwards towards the negatively charged dome).
🧠 Exam Technique
- For positive charges, electric field lines point away (outwards).
- For negative charges, electric field lines point towards (inwards). Always check the direction of the arrowheads carefully!
Properties of Insulating Air
✅ Correct Answer
resistance
💡 Key Knowledge
Air acts as an electrical insulator under normal conditions because it has a very high electrical resistance, preventing charge from flowing easily.
Spark Breakdown
✅ Correct Answer
ionised
💡 Key Knowledge
When the potential difference becomes extremely large, the strong electric field strips electrons from air molecules, causing the air to become ionised (conducting).
Particles Transferred in a Spark
✅ Correct Answer
Electrons
❌ Common Errors
Students sometimes incorrectly choose protons or neutrons. Remember: atomic nuclei (protons and neutrons) are locked inside fixed positions within solid metal lattices. Only outer electrons are free to move and transfer during static discharges.
Calculating Energy Transferred
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
Equation: energy transferred = charge flow × potential difference
- Identify values: Charge ( Q ) = 0.000 002 C , Potential Difference ( V ) = 300 000 V .
- Substitute numbers into the formula:
0.000 002 × 300 000 - Calculate final answer: 0.6 J
✅ Final Answer
Energy transferred = 0.6 J (Units already given in question prompt).
Topics
Physics · P2: Electricity · P5: Forces
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.