K323 / 2027

Chapter 13

Static electricity

An object becomes charged when its positive and negative charges no longer balance.

Track electron movement and use the resulting charge to explain an observation or a force.

Includes rubbing, induction, electric-field patterns, discharge hazards and electrostatic particle collection. For K323 (2027) / 6091 (2026).

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  1. Electric charge and interactions

    Distinguish positive, negative and neutral objects, and interpret attraction and repulsion.

  2. Charging by rubbing

    Account for both objects when electrons transfer between materials.

  3. Charging by induction

    Explain redistribution, earthing and the order needed to retain a charge without contact.

  4. Electric fields and force direction

    Draw the required charge patterns and use field direction to predict forces on either sign.

  5. Discharge hazards and particle collection

    Explain sparks, electrostatic precipitation and a supplied particle separator.