OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway)
OCR GCSE Physics A P3.1 Static and Charge Exam Questions
Free OCR GCSE Physics A exam questions for P3.1 Static and Charge, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers charging by friction, electron transfer, attraction and repulsion, sparks, electric fields, electric current and charge flow.
P3.1 Static and Charge exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About OCR GCSE Physics A P3.1 Static and Charge
P3.1 opens the P3 Electricity chapter of OCR Gateway Physics A. It explains how insulators become charged by friction as electrons are transferred, why like charges repel and unlike charges attract, and how sparks can occur. The separate physics content introduces electric fields, including the field patterns around a charged sphere and between parallel plates. The topic then moves to electric current as a flow of charge, introducing Q = It and the idea that current in metals is a flow of electrons. It leads directly into P3.2 Simple circuits. Examiners like electron-based explanations of static effects and charge calculations that need time in seconds.
What you need to know
- Charging by friction Rubbing two insulators together transfers electrons. The object gaining electrons becomes negatively charged, the one losing them becomes positively charged.
- Forces between charges Like charges repel, unlike charges attract. The force acts at a distance and is stronger when the charges are closer.
- Sparks and dangers A large build-up of charge can produce a spark when electrons jump to an earthed object, which can be dangerous near flammable vapour. Earthing removes excess charge safely.
- Electric fields A charged object has an electric field around it. Field lines show the direction of force on a positive charge: radially from a charged sphere and uniform between parallel plates.
- Current and charge Electric current is the rate of flow of charge: charge flow = current x time (Q = It). Charge is measured in coulombs.
- Conductors In metals, current is a flow of free electrons. A complete circuit and a source of potential difference are needed for current to flow.
Common mistakes in P3.1 Static and Charge
- Saying positive charges are rubbed off. Only electrons are transferred during charging by friction.
- Saying an object becomes positive by gaining protons. It becomes positive by losing electrons.
- Forgetting to convert minutes to seconds in Q = It.
- Drawing field lines from negative to positive. Field lines point from positive towards negative.
- Saying current is used up in a component. Charge flows round the circuit; energy is transferred.
Try three P3.1 Static and Charge exam-style questions
1. A current of 0.25 A flows for 4.0 minutes. Calculate the charge that flows. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Q = I x t = 0.25 x 240; = 60 C.
2. Explain how a balloon becomes negatively charged when rubbed on a jumper. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Electrons are transferred from the jumper to the balloon; the balloon has more electrons than protons so it is negative.
3. Explain why a charged balloon can stick to a neutral wall. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
The negative balloon repels electrons in the wall surface away; leaving the nearby surface positively charged; the opposite charges attract.
P3.1 Static and Charge FAQs
What does OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) P3.1 Static and Charge cover?
It covers charging by friction, forces between charges, sparks and earthing, electric fields, and current as rate of flow of charge.
Which paper is P3.1 examined on?
Topics P1 to P4 are assessed on Paper 1 (Foundation) or Paper 3 (Higher), alongside practical skills.
What is the key equation in Static and Charge?
Charge flow = current x time (Q = It), with charge in coulombs, current in amps and time in seconds.
