3-ELE-01

Outcomes

• Pupils understand that atoms have a neutral charge
• Pupils understand that the movement of electrons (through friction)cause insulators to gain electrostatic charge
• Pupils understand that materials can be made to have a temporary charge by induction
• Pupils understand that electrostatic charges can apply forces on one another at a distance

Specification References

• 2.19 identify common materials which are electrical conductors or insulators including metals and plastics
• 2.20 recall that insulating materials can be charged by friction
• 2.21 explain that positive and negative elecrostatic charges are produced on materials by the loss or gain of electrons
• 2.22 recall that there are forces of attraction between unlike charges and forces of repulsion between like charges

Starter

• Structure of an atom recap – get pupils to label each part of the atom (use the small white boards in each classroom)
• Extend the pupils' knowledge of the atom by giving them the scale of the nucleus and atom (order of magnitude - mention Ångström)
• Remind pupils about the idea of a 'balanced' atom (no charge), no. protons = no. electrons

Main Body of Lesson

• Use this worksheet to investigating charging by friction. Pupils use a nanocoulombmeter to investigate charge. To extend this pupils can be asked how many electrons move from the duster to the rod or vice versa, given the charge of an electron.
• Demo (this will be a class practical once we have the equipment) charging by induction - pupils use this worksheet to answer questions about induction.
• Rods repelling

Plenary

• Demo charging by friction using rod rubbing: Water stream, bits of paper and Balloon rubbing - pupils use the minature white boards to draw a diagram of where the charges move to; they should be able explain what is happening.

Additional Information

Resources Required

• Diagram of the atom
• Rods (plastic and metal), cloths, paper bits, yokes hanging by a thread, baloons

Skills Addressed

• Observations during experiments