P2 4.1
Activity sheet
Name:
Class:
Charge problems
1
Complete the following sentences using words from the list below.
equal
negative
opposite
positive
zero
a) A proton has …positive ….. charge.
b) A neutron has … zero … charge.
c) An electron has … negative .. charge.
d) A proton and an electron have … equal .. and … opposite .. charge.
2
Complete the following sentences using words from the list below.
electron(s)
ion(s)
neutron(s)
nucleus (nuclei)
proton(s)
a) Every atom contains a … nucleus .. which is positively charged.
b) The nucleus of an atom is composed of … protons and … neutrons .
c) The … electrons in an atom move about in the space surrounding the nucleus.
d) An uncharged atom has equal numbers of protons and … electrons .
e) A charged atom is called an ion.
f)
3
An uncharged atom becomes charged as a result of transferring electrons to or from it.
In an experiment, an insulator becomes negatively charged when it is rubbed with a dry cloth.
a) In terms of electron transfer, explain why the insulator becomes negatively charged.
When the cloth and the insulator rub together, electrons transfer to the atoms of the
insulator from the cloth. So the insulator becomes negative because it gains electrons
b) Explain why the insulator does not lose its charge.
The electrons gained by the insulator are held by the atoms of the insulator.
The insulator does not conduct electricity so the electrons cannot leave the insulator
4
A positively charged object, X, and another charged object, Y, repel each other.
a) What is the type of charge on Y?
positive
Y is removed and a negatively charged object, Z, is brought near to X. State whether X and Z
attract or repel each other.
attract
AQA Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2006
P2 4.1
1