Question 1: Define electric charge and describe its role in static electricity.

Answer: Electric charge is a property of particles that causes them to experience a force in an electric field; in static electricity, it involves the build-up of charge on surfaces due to imbalance of electrons.

Question 2: Explain how charge flows from one object to another in a static electricity context.

Answer: Charge flows through conduction or induction, usually via electrons moving from a charged object to a neutral one, resulting in a transfer of charge.

Question 1: A charged object transfers a charge of 2 microcoulombs (μC) in 4 seconds. Calculate the current flowing during this transfer. (Use I = Q / t, where Q in coulombs and t in seconds.)

Answer: Current I = 0.0005 Amperes (A)

Question 2: If 3 microcoulombs of charge pass through a conductor in 2 seconds, what is the current? Express your answer in milliamperes (mA).

Answer: Current I = 1.5 mA

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate charge transfer between two objects. Include the variables involved and safety precautions.

Answer: One experiment involves rubbing a plastic rod with wool to transfer electrons, causing the rod to become negatively charged. Variables include material type, rubbing duration, and environmental humidity. Precautions include avoiding contact with sensitive electronic devices and handling materials carefully to prevent static shocks.

Question 1: A person rubs a balloon on their hair and then sticks it to a wall. The balloon gains a negative charge of approximately 3 μC. Explain what happens at a microscopic level and why the balloon sticks to the wall.

Answer: Rubbing the balloon transfers electrons from the hair to the balloon, giving it a negative charge. The wall's surface becomes positively charged due to induction, creating an electrostatic attraction that causes the balloon to stick.

Question 1: Explain the process of charge flow in a lightning strike and how static electricity plays a role in it. (6 marks)

Answer: Lightning is a large-scale discharge of static electricity accumulated in clouds. Friction between ice particles and water droplets causes charge separation, building up a significant electrostatic charge. When the electric field becomes strong enough, a sudden discharge occurs, equalising the charge difference between cloud and ground, resulting in a lightning strike.

Question 1: Describe how static electricity is managed in the manufacturing of electronic components to prevent damage.

Answer: Static electricity is controlled using anti-static mats, ionising blowers, and grounding techniques to prevent charge build-up that could damage sensitive electronic parts.