# A balloon is rubbed against a woollen jumper. The balloon then sticks to a wall without falling. Explain why the balloon becomes charged when rubbed and why it is then attracted to the wall.

> OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249) — P3.1 Static and charge · Explain · 4 marks

> When a balloon is rubbed against a woollen jumper, the balloon can be made to stick to a painted wall.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Rubbing transfers electrons from the wool to the balloon (or from the balloon to the wool)
2. The balloon gains electrons so becomes negatively charged
3. The charged balloon induces a charge on the surface of the wall / redistributes charges in the wall so the near surface becomes oppositely (positively) charged
4. Opposite charges attract, so the balloon is pulled towards the wall

## Key terms

- [attract](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/attract)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Physics A: Gateway Science (J249)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-balloon-is-rubbed-against-a-aa1ee460) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.