# A plastic rod is rubbed with a cloth. After rubbing, the rod is found to carry a negative charge. Explain how the rod became negatively charged and state the charge on the cloth after rubbing.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 2.3 Electric charge · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Friction causes electrons to be transferred from the cloth to the rod (during rubbing).
2. The rod gains electrons, giving it an excess of negative charge.
3. The cloth loses electrons and therefore becomes positively charged.
4. The magnitude of the charge on the cloth is equal to the magnitude of the charge on the rod (charge is conserved).

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-plastic-rod-is-rubbed-with-0750c035) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.