# A van de Graaff generator builds up a large static charge on its metal dome. A small piece of tissue paper placed near the dome is first attracted towards it, then repelled away from it after making contact. Explain why the tissue paper is first attracted and then repelled.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.2.6 Static electricity (Phys only) · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The dome is charged and the tissue paper is initially uncharged / neutral
2. Opposite charges attract, so the charged dome attracts the neutral tissue paper (accept: the charged dome induces / causes a charge on the tissue paper surface closest to it, resulting in attraction)
3. On contact, electrons are transferred from the dome to the tissue paper (or from the tissue paper to the dome, depending on sign of charge), so the tissue paper gains the same type of charge as the dome
4. Like charges repel, so the tissue paper is now repelled away from the dome

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-van-de-graaff-generator-builds-0a59f531) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.