# Explain why a charged plastic rod can attract small pieces of paper, even though the pieces of paper are not charged.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 7.3 Static electricity – forces and electric fields · Explain · 4 marks

> A student rubs a plastic rod with a cloth. The rod becomes negatively charged. When the rod is held close to small pieces of paper resting on a desk, the paper is attracted towards the rod.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The negative rod produces an electric field around it
2. The electric field causes electrons in the paper to move / be repelled away from the side nearest the rod
3. The side of the paper closest to the rod becomes positively charged (induced charge)
4. Opposite charges attract, so the paper is pulled towards the rod

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-charged-plastic-rod-546dd3e8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.