# Explain why a plastic rod becomes negatively charged when rubbed with a cloth.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Electrons are transferred from the cloth to the plastic rod during rubbing
2. The plastic rod gains electrons, giving it a negative static charge
3. Plastic is an insulator, so electrons cannot flow away and the charge remains on the rod
4. The cloth loses electrons and becomes positively charged

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