Fourth Grade Reading Comprehensions | Free PDF Worksheets - Free Printable

Certainly! Let’s solve the questions based on the reading passage “Charge It!” from the Cross-Curricular Focus: Physical Science worksheet.

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1) What are two materials that are good conductors of electricity?

✔ Answer: Copper and gold (or silver, aluminum — any two from the passage).

Explanation:
The passage says:
> “We call materials that electric current flows through easily conductors. Metals are also good conductors of electricity. Electric wires are made out of metal. Wiring can also be made out of non-metal materials, such as graphite.”

It specifically lists copper, gold, silver, and aluminum as examples of metals that are good conductors. Graphite is also mentioned as a non-metal conductor. So any two from these would be correct.

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2) How is static electricity different from electric current?

✔ Answer: Static electricity builds up on certain materials and doesn’t move, while electric current flows through conductors like wires.

Explanation:
The passage explains:
> “Static electricity builds up on certain materials. Other materials, though, let electrical charge flow through them. This creates an electric current.”

So, static electricity is stationary (stays in one place), whereas electric current is moving charge (flowing through a material).

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3) What could happen if the rubber coating on a power cord is damaged?

✔ Answer: Electricity could escape from the wire and cause a shock or fire hazard.

Explanation:
The passage says:
> “Rubber coating that you see on electrical cords covers the metal. The electric current stays inside the cord so we do not get shocked.”

If the rubber coating is damaged, the insulation is broken, and the live wire could expose people to electric shock or cause a short circuit, which may lead to sparks or fire.

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4) Is water a conductor or an insulator?

✔ Answer: Water is a conductor.

Explanation:
The passage states:
> “Water is also a conductor of electricity... There is water in almost all of a person’s body. Electric current can travel through these cells.”

This shows that water allows electricity to pass through it — making it a conductor. (Note: Pure distilled water is a poor conductor, but tap/sea/body water contains ions that make it conductive — which is what the passage refers to.)

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5) In your own words, explain the difference between a conductor and an insulator.

✔ Answer (in your own words):
A conductor lets electricity flow through it easily, like metals or water. An insulator stops or slows down the flow of electricity, like rubber or plastic. Conductors are used to carry current where we want it; insulators protect us by keeping electricity contained.

Explanation:
Based on the passage:
> “Materials that electric current flows through easily are called conductors… Materials that do not allow electric current to pass through them are called insulators.”

So, conductors = easy flow of electricity; insulators = block or resist flow.

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✔ Final Answers Summary:

1. Copper and gold (or any two from: copper, gold, silver, aluminum, graphite)
2. Static electricity stays in one place; electric current flows through materials.
3. Electricity could leak out, causing shock or fire.
4. Conductor
5. Conductors let electricity flow easily; insulators block or slow it down.

Let me know if you’d like this formatted for printing or turned into a student-friendly answer sheet!