I'll work through each problem step by step to solve this static electricity worksheet.
Problem 1:
Looking at the diagram, I can see two spheres hanging from strings. The key observation is that the spheres are
repelling each other (pushing apart).
In electrostatics:
- Like charges repel (positive-positive or negative-negative)
- Opposite charges attract (positive-negative)
- Neutral objects don't cause repulsion
Since the spheres are pushing away from each other, they must have the same type of charge.
Answer: D) The two spheres both carry the same electrical charge.
Problem 2:
Given: Sphere 4 is positively charged (+)
Let me analyze each pair:
- Pair (2, 4): They repel → Since sphere 4 is positive and they repel, sphere 2 must also be positive (+)
- Pair (3, 5): They repel → Both have the same charge (need more info)
- Pair (1, 3): They attract → They have opposite charges
- Pair (1, 2): They repel → Same charge
Working through:
- Sphere 2 is positive (from pair with sphere 4)
- Spheres 1 and 2 repel → Sphere 1 is positive
- Spheres 1 and 3 attract → Sphere 3 is negative
- Spheres 3 and 5 repel → Sphere 5 is negative
Answer:
- Sphere 1: Positive
- Sphere 2: Positive
- Sphere 3: Negative
- Sphere 5: Negative
Problem 3:
Analyzing the pairs:
- Pair (1, 2): Repel → Same charge
- Pair (1, 3): Attract → Opposite charges
- Pair (2, 4): Repel → Same charge
From this:
- Spheres 1 and 2 have the same charge
- Spheres 2 and 4 have the same charge
- Therefore spheres 1, 2, and 4 all have the same charge
- Sphere 3 has the opposite charge
Checking the options:
A) Spheres 1, 2, 3 and 4 have the same charge - NO (sphere 3 is different)
B) Spheres 2, 3 and 4 have the same charge - NO (sphere 3 is different)
C) Spheres 1, 2 and 4 have the same charge - YES!
D) Spheres 1 and 3 have the same charge - NO (they attract, so opposite)
Answer: C) Spheres 1, 2 and 4 have the same charge.
Problem 4:
Analyzing the pairs:
- A and B: Attract → Opposite charges
- A and E: Attract → Opposite charges
- B and D: Repel → Same charge
- B and C: Repel → Same charge
From this:
- If A attracts B, then A and B have opposite charges
- If A attracts E, then A and E have opposite charges
- So B and E must have the same charge (both opposite to A)
- B and D repel → B and D have the same charge
- B and C repel → B and C have the same charge
Therefore: B, C, D, and E all have the same charge, and A has the opposite charge.
The question asks about positions when suspended side by side. Looking at the pattern:
- When opposite charges are near each other, they attract
- When like charges are near each other, they repel
Final Answer:
1. D
2. Sphere 1: Positive, Sphere 2: Positive, Sphere 3: Negative, Sphere 5: Negative
3. C
4. Spheres B, C, D, and E have the same charge; Sphere A has the opposite charge
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of electrostatics worksheet.
