NIOS Class 10 Science Activity 16.2 Electrical Energy

In this activity, we will learn about the force of attraction or repulsion between charges (like and unlike charges). In Activity 16.1, you have already learnt about electrostatic force.

Electrical Energy Activity

This activity is based on the NIOS Class 10 science and technology (212) Chapter 16- Electrical Energy, Module 4.

Interaction of Charged and Uncharged Objects

Aim

To study the behaviour of charged and uncharged bodies

Materials Used

   1. Two plastic straws

   2. Small piece of paper

   3. Piece of silk cloth

   4. Two threads

   5. Glass bottle

   6. Cello tape

   7. Scissors

Procedure

We take two straws and tie one with a thread at its center and suspend it from the edge of a table with the help of cello tape, and we bring the other straw near the suspended straw and notice what happens.

Now we rub the suspended straw with a piece of paper and bring the second straw near it and observe the change.

We rub the second straw with a piece of paper and bring it near the suspended straw and observe what happens.

Finally, we rub a glass bottle with a silk cloth and bring near the suspended straw and observe the change.

Observation

We observe that:

    1.  Two uncharged straws show no effect on each other.

    2. A charged straw attracts an uncharged straw.

    3. Two charged straws repel each other.

    4. A charged straw is attracted to a charged glass bottle.

Explanation

 When objects are rubbed with paper or cloth, they acquire charge due to friction so the charged straw attracts uncharged straw. When both straws are rubbed with the same material, they carry the same type of charge so they repel each other.

When the straw is rubbed with paper and glass bottle is rubbed with silk cloth, they acquire opposite charges so they attract each other.

Conclusion

 We can conclude that like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do two straws not affect each other before rubbing?

Answer – Because without rubbing, they do not have any electric charge on them so they do not show any effect on each other.

2. Why do rubbed straw attract suspended straw?

Answer – The rubbed straw has charge which attract the suspended straw.

3. Why do both straws repel each other after rubbing with paper?

Answer – Because both have same kind of charge so they repel each other.

4. Why does a glass bottle rubbed with silk attract a straw rubbed with paper?

Answer – Because they acquire opposite charges and opposite charges attract each other.