Atoms are the particles that make up chemical elements containing equal numbers of positive and negative charges.

A type of electrical charge that is attracted to a negative charge.

Electrons are the negative charges in conductors that flow to produce an electric current.

Static electricity: charge

Science

In the Magnets and electromagnets unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about how electric current flows through electromagnets, factors that affect the strength of electromagnets and uses of electromagnets that include a simple electric motor.

In Changing circuits unit (Y6), pupils learnt to construct simple circuits, and about complete circuits, circuit diagrams and how the number and voltage of cells in a battery affect components in a circuit. 

Series circuits

In a conductor, negative charges called {{}} can flow to give an electric current.

A neutral object is rubbed and becomes positively charged. 
Which of the following is the correct explanation for this?

Electrons flow easily through metal, so charge cannot build up in one place.

Electrons are more strongly attached to atoms in metals than in other materials.

A metal always gains or loses the same number of positive and negative charges.

Which of the following correctly explains why is it difficult to charge an object that is made of metal?

The object contains no electrons or nuclei.

The object contains nuclei but no electrons.

The object contains equal amounts of positive and negative charge.

Which of the following statements is correct for a neutral object?

The dome’s support is plastic, which is an insulator.

The dome’s support also becomes charged.

The dome’s support is metal, which allows charge to keep flowing to the dome.

A Van der Graaf generator has a moving rubber belt which becomes charged by friction. The charge is transferred to a metal dome. 
Why can the dome become charged, even though it is made of metal?

Atoms travel between the person and the dome.

Nuclei travel between the person and the dome.

Electrons travel between the person and the dome.

A current flows between the person and the dome.

A person puts their finger near the dome of a negatively charged Van der Graaf generator. A spark travels between their finger and the dome. 
Which of the following statements correctly explain why?

walking on a carpet with rubber soled shoes

In which of the following examples could you find static charge building up?

A ruler and a balloon both have a positive charge. 
Which of the following will happen as the ruler is brought closer to the balloon?

The balloons shown both have a negative charge. 
Which of the following will the balloons do when brought close to each other?  

The positive and negative charges attract.

Friction between the wall and the balloon keeps it in place.

Which of the following explains why the balloon shown sticks to the wall?

There is a different type of charge in electrical circuits.

Charge is able to flow away through conducting wires.

Which of the following explains why static charge does not build up in normal circuits?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Static electricity: charge

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.