LuduminaEL-10 · EL-U4 · Planned
Static charge and electric fields
Learning objectives
Explain charging by electron transfer, sparks and non-contact electric forces; sketch fields.
8463 §§4.2.5.1–4.2.5.2 / No Trilogy counterpart
DfE single-science pp.39–41 / Combined pp.33–34. Evidence checked 30 September–1 October 2026. Skills: WS1.2,1.5,3.6; MS5b.
Needs firstEL-01,AT-01 before microscopic explanation
Explanation
Rubbing insulating materials transfers electrons rather than creating charge. An object losing electrons becomes positive and one gaining them becomes negative. An electric field describes the force on a positive test charge; field arrows are a model.
Concepts, equations and units: Positive/negative charge; electrons move between insulating materials; field direction is force on positive test charge; no new equation.
Prediction, demonstration and game exercise
Predict, observe, explain
Rub two model insulators; conserve charge; show field weakening with distance and a spark from large p.d.
Planned learner game exercise
Transfer electron tokens between objects, predict attraction/repulsion, and place test-charge arrows around an isolated charge.
Independent practice
Explain three charging/spark cases and draw positive/negative radial fields.
Original practice example · Separate Physics
An initially neutral insulator loses electrons. What charge does it acquire, and which way do its radial field arrows point?
Show working and model answer
Working / reasoning
It has an excess of positive charge relative to electrons; a positive test charge is repelled.
Answer
Positive; arrows outward.
Exit check and success criteria
Charge conserved, signs correct and two field directions correct.
During practice, compare the prediction with evidence and give an error-specific prompt. The exit item uses a fresh context or fresh values, answered independently.
Misconceptions, practical links and mastery
Check these misconceptions
Friction creates electrons; protons move between rubbed objects; fields are physical lines; charged objects attract only.
Practical preparation
Optional safe static demonstrations; no RP and no learner high-voltage apparatus instructions.
Virtual preparation and revision only. Required hands-on activities and school records remain separate.
Proposed mastery
0: not yet evidenced. 1: supported. 2: independent exit criteria met. 3: successful changed-context transfer. Advance at 2; revisit with fresh retrieval. These are not GCSE grades.