Grade 10 Physical Sciences · Electricity and Magnetism · Paper 1 (Physics)

Electrostatics Grade 10

Real Electrostatics past paper questions and answers from 2017 to 2025, with each memo split into the ticks examiners give. Try one, mark yourself, and see exactly which skill cost you marks.

past paper questions: 69 past paper questions
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Question 1.7 · November 2023 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer.

1.7 Refer to the diagram below.

Q and R are small spheres suspended by light insulated strings.

When a negatively charged rod is brought close to sphere Q, sphere Q is repelled. When the negatively charged rod is brought close to sphere R, sphere R is attracted.

Which ONE of the combinations below can be possible for the nature of the charges on spheres Q and R?(2) Diagram for question 1.7

A Sphere Q: Negative; Sphere R: Negative
B Sphere Q: Positive; Sphere R: Neutral
C Sphere Q: Neutral; Sphere R: Positive
D Sphere Q: Negative; Sphere R: Neutral

Work it out on paper first. Then mark yourself with the official memo, one tick at a time.

Electrostatics skills

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More Electrostatics Grade 10 questions and answers

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4. Question 10.1 · November 2018 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 3 marks
Two identical insulated spheres, X and Y, suspended by threads from a ceiling, are held at a small distance apart, as shown in the diagram below.

Sphere X carries a charge of $+ 4 \times 1 0^{- 18}$ C, while sphere Y has an excess of $30$ electrons.
10.1 Calculate the magnitude of the charge on sphere Y.(3)
Show the memo (3 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Formula $n = \frac{Q}{e}$ or $n = \frac{Q}{q _{e}}$
  1 mark · Calculate shared charge and electrons transferred
2. ✓
  Substitution $30 = \frac{Q}{- 1 , 6 \times 1 0 ^{- 19}}$
  
  Accept: $30 = \frac{Q}{1 , 6 \times 1 0 ^{- 19}}$
  1 mark · Calculate shared charge and electrons transferred
3. ✓
  Answer with unit $Q = - 4, 8 \times 1 0^{- 18}$ C
  1 mark · Calculate shared charge and electrons transferred
5. Question 1.9 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number.
1.9 Two identical spheres, X and Y, on insulated stands, carry charges of $3$ μC and $- 5$ μC respectively. The spheres are brought into contact with each other and returned to their original positions. The charge on EACH sphere after contact is ...(2)
1. A $8$ μC
2. B $- 4$ μC
3. C $- 2$ μC
4. D $- 1$ μC
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct option $Q = \frac{Q _{1} + Q _{2}}{2} = \frac{3 + ( - 5 )}{2} = - 1$ μC on each sphere.
  
  Answer: D
  2 marks · Calculate shared charge and electrons transferred
6. Question 10.1 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
A neutral plastic ruler becomes charged when it is rubbed with a woollen cloth. After rubbing, the ruler has a charge of $- 3, 5 \times 1 0^{- 15}$ C.
10.1 Distinguish between a neutral object and a charged object.(2)
Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Neutral objectNeutral object: Has equal amount of both protons and electrons.
  1 mark · Explain charging and polarisation
2. ✓
  Charged objectCharged object: Has either gained or lost electrons.
  1 mark · Explain charging and polarisation
7. Question 7.2 · September 2025 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
The diagram below shows a metal sphere A on an insulated stand in a vacuum. $4, 625 \times 1 0^{10}$ electrons are REMOVED from the sphere. Point P is $90$ cm away from sphere A.
7.2 Explain why sphere A is placed on an insulated stand.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Reason for the insulated standTo ensure that charges do not leak to the ground.
  2 marks · Explain charging and polarisation
8. Question 1.4 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
Four options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer.
1.4 A glass rod becomes positively charged after being rubbed by a silk cloth. The glass rod becomes positively charged because ...(2)
1. A the glass rod gains protons
2. B the silk cloth loses protons
3. C the glass rod loses electrons
4. D the silk cloth loses electrons
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Charging by friction: electrons moveWhen objects are rubbed together only electrons move; protons are fixed in the nuclei. The rod ends up positive, so it has lost electrons (to the silk).
  
  Answer: C
  2 marks · Explain charging and polarisation
9. Question 1.4 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
Four options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number (1.1–1.5) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.6 E.
1.4 Which ONE of the following will result in an object becoming positively charged?(2)
1. A Gains electrons
2. B Loses electrons
3. C Gains protons
4. D Loses protons
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct optionOnly electrons move when objects are charged; protons stay in the nuclei. An object that loses electrons has more protons than electrons, so it becomes positive.
  
  Answer: B
  2 marks · Explain charging and polarisation
10. Question 1.6 · June 2024 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 2 marks
1.6 Consider two point charges, Q1 and Q2, placed a distance $r$ apart in a vacuum. If the force between the charges is repulsive, which of the following statements is true?(2)
1. A Q1 and Q2 must have the same charges.
2. B Q1 and Q2 must have opposite charges.
3. C The magnitude of Q1 must be greater than the magnitude of Q2.
4. D The magnitude of Q1 must be less than the magnitude of Q2.
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Like charges repelLike charges repel and unlike charges attract. A repulsive force means both charges have the same sign (both positive or both negative).
  
  Answer: A
  2 marks · Explain charging and polarisation

Electrostatics Grade 10 videos

Short lessons from South African teachers first. Videos load only when you tap play, to save your data.

Polarisation of Charge: Electrostatic InductionMindset

Grade 10 - Electrostatics | Conservation of Charge | Mlungisi NkosiMlungisi Nkosi Maths & Science

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