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O LevelPhysicsCambridge (CIE)Revision Notes4. Electricity & Magnetism4.2 Electrical QuantitiesElectrical Charge

Electrical Charge (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Physics): Revision Note

Leander Oates

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Positive & Negative Charges

  • Objects can be given one of two types of electric charge:

    • Positive

    • Negative

  • When two charged objects are brought close together, there will be a force between those objects

Forces Acting on Point Charges

opposites-attract, IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Like charges repel; opposite charges attract

  • Remember:

    • Opposite charges attract

    • Like charges repel

  • Electric charge is measured in units called coulombs (C)

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Whilst electrostatic forces share many similarities with magnetic forces, they are different phenomena – take care not to confuse the two!

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    Leander Oates

    Author: Leander Oates

    Expertise: Physics

    Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.