HALF QUESTION Typical of Question 12 in Leaving Cert. Exam
Q4 Answer both of the following parts (a) and (b). (a) Fig 15.23 shows a positively charged gold leaf electroscope. (i) Describe how an electroscope is given a positive charge. (9)
(ii) What is observed when a negatively charged body is brought close to the cap of the electroscope? Why does this happen? (7)
(iii) Explain how you would test for charge on a body, given that you must determine if the body is charged at all and, if it is, whether that charge is positive or negative. (12)
(b) Lightning strikes when a cloud discharges itself rapidly. Tall buildings are protected by use of lightning conductors.
(i) How do the charged clouds become neutralised? (ii) Describe a typical lightning conductor.
(iii) What are the two ways in which a lightning conductor prevents a building from being damaged by lightning?
(iv) One of these methods of protection reduces the likelihood of lightning striking at all. Explain how this happens.
