2.25 Explain some uses of electrostatic charges, eg in photocopiers and inkjet printers.

Photocopier

BBC Bitesize has a very clear diagram (above) that explains how this works. Steps are as follows:

• Original document placed on photocopier
• Light goes through
• Image of it is projected onto a positively charged plate/surface
• Where the light touches the plate, the electrical charge is gone (poof.) so that only the writing/image/whatever is left
• Negatively charged toner (ink) particles are sprayed or rolled onto the thingie
• The ink sticks to the positive areas
• Paper is placed over this and the ink is transferred to the paper
• It is heated so the ink sticks
• Photocopy is taken off the photocopier and turned over - 'TIS DONE!

This page is particularly useful - it is a link to BBC Bitesize and it has various uses for electrostatic charge. (If the hyperlink doesn't work, copy and paste the link below into your browser)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_gateway_pre_2011/radiation/electrostaticsusesrev1.shtml