Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Combined Science · Higher
Earth wire and metal-case safety
The washing machine has a metal case. A fault causes the live wire to make an electrical connection with the metal case of the washing machine.
The earth wire is not connected to the metal case of the washing machine.
Explain why it would not be safe for a person to touch the metal case.
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Study the marking See what earns credit and compare it with a full-mark answer.
Marking points
- 1 State that the person could get an electric shock or be electrocuted.
- 2 Explain that current would flow through the person, for example because the person provides a path to earth or has a potential difference across them.
Full-mark answer
The metal case would be live, so a person touching it could get an electric shock because current would flow through the person to earth.
Why this answer loses marks
The metal case is made of metal so it is dangerous.
This does not state electric shock and does not explain current through the person.