4.2.5 P1 Static electricity (might come up) Flashcards
What can happen when insulating materials are rubbed together
They can become electrically charged
Why can insulators become electrically charged when rubbed together
Electrons are rubbed from one material onto the other
The material gaining electrons becomes negatively charged
The material losing electrons becomes equally positively charged
What happens when two electrically charged objects are brought close together
They exert a force on eachother
What happens when two identically charged objects are brought close together
They exert a repulsive force on each other and repel
What happens when two oppositely charged objects are brought close together
They exert an attractive force on each other and attract
Example of a non-contact force
The repulsive or attractive force acting between two electrically charged objects
What is an electric field
A region in which a charged object will experience a non-contact electrical force
Where can electric fields be found
Surrounding any charged object
Describe the electric field around a charged particle
Strongest closest to the object
Decreases in strength as you move away from the object
What happens to the force between 2 charged objects when they are moved closer together
The force between them becomes stronger as the separation reduces
In situations where sparks are unwanted what precaution must be taken to prevent the build up of static charge
Any surfaces that are rubbing against each other should be earthed to allow the charge to flow off the materials