chapter 11.1

Question 1

What is static electricity?

Answer 1

An imbalance of electric charge on the surface of an object

Static electricity occurs when there is a difference in the number of protons and electrons on an object’s surface.

Question 2

What is electric charge a property of?

Answer 2

Particles of atoms

Electric charge is associated with protons (positive charge), electrons (negative charge), and neutrons (no charge).

Question 3

What happens when two different materials come in contact?

Answer 3

Electrons can be transferred between them, causing an imbalance in charge

This transfer can lead to one material becoming positively charged and the other negatively charged.

Question 4

What characterizes a neutral object?

Answer 4

Equal numbers of protons and electrons

Neutral objects have a balanced charge, with no overall electric charge.

Question 5

What characterizes negatively charged objects?

Answer 5

More electrons than protons

This excess of electrons results in a net negative charge.

Question 6

What characterizes positively charged objects?

Answer 6

Fewer electrons than protons

This deficit of electrons results in a net positive charge.

Question 7

Which particles are difficult to add to or remove from an atom?

Answer 7

Protons

Protons are located in the nucleus and changing their number would change the identity of the element.

Question 8

Which particles are easier to add to or remove from an atom?

Answer 8

Electrons

Electrons are found in the outer regions of an atom and can be transferred more easily.

Question 9

How do electrons affect the formation of charged objects?

Answer 9

Gaining electrons creates negatively charged objects, losing electrons creates positively charged objects

The movement of electrons is key to understanding how static electricity works.

Question 10

How can objects become positively charged?

Answer 10

By losing electrons

This results in a greater number of protons than electrons.

Question 11

How can objects become negatively charged?

Answer 11

By gaining electrons

This results in a greater number of electrons than protons.

Question 12

What does the Law of Electric Charges state?

Answer 12

Like charges repel while unlike charges attract

This fundamental principle governs interactions between charged objects.

Question 13

What can a charged object do to a neutral object?

Answer 13

Induce a charge separation

This process can lead to the neutral object becoming polarized.

Question 14

What device can be used to detect the presence of an electric charge?

Answer 14

A metal leaf electroscope

This instrument can show movement of leaves in response to electric charge.

Question 15

Does static electricity have practical applications?

Answer 15

Yes

Static electricity is utilized in various technologies, including photocopiers and air purifiers.