Chapter 5.1

Question 1

What is meant by the term ground

Answer 1

• it is a means of returning the charge to the Earth
• note the static charge buildup is more significant in drier air because lower humidity makes it easier for charge to become and remain seperated

Question 2

Contrast insulators and conductors

Answer 2

Insulators

• > will not easily distribute a charge over its surface
• > will not transfer charge to another neutral object very well
• > most non-metals are insulators

-note with insulators, grounding is prevented

Conductors

• > charges distribute evenly upon the surface of the conductor
• > conductors can transfer and transport charges
• > electrons are able to move rapidly throughout the material and are loosely associated with positive charges