electric charge Flashcards
What is an electrical conductor?
A material that allows electric charge to flow easily, e.g. metals.
What is an electrical insulator?
A material that does not allow electric charge to flow easily, e.g. plastics
How can insulating materials be charged by friction?
By rubbing two insulating materials together, electrons are transferred, giving one a positive charge and the other a negative charge.
What happens when a material loses electrons?
It becomes positively charged.
What happens when a material gains electrons?
It becomes negatively charged.
What happens when two like charges are brought close together?
They repel each other.
What happens when two unlike charges are brought close together?
They attract each other.
What causes electrostatic phenomena?
The movement of electrons, leading to a buildup of charge.
Why can static electricity cause small shocks?
When charge builds up, it can suddenly discharge to a conductor, like a person, causing a small shock.
Why are electrostatic charges dangerous when fuelling aircraft and tankers?
Static electricity can build up and cause sparks, which could ignite fuel vapors and cause an explosion.
How can the dangers of static electricity in fuel transfer be reduced?
By using grounding wires to discharge excess charge safely.
Grounding wires safely carry excess electric charge into the ground to prevent shocks or sparks.
How are electrostatic charges used in photocopiers?
A charged drum attracts toner to form an image, which is then transferred onto paper.
How do inkjet printers use electrostatic charges?
Ink droplets are given a charge and are directed onto paper by electrically charged plates.
