Electricity/physics Unit Flashcards
What is the study of energy and its uses called?
Physics
This unit focuses on Electrical Energy.
What is electricity the study of?
The electron and its uses
What does electrostatics study?
Non-moving electrons
State the laws of electrostatics.
- Opposite charges attract
- Like charges repel
- Neutral objects are attracted to any charge
What is an induced charge?
The movement of electrons by charged objects nearby, not by direct contact
Who developed a way to measure the quantity of electrons?
Charles Coulomb
What is the unit named after Charles Coulomb?
Coulomb
How many charges are in one coulomb?
6.24 x 10^18 charges
Who discovered the two types of static charges?
Charles Du Fay
What are the two types of static charges named by Benjamin Franklin?
- Positive
- Negative
What are the basic components of atoms?
- Protons (+)
- Neutrons (0)
- Electrons (-)
What happens when an atom gains electrons?
It becomes more negative
Define conductors.
Materials that allow electrons to transfer freely
Give examples of excellent conductors.
- Copper
- Aluminum
Define insulators.
Materials that do not allow electrons to move easily
Give examples of insulators.
- Glass
- Plastics
- Ceramics
- Dry wood
How is static electricity produced?
By electron transfer through friction between two objects
What is the process of charging by conduction?
Transferring charge between two objects by touching or rubbing
What is charging by induction?
Rearranging electrons on a neutral object by bringing a charged object close to it
What device measures static electricity?
Electroscope
What is the difference between a battery and lightning in terms of charges?
Both have negative and positive charges; lightning is uncontrolled, while a battery provides a controlled flow
What is a battery?
A combination of electrical cells connected together
What do electrochemical cells do?
Convert chemical energy into electrical energy stored in charges
What is the current in a circuit?
The amount of electrons flowing through it
What unit measures current?
Amps (A)
Fill in the blank: One Amp equals ______.
1 coulomb/sec
True or False: Neutral objects do not have charge.
True
What is grounding?
Allowing charge to flow into Earth’s surface
What is an example of an application of static electricity?
- Devices in chimneys to remove dust
- Plastic sandwich wrap clinging
- Air ionizers for cleaning air
- Painting automobiles
What can cause an explosion when pumping fuel?
Static electricity
What does the term ‘force’ refer to?
A push or pull
What is a contact force?
A force when objects are touching
What is an action-at-a-distance force?
A force that can be applied without objects touching
What happens during charging by conduction?
An object is left with a residual charge identical to that of the charging rod
What occurs during charging by induction?
A charge results when a charged object comes near another object
