Electrostatics

Question 1

Define tribo-electric charging:

Answer 1

Tribo-electric charging: A type of contact electrification in which certain materials become electrically charged after they come into contact with different materials and are then separated (such as through rubbing). The polarity and strength of the charges produced differ according to the materials.

Question 2

State the principle of conservation of charge

Answer 2

State the principle of conservation of charge: The net charge of an isolated system
remains constant during any physical process e.g. two charges making contact and then
separating.

Question 3

State the principle of charge quantization

Answer 3

State the principle of charge quantization: All charges in the universe consist of an integer multiple of the charge on one electron, i.e. 1,6 x 10-19 C.

Question 4

How can objects (insulators) be charged?

Answer 4

Objects (insulators) can be charged by contact (or rubbing) - tribo-electric charging

Question 5

What is the SI unit for electric charge?

Answer 5

Coulombs

Question 6

Explain how charged objects can attract uncharged insulators

Answer 6

Through the polarisation of molecules inside insulators.