Electrostatics Flashcards
What is Electrostatics?
The study of stationary electric charges
Electric charges are measured in
Coulomb
Atoms that are fixed inside the nucleus
Protons
Atoms that are free to move outside the nucleus
Electrons
If electrons are removed, how is the atom charged?
Positive
If electrons are added, how is the atom charged?
Negative
Which shells are more tightly bound?
Inner shells
The process of removing or adding electrons
Electrification
Does not allow the free flow of electrons
Nonconductor/Insulator
Allow the free flow of electrons
Conductors
Between a nonconductor and a conductor
Semiconductor
No resistance to electron flow - must be very cold
Superconductor
1st law of Electrostatics
Like charges repel, unlike charges attract
The region surrounding every charged body in which a force is exerted on another charged body
Electric Field
2nd law of Electrostatics
Stronger when closer, Weaker with more distance
3rd law of Electrostatics
Electric charges reside only on the external surface
4th law of Electrostatics
The concentration of charges on a curved surface is greatest at the curvature
5th law of Electrostatics
Only negative charges can move
3 methods of Electrification
Friction, Induction, Contact
Removal of electrons from one object by rubbing it with another object
Friction
When two objects touch, permits electrons to move from one body to another
Contact
Electrical fields acting in one another without contact
Induction
Electric Ground
Earth
What is the principle reservoir for excess electric charge?
Earth
Regarding the movement of an electric charge from one atom to another
Usually outer shell electrons move
What is concerned with resting electric charges?
Electrostatics
Coulombs law states that electrostatic force is inversely proportionate to
the square of the distance between charges
What are the three methods of electrification?
Friction, Contact, Induction
The unit of electrostatic charge is
Coulomb
The principal electrostatic law states that
An electron will repel and electron
Objects becomes electrified because of the transfer of
electrons
Lightning occurs when
One cloud is positively charged and the adjacent one is negative
