Lesson 1 Of Topic 3.1- Static Electricity. Flashcards
What is static electricity?
Static electricity is the build-up of charge on insulating materials.
Objects normally have a neutral charge overall. Explain why.
Objects normally have a neutral charge overall because they are made up atoms. Normally, atoms are neutral, because they have the same number of protons and electrons. The negative and positive charges are cancelled out, leading to neutrality.
How does static electricity build up?
It builds up when two insulating materials are rubbed together. Friction leads to electrons being transferred from one material to another, and this can lead to a build-up of charge.
Is static electricity more likely to build up on conductors or insulators?
Insulators- the conductors would just allow the electrons to flow straight back to where they came from.
When two materials are rubbed together, which particles are transferred?
Electrons.
What causes a spark between an object and the earth?
Eventually, the charge difference between the earth and charged surface gets so big that electrons will jump from the charged surface to the earth. As the electrons jump, we will be able to see a spark.
Define a “spark”.
A spark is a flow of charge, or a current, through the air. Sparks also discharge charged objects such as a Van der Graaf generator, or clouds.
How does one discharge something?
This requires removing the charge by connecting it to something that will allow it to flow.
COMPLETE THE SENTENCE:
The force on an object will be in the direction that…
… causes the field lines to shorten and straighten.
If the field lines are closer together, are they weaker or stronger?
Stronger.
The direction of the field lines is the direction of what?
The force on a positive charge.
