Main Topic 1: Electric fields & forces, Electric potential, potential Energy Flashcards
Chapter 20 Chapter 21
The force between charged objects is called
electric force
Like charges…
exert repulsive forces on one another (repell)
Opposite charges….
exert attractive forces on one another (attract)
What happens to the electric force when two charged objects are distanced from one another?
the electric force decreases
How many kinds of charges exist?
Only 2. Positive and negative charges.
What does a charge diagram show?
It gives a schematic picture of the distribution of charge on an object.
What is a neutral charge?
An object that contains equal amounts of negative and positve charges
What is a positive charge?
An object that contains MORE/excess positive charges than negative charges
What is a negative charge?
An object that contains MORE/excess negative charges than positive charges.
How does the “rubbing process” work?
By transfering charge from one object to another.
State the Law of Conservation of Charge
Charge is neither created nor destroyed, merely tranfered from one place to another.
How do you add charge to an object?
Through the use of frictional forces, such as rubbing.
Adding charge to an object is called what?
Charging.
Taking away/neutralizing charge is called what?
Discharging
Conductor
Materials where charge can move through or along it easily (opposite of an insulator). Keeps charges moving. (Ex: metals that conduct electricity)
Insulator
Materials on or in which charges remain immobile and cannot move through or along it (opposite of a condutor) Keeps charges fixed in one place.
Can insulators and/or conductors be charged?
Yes. They differ in the ability of charge to move.
How is charged transfered?
Through contact.
Electrostatic Equilibrium
When the charges are thoughroughly spread out over the surface area of the conductor, once the charges are transfered to sed conductor through contact. (Electrostaic equilibrium happens VERY quickly)
Charge Polarization
When the charges in a neutral object split to opposite ends of the object because of the close presence of a charged object.
Polarization Force
The attraction seperated charges in the netural object towards the charged object. (this force is always attractive)
q or Q
Charge
