P3.1 Static and Charge Flashcards
What can happen when insulating materials are rubbed together?
They become statically/electrically charged
Why can insulators become electrically charged when rubbed together?
- Electrons are rubbed from one material onto the other
- The material gaining electrons becomes negatively charged
- The material losing electrons becomes positively charged
What is charging?
The addition or removal of electrons from a material
How can charge be detected?
Using a gold leaf electroscope; the gold leaf is repelled by positive charge.
What happens when two electrically charged objects are brought close together?
They exert a force on each other
What happens when two oppositely charged objects are brought close together?
They exert an attractive force on each other and attract
What happens when two identically charged objects are brought close together?
They exert a repulsive force on each other and repel.
Why are most bodies neutrally charged?
They have an equal amount of protons and electrons
Give an example of a non-contact force
The repulsive or attractive force between two oppositely charged objects
What is an electric field
A region in which a charged object will experience a non-contact electrical force
Where can electric fields be found?
Surrounding any charged object
Describe the electric field around a charged particle.
- Strongest closest to the object
- Decreases in strength as you move away from the object
What happens to the force between two charged objects when they are moved closer together?
The force between them becomes stronger as the separation reduces.
In situations where sparks are unwanted, what precaution must be taken to prevent the build up of static charge?
Any surfaces that are rubbing against each other should be earthed to allow the materials to discharge.
What is electric current?
The flow of electric chaarge
