P4 - Electricity Flashcards
electric field
region in which an electric charge experiences a force
for a positive charge, what direction would the force be experienced?
outwards
for a negative charge, what direction would the force be experienced?
inwards
electric current
charge passing a point pre unit time
electrostatic charge
materials’ charge
where does electric charge come from?
batteries and generators / if rubbed
what 2 materials can used to create charge?
polythene (becomes -ve) and perspex (becomes +ve)
closer the charges, _____ the _____ between them
greater force
what does rubbing materials do?
seperates charges that are already there
conductors and examples?
materials that let electrons pass through them as they have free electrons between indivisual atoms
-ex copper, gold, metals, carbon
insulators and examples?
materials that dont conduct as electrons are tightly held by atoms and are not free. (but it can be transferred by rubbing and once transferred, it stays. and its easy to charge)
-ex: plastics, glass, dry air
semi-conductors and examples?
materials that are poor conductors when cold, good conductors when warm
-ex: silicon, germanium
direction of conventional current? flow of electrons?
positive to negative / negative to positive
earthing
connected to the ground by conducting materials so that unwanted charges flow away. if this is not done, electrons may be pulled through the air and cause dangerous sparks
voltage
cause of current in the circuit
induced charges
appear on an unchanged object because there’s a charged object nearby (opposite charges)
what can electrostatic charge be detected by?
leaf electroscope
static electricity
charges that are not free to move (build up in one place, shock when they move) (build up of charge on insulating materials)