P4 - Sparks Flashcards
How does lightning occur?
Lightning occurs when a cloud becomes charged and an electric current passes between the cloud and Earth.
What is a conductor?
A conductor is a material that allows electric charge to move through them.
What is an insulator?
An insulator is a material that does not allow electric charge to pass through them.
What is the law of electrostatic charge?
Like charges repel and unlike charges attract.
A neutral carbon atom has 6 protons in its nucleus. How many electrons does it have?
It must have 6 electrons.
What is an ion?
An atom or molecule that has become charged.
What causes an electrostatic shock?
When a person becomes charged and is then earthed.
When can static electricity be seen as a nuisance?
- dust and dirt are attracted to insulators such as a television screen
- clothes made from synthetic materials often cling to each other and the body
How can electric shocks be avoided?
- if an object is likely to become charges it is connected to earth
- when refueling an aircraft bonding cables are used to connect the file tanker to the aircraft
- in a factory, operators stand on insulating rubber mats
- shoes with insulating soles are worn by workers
