Physics - Electrostatics

Question 1

How is static Electricity formed?

Answer 1

When 2 insulative materials are rubbed together electrons can transfer between them, as they are insulators the electrons then cannot move so are static

Question 2

What is charging?

Answer 2

It is changing the charge of a material by changing the number of electrons, an increase causes a negative charge while a decrease causes a positive charge

Question 3

What is charge repulsion?

Answer 3

Charge repulsion is caused by similar charges repelling each other. Opposite charges attract.

Question 4

What are the uses of electrostatics?

Answer 4

Defibrillators
Photocopiers
Dust precipitators
Paint sprayers

Question 5

How does electrostatics help paint sprayers?

Answer 5

Paint sprayers are able to charge the paint molecules using statics, this means they they repel each other and you can get a more even coat of paint

Question 6

How do electrostatics help dust precipitator?

Answer 6

Dust or small particulates are able to be given a negative charge using static electricity, this means that they can be attracted to a positive plate and collected, these plates can be cleaned and the dust is removed easily. This is used in car exhausts

Question 7

What are the hazards of electrostatics?

Answer 7

The build up of charge can cause a spark which can start a fire, especially dangerous in the presence of flammable gases. This can occur in fuels flowing through tubing or paper on rollers

Question 8

What is earthing?

Answer 8

This is when a conductive material allows for the transfer of charge to the earth to prevent the build up of charge as a safety measure

Question 9

What is earthing?

Answer 9

This is when a conductive material allows for the transfer of charge to the earth to prevent the build up of charge as a safety measure