Static And Current Electricity Flashcards
What is a proton
It is in the nucleus
It has a mass 1
And charge +1
What is a neutron
It is in the nucleus
It has mass one
It has 0 charge
What is an electron
It is in shells around the nucleus
It has mass 1/2000
It has charge -1
How does a build up of charge happen
When two insulating materials are rubbed together the electrons get rubbed off
They leave a positive charge on one thing and a negative on the other
Only the electrons move not the protons this is why the charged change
What happens when a polythene block is rubbed with a duster
The rod becomes negative
The duster becomes positive
What happens when the acetate rod is rubbed with the sister
The acetate rod becomes positive
The duster becomes negative
Why do we get static shocks from clothes
When synthetic clothes rub past each other the electrons are scraped off leaving the static charges on both parts so the two parts attract and the shock is the electrons moving back into place
Why do we get static shocks form cars
The friction between clothes and a car seat can cause static charges then when you touch the metal door the charge flows which gives you a shock
Why do you get a static shock from a door handle
If you walk on a nylon carpet wearing shoes with an insulating sole a charge will build up on your body then when you touch the metal door the charge flows through the door handle and you get a little shock
Why do balloons stick to walls
Rubbing a ballon against your clothes causes electrons to move onto the balloon leaving it with a negative charge then when you hold it to the wall it will stick because the negative charges of the balloon repel the negative charge on the wall this leaves a negative charge on the surface which holds the balloon to the wall this is called induction
How does a charged comb pick up small pieces of paper
If you run a comb through your hair electrons will be transferred into it so it becomes negatively charged then they can be used to pick up small pieces of paper by induction where the negative charge moves backwards and the positive attracts to the combs charge
What is lightening
Rain drops bump together inside the clouds knocking off the electrons and leaving the top of the cloud positively charged and the bottom of the cloud negative this creates a huge voltage and a big spark
How do paint sprayers uses electrostatic charge
The spray guns are charged this means each drop has an equal charge meaning that the paint is evenly distributed giving and even coat
The object to be painted is given the opposite charge this attracts the fine spray of the paint which gives an even coat and stops paint from being wasted
How does electrostatic charge effect plane fueling
As fuel flows out of the filler pipe static can build up
This leads to a spark which could make a fire with the easily ignited fuel
This can be solved by earthing the person
How are objects earthed
Connecting a charged object to the ground provides an easy route for the charges to get to the ground so no charge can build up the electrons flow down the conductor to the earth if the charge is negative and up the conductor from the ground if the charg is positive
