Static electricity Flashcards
When does static electricity occur?
When there is a build up of electric charge on the surface of a material
What are two methods of charging?
Friction and induction
How is an object charged by being rubbed against another object
Friction acts between the two objects. Friction causes heat, and this energy is absorbed by the electrons in one object, causing them to move onto the other object
What needs to happen for any object to become charged?
The addition or removal of electrons
What is charge measured in?
Coulombs
What is an electric field?
The region in which an electric charge experiences a force
What is meant by the direction of an electric field at a point?
The direction of the force on a positive charge at that point
Why do metals(e.g. copper, aluminium) conduct electricity?
Metals contain free electrons that can move about
Why don’t insulators (e.g. nylon , glass and plastic) conduct electricity?
Electrons in insulators are fixed; they are not free to move about.
Where is an electric field stronger?
Where the electric field lines are closer
