Static Electricity

Question 1

Static electricity

Answer 1

build up of electric charge that can occur on good insulators e.g. polythene and perspex rods

Question 2

polythene rod

Answer 2

gains electrons if a woollen cloth is rubbed on it (becomes negatively charged)

Question 3

perspex rod

Answer 3

loses electrons if it is rubbed by a woollen cloth (becomes positively charged)

Question 4

How is static shown

Answer 4

A positively charged perspex rod will be attracted to a negatively charged polythene rod
Eg: Can pick up bits of paper with a biro that has been rubbed in wool
• A thin stream of water is attracted by a biro that has been rubbed in wool
• Rub two balloons attached to wooden retort stands with wool, and they repel each other
• If the same balloons are touched with metal then they are earthed, and lose their charge, and so are no longer repelled
• A positively charged perspex rod will be attracted to a negatively charged polythene rod

Question 5

Why would a Gold leaf electroscope be used?

Answer 5

to
• Detect charge
• Showsizeofcharge
• Testnatureofcharge
• Test for insulator or conductor
• Showsizeofpotential difference