Static Electricity Flashcards
State the law of conservation of charge
Charge is conserved. It cannot be created or destroyed
Charge of electron vs proton
Electrons and protons have equal but opposite charges
How are charged objects formed?
Charged objects are formed due to the movement of negative charges (electrons) between objects. Positive charges (protons) cannot move in solids
State the law of electrostatics
Unlike charges attract and like charges repel
How are insulators charged?
Through rubbing or friction
Due to the transfer of electrons
How are insulators discharged?
- In moist conditions
- When exposed to a flame
How is it discharged by flame?
When exposed to a flame, free ions in the flame remove excess charges
How is it discharged in moist conditions?
In moist conditions, water vapor in the air removes excess charges on the charged insulator
How are conductors charged?
- contact with another charged conductor
- induction
How are conductors discharged?
- when exposed to a flame
- in moist conditions
- discharged easily by earthing the charged conductors (in the absence of an electric field)
Define an electric field
An electric field is the region in which an electric charge experiences a force
Define electric field line
An electric field line is the path in which a light positive charge would move if free to move
Dangers of electrostatics
Rubbing can cause a large build up of charge that can cause sparks. This can be a problem in factories and types of petrol tankers etc due to danger of flammable liquid being ignited by sparks
What does it mean when an object is neutral?
There are an equal number of positive and negative charges. There is no excess charge
