Static Electricity Flashcards
Why do cupcake cases fly off of a Van Der Graaf generator when turned on?
When the the rubber belt rubs onto the cone in the sphere it creates static electricity
This causes the sphere to be filled with negatively charged electrons
This means that when the cupcake cases come into contact with the sphere they gain negative electrons and become negatively charged
As negative forces repel from each other this causes the cases on fly off
What is an effect of static electricity being generated the friction of gasoline being pumped into a vehicle or fuel canister?
If static charges are able to be discharged when petrol vapour is present a fire can start
This is because a small spark can be created due to the friction of two objects
This small spark can react with the petrol vapour within the atmosphere triggering a chemical reaction which could cause a fire
What is a spark?
Electrons jumping from one object to another
What is grounding/earthing?
When electrons are safely dispersed into the ground
What are two ways in which grounding is implemented to disperse of electrons?
Petrol stations supply their petrol pump cables with small metal cables that ground the electrons before petrol can be retrieved
A grounding or bonding wire is used when planes land for refuelling to transfer all the electrons from the plane to the ground
Why does our hair stick up when we put it on a Van Der Graaf?
The friction created between the rubber belt and the sphere cone causes the Van Der Graaf to fill with electrons
When the hair comes into contact, all the negatively charged electrons become repelled
This causes our hair to push away from the Graaf
Why does a charged comb make running water bend?
Once a comb has been charged by running it through hair (creating friction) and then held next to running water, the negatively charged atoms within the cone cause the protons within the water to attract toward the comb
What are some uses of static electricity?
Spray painting cars
Photocopies
Heart defibrillators
