Static Electricty

Question 1

How is an electrostatic charge produced?

Answer 1

• When two objects are rubbed together a force of friciton happens between them.
• Friction causes electrons to transfer from one material to the other.
• One onject gains a positive charge and the other gains a negative charge.
• This only happens in insulating materials.

Question 2

How can the electrostatic charge be dissipated?

Answer 2

• When a person builds up charge, it stays with them as long as they are insulated by the ground.
• The charge will slowly leak away - but can be distributed onto another material: if touched by a conductor.

Question 3

How may a spark form?

Answer 3

• A spark may form when a large amount of electrostatic electricity is passed quickly across an air gap.

Question 4

What is an electric field?

Answer 4

• An electric field is the area around a charge object in which a force can be experienced by another object.
• The stronger the charge of the object, the stronger the field strength therefore the greater the force will be experienced.

Question 5

Radial field?

Answer 5

Field lines always move away from positively charged objects and towards negatively charged objects.