The Characteristics of Electricity

Question 1

Static Electricity

Answer 1

Electric charges are charged particles that exert an electric force on each other
Sometimes when enough charges build up it can cause bright flashes

Question 2

Charging by friction

Answer 2

Charging by friction is when objects rub against each other
No electrons are lost they are simply transferred
Friction is a form of energy which is why electrons are able to jump
When charging by friction the objects involved don’t necessarily need to lose all electrons

Question 3

Law of electric charges:

Answer 3

1. Opposite charges attract

2. Like charges repel

Question 4

Charging by contact

Answer 4

When an object is already charged by friction the electrons can transfer from the charged object to a neutral object that it touches
The neutral object than gets the same charge as the object that touched it
Both objects are now positive

Question 5

Charging by induction

Answer 5

Induction is the movement of electrons within a substance caused by a nearby charged objects without direct contact
When charging by induction we use a charged object to induce a charge in a neutral object and then ground the neutral object

Question 6

Insulators

Answer 6

Electrons are bound tightly to nuclei (protons) so it resists movement
The static charge remains between the substances
Help protect us from electrical shock

Question 7

Conductor

Answer 7

Allow electrons to change position
Electrons are not as tightly bound to the nuclei (protons)
Also have fair conductors in which electrons don’t move as freely