topic 2 - electricity: static electricity Flashcards
What happens when certain insulating materials are rubbed against each other? (2 points)
- They become electrically charged
* Negatively charged electrons are rubbed off one material and on to the other
What happens to the insulating material which gains electrons?
It becomes negatively charged.
What happens to the insulating material which gains electrons?
It becomes positively charged.
What happens when two electrically charged objects are brought close together?
They exert a force on each other.
What happens when two electrically charged objects with the same charges are brought close together?
They repel.
What happens when two electrically charged objects with different charges are brought close together?
They attract.
What are electrostatic attraction and repulsion between two charged objects an example of?
Non-contact forces.
As electric charge on an object increases, what happens to the potential difference between the object and the earth?
It increases.
How can electric fields be used to explain a spark in static electricity? (4 points)
- High potential difference between charged object and earth
- Causes strong electric field
- Electrons removed from air
- Air becomes a conductor so current can flow through (this is the spark)
Where are electric fields created?
Around any electrically charged object.
Where is an electric field strongest?
Close to the charged object.
What happens to an electric field as you get further away from the charged object?
It gets weaker.
What happens when a second charged object is placed in an electric field?
The object experiences a force.
When the distance between objects in an electric field decreases, what happens to the force between them?
It decreases.
How can you show an electric field around an object in a diagram?
Using field lines.
