Topic 7 Static Electricity Flashcards
What is an ion?
An ion is an atom that has become imbalanced, and therefore charged.
When will static electricity occur?
When there is an imbalance of charges in an atom
What is attraction?
A force that pulls something towards itself.
What is repulsion?
It is a force that pushes something away from itself
How do magnets work?
When the two poles of a magnet are the same, they repel each other.
When the two poles of a magnet are different, they attract each other.
How can you charge some materials?
You can charge them by rubbing them.
How does charging by rubbing work?
The electrons from the one material move to the other. The one with fewer electrons will be positively charged, and the one with more electrons will be negatively charged. ONLY electrons can be transferred, protons NEVER move.
What is friction?
Friction is the rubbing of one material against another.
What happens when a negatively charged material comes into contact with a neutral material?
The extra electrons in the negative substance repel the electrons in the neutral material. This causes the neutral substance to become positively charged in a small area, which means the negative substance will stick to it.
What does it mean if an atom is neutral?
It means that the positive and negative charges are equal and balance each other out.
What subatomic particles transfer from material to material?
Electrons move. Protons do not move
What substance readily gives up electrons?
Wool, silk and other types of cloth.
What is a force?
A push or a pull
What kinds of substances can you use to build up an electric charge?
Insulators. Conductors do not build up an electric charge.
What is the most dangerous place to be during a lightening storm at Heronbridge College?
Near the flagpole
What kinds of unlike charges are there?
Negative charge vs positive charge
Charged vs uncharged
What does friction do?
It does not create charges, it only separates them.
Describe the difference between electrons and protons.
An electron is a subatomic particle with a negative charge, a proton is a subatomic particle with a positive charge.
Protons are located in the central nucleus of an atom, whereas electrons orbit around the outside.
Electrons are free to move, while protons are in a fixed position.
An electron is 1 840 times smaller than a proton, however the electric cloud has a greater volume than the nucleus.
What is the similarity between protons and electrons?
They are both subatomic particles
How does friction cause an atom to be charged?
Friction is when the rubbing of two objects causes an electron to move to another atom. This other atom now has an extra electron, which imbalances it and causes the negative charge to be stronger. This creates a build-up of negatively charged ions, normally on the surface of a non-conductive material.
What causes an electrical spark?
It is a package of excess electrons moving from a negative atom to a neutral atom.
What causes lightning?
Friction (caused by wind) between the water and dust particles in a cloud causes a separation of charges.
How do clouds become charged?
The bottom of the cloud always becomes negatively charged, and the top of the cloud becomes positively charged.
How is an atom balanced?
By having an equal number of positive and negative charges.
When static electricity is created, which material will be negative?
The material that the electrons move too
When static electricity is created, which material will be positive?
The material where the electrons move from
Why will a negatively charged object eventually “unstick” itself from an uncharged object?
Some of the excess electrons will be transferred to the uncharged object, until it no longer uncharged
What objects will attract each other?
Objects with different electric charges attract each other
What objects will repel each other?
Objects with similar electric charges will repel one another
When will an object ,I’ve towards another object?
When it has a different electrical charge
It is light
And free to move
What is static electricity?
The build up of electric charges on the surface of a material, usually on a non-conductor of electricity
Why is it called static electricity?
Because there is no movement of charge
What is a static electric spark?
A flash of light
What causes a static electric spark?
Electric discharge of static electricity
What is the most common type of static electricity that you can experience?
An electric shock
What causes an electric shock?
When electrons that build up when your body causes friction discharges when you touch a metal object
Why do you get shocked by static electricity?
It is a reflex response to electricity passing through the body
Why do you feel a slight pain from an electrical shock?
It is from the heat caused when the electrons jump through the air gap
What sound is heard during a small electric discharge?
A snapping sound
Why is there a snapping sound after an electrical discharge?
From the rapid heating of the air
How can static electricity start a fire?
When it discharges through flammable substances
What is a natural form of static electric discharge?
Lightning
What sound accompanies lightning?
Thunder
What is thunder caused by?
A shock wave created in the air by the force of the Lightning
How hot is a lightning bolt?
It can be hotter than the surface of the sun
Why is it dangerous to stand near a tree during a lightning storm?
The liquid inside the tree can heat up and expand. This expansion can cause the tree to explode and small shards could get flung into your body
Why is it unsafe to be near a tall conductor during a storm?
The conductor attracts lightning
How can you stay safe during a lightning storm?
Stay away from trees Do not run Avoid using water Avoid using landline telephones Avoid using electronic devices
Why shouldn’t you run during a lightning storm?
You create friction which can cause the lightning to be attracted to you
Why should you avoid using water during a lightning storm?
Water is a good conductor of electricity
Why shouldn’t you use landlines during a storm?
Electricity follows wiring and pipes
Why shouldn’t you use electronic devices during a storm?
Lightning bolts try to find the shortest route to the ground, which could be through your phone
