Unit D Section 1.1 Flashcards
particles in an atom that are electrically charged:
- Protons= Positive charged particles
- Electrons= Negative charged particles
If there are more electrons than protons, the object is negatively charged.
If there are more protons than electrons, the object is positively charged.
If there are equal amounts of particles the object is neutral.
Definition of Static Charge:
When there is an unequal number between the two particles, the object builds up a static charge.
Static means nonmoving or stationary.
Where are charged particles in an atom?
In the center of an atom is the nucleus.
The nucleus contains positively charged particles(protons) and no charged particles(neutrons).
Electrons revolve around the nucleus and are located in the shell.
What is the usual charge of atoms?
Most of the time, protons and electrons are equal.
What happens in an atom when there is an imbalance in an atom?
electrons can break free and join into other atoms and make them negatively charged.
Protons never leave the nucleus of an atom.
What happens to the atom when the electrons leave?
When electrons leave atoms, they become positively charged.
when do atoms often become charged or imbalance?
Atoms often become charged or imbalanced when they are touched or rubbed.
Ex.When you walk across the carpet, your feet are rubbed against it which means some of your atom are unbalanced because electrons transfer to the carpet. When you touch the doorknob you feel a shock because your atoms want to be balanced again so they take electrons from the doorknob and they jump across like a spark.
What is a Neutral Atom:
Equal number of protons and electrons
What are Neutrons?
are neither positively nor negatively charged particle present in the nucleus of an atom
The Laws of Electricity: (three rules of electricity)
- Opposite Charges attract each other
- Like Charges Repel each other
- Charged objects are attracted to neutral objects/uncharged.
- No charge stays the same
What is Charged Separation:
Happens when charged objects are brought to neutral objects.
Ex. Rubbing a balloon on your head transfers the electrons from your hair to the balloon.
When you bring the charged side of the balloon near a wall, the negative charge of the balloon repels the electrons in the wall. This leaves the area of the wall closest to the balloon positive. The balloon and wall are attracted because of these opposite charges.
What is Electrical Discharge:
Static electricity does not flow like a current.
But it does discharge.
When you experience a spark touching something, you are experiencing electrical discharge.
Van de Graaff (VDG)
People use Van de Graaff (VDG) to study electrical discharge.
A rubber belt rubs on a piece of metal and transfers the charge to a sphere.
Produce electricity by friction.
Difference between electrical current and electrical discharge?
Electrical Current:
- Continuous flow of current.
- Continuous
- Can operate any equipment
- Dangerous.
EX. lightbulb
Calculator
Static Electricity:
- Jumping of electrons.
- Temporary
- Cannot operate and any equipment.
- Not dangerous.
- Builds up when atoms become unbalanced.
EX. lightning
Touching someone.
Basic Law of Electrostatics:
Similar charges repel,
unlike repel.
no charges stay the same
