Static electricity

Static electricity

What happens to a polythene rod when it is rubbed with a cloth?

The rod steals electrons from the cloth, becoming negatively charged, while the cloth becomes positively charged.

What are the two types of electrostatic interactions between charged objects?

Like charges repel each other and opposite charges attract each other.

What is induced charge in the context of a balloon and a wall?

If a negatively charged balloon is near a wall, it repels the wall's electrons, creating an induced positive charge on the wall, which attracts the balloon.

How do photocopiers utilize static electricity?

Photocopiers charge the surface of the drum to attract toner particles, reproducing images on paper.

What role does an earth wire play during refueling?

It safely discharges static electricity that builds up on the vehicle, preventing potential sparks that could ignite fuel.

What can happen due to static electricity during the refueling process?

A spark from static electricity can ignite fuel, potentially causing an explosion.

How do electrostatic precipitators clean air in industrial settings?

They charge dust particles negatively which are then attracted to positively charged plates, collecting dirt from the air.

Why do electrostatic sprays provide an even spread of paint?

The paint particles are positively charged as they exit the nozzle, causing them to repel each other for a fine even spread.

What is the danger associated with lightning, and how is it mitigated?

Lightning can cause damage; lightning rods safely discharge strikes to the ground to prevent damage.

What causes both the polythene rod and the cloth to be charged with static electricity?

The transfer of electrons during the rubbing creates an imbalance, resulting in one becoming negatively charged and the other positively charged.