Electrostatics Flashcards

Flashcards covering basic concepts of electrostatics.

Charging by Friction

Charging by rubbing two materials together, causing electron transfer.

Conductor

A material that allows electrons to flow freely through it.

Grounding

The process of neutralizing a charged object by connecting it to the Earth, which acts as a large reservoir for electrons.

Electrical Discharge

The release of built-up static electricity, often in the form of a spark.

Charging by Induction

Redistributing the charge on an object by bringing a charged object nearby without direct contact.

Charge Separation

The displacement of positive and negative charges in an object due to the influence of a nearby charged object.

Ground Wire

A wire that provides a safe, low-resistance path for electric current to flow into the Earth, preventing electrical shock.

Electrostatic Series

A list of materials ordered by their tendency to gain or lose electrons when in contact with other materials.

Charging by Conduction

Charging an object by direct contact with another charged object.

Law of Electric Charges

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