Unit d topic one

What is electric charge and how is it measured?

Electric charge is a property of materials that causes them to attract or repel each other, measured in coulombs (C).

How does charge separation occur?

Charge separation occurs when a charged object is brought close to a neutral object, causing electrons to repel and creating an imbalance.

What happens during an electrical discharge?

Electrical discharge is the movement of charges when there is an imbalance, resulting in neutralization of the objects involved.

What distinguishes conductors from insulators?

Conductors allow charges to move freely, while insulators do not allow charges to move freely and hold their electrons tightly.

What are semiconductors?

Semiconductors are materials that have higher conductivity than insulators but lower conductivity than metals, often modified by adding foreign atoms.

What conditions are necessary for electrical current to flow?

An energy source and a complete path or circuit for the charged particles must be present.

What are the three laws of charges?

1. Unlike charges attract. 2. Like charges repel. 3. Charged objects attract uncharged (neutral) objects.

What is static electricity?

Static electricity involves stationary charges that can create shocks, jolts, or sparks due to an imbalance of electrons.

What role does grounding play in neutralizing unbalanced charges?

Grounding connects an object to Earth to neutralize it by allowing electrons to flow in or out, balancing the charge.

What are superconductors and under what conditions do they become effective?

Superconductors offer little resistance to the flow of charges and become effective at extremely low temperatures.