Electrostatics: Electric Charge

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to electric charge and electrostatic forces, aiding in the understanding of fundamental principles of electrostatics in physics.

Electric Charge (Q or q)

A physical property of matter that allows an object to exert an electric force.

Coulombs (C)

The unit of measurement for electric charge.

Proton

A positively charged particle found inside the nucleus of an atom.

Neutron

A particle with no charge found inside the nucleus of an atom.

Electron

A negatively charged particle that orbits around the nucleus of an atom.

Neutral Object

An object with equal amounts of positive and negative charge.

Electrostatic Force

The force exerted between charged objects without physical contact.

Static Electricity

The accumulation of excess electric charges on a body at rest.

Electric Current

The flow of electric charge or the movement of electrons in a specific direction.

Charging by Friction

The process of transferring charge from one object to another by rubbing them together.

Like Charges Repel

Similar charges (both positive or both negative) push each other away.

Opposite Charges Attract

Different charges (one positive, one negative) pull towards each other.

Conductors

Materials that allow electric charges to move easily, e.g., metals.

Insulators

Materials that do not allow electric charges to move easily, e.g., rubber.

Electrostatic Charge Transfer

The process of transferring electrons that leads to an imbalance of charge.

Charge Conservation

The principle that total electric charge is conserved in an isolated system.

Electric Force vs Gravitational Force

Electric forces can be repulsive or attractive, while gravitational force is always attractive.

Accumulate Electric Charges

To gather excess positive or negative charges on a surface.

Flow of Electrons

Movement of electric charges in a specific direction, constituting electric current.

Net Positive Charge

Condition when an object has more protons than electrons.

Net Negative Charge

Condition when an object has more electrons than protons.

Magnitude of Charge

The amount of electric charge measured in Coulombs.

Electroscope

An instrument used to detect electric charge.

Plasma

A state of matter consisting of charged particles that can conduct electricity.

Charging a Conductor

The process of making a conductor obtain a certain charge.

Rubbing a Balloon on Hair

A common demonstration of charging by friction.

High Temperatures Effect on Plasma

Plasma forms when gases are subject to high temperatures.

Artificial Lightning

Can occur in humid conditions when air temporarily conducts electricity.

Transfer of Electrons

The movement of electrons from one atom or substance to another.

Opposite Charge Attraction

The phenomenon where different types of charges attract each other.

Electron Deficient Atom

An atom missing electrons, thus possessing a net positive charge.

Measuring Charge with Q=n.e

Formula for calculating net charge based on the number of charges (n) and charge of an electron (e).

Separation of Charge

Occurs when positive or negative charges are distributed unevenly.

Interaction of Charges

How charged objects influence each other through electric forces.

Static Cling

A common phenomenon where small charged objects stick to surfaces due to electric forces.

Charge in a Rug

Accumulated positive charge picked up while walking on synthetic rug.

Metal Rod Charged by Glass Rod

A glass rod can induce positive charge on a neutral metal rod.

Friction and Electrons

Friction causes electrons to be transferred from one surface to another.

Electrostatic Shock

A sudden discharge of static electricity upon contact with a conductor.

Conductors Spread Charge Evenly

Charged electrical conductors can distribute charge throughout their volume.

Electrons in Charge Calculation

Using the charge of an electron to determine the total number of excess electrons.

Electrons and Protons in Neutral Charge

An object maintains neutrality when electrons and protons are equal.

Air as Insulator Under Normal Conditions

Air generally does not conduct electricity but can under certain high-energy conditions.

Detailed Charge Calculation in Educational Contexts

Calculating charge using known values to determine excess electrons in problems.

Electrostatic Phenomena in Daily Life

Understanding how static electricity affects common experiences.

Role of Charge in Modern Technology

Charged particles are fundamental to the functioning of electronics and medical equipment.

Importance of Charge Understanding

Knowledge of electric charge is critical for comprehending basic physics and applications.