Unit 2: Force Fields - Lesson One: Electric Forces

Flashcards covering definitions, key scientists, and real-life applications of electric forces and electrostatics from Unit 2 Force Fields.

What is meant by charging by friction (rubbing)?

The process of charging two uncharged objects by rubbing them together.

What is meant by static electricity (electrostatic charge)?

Electric charges accumulated on the surfaces of objects when they lose or gain electrons.

What is meant by the electrostatic series?

The order of materials according to how easily they lose electrons when rubbed together.

What is meant by an electric field?

The region of space around an electric charge in which its influence appears without contact.

What are electric force lines (electric field lines)?

Imaginary lines that show the path taken by a small free-moving positive charge placed in an electric field.

What is meant by charging by contact (touching)?

The process of charging an uncharged object by touching it with another charged object.

What were the most important achievements of Charles-Augustin de Coulomb?

He formulated Coulomb's Law (the Inverse Square Law) describing electric forces between charged particles, and his studies in the late 18th century laid the foundation for the development of electromagnetic theory.

How is the attraction of opposite electric charges applied in electrostatic coating?

The object to be coated (painted) is negatively charged, while the paint spray is positively charged.

Why do metal chains dangle from fuel transport vehicles to touch the ground?

For discharging electrostatic charges.

What causes a slight electric shock when touching a metal door handle after walking barefoot on carpet?

Discharging electrostatic charges.

What causes a slight crackling sound when removing woolen clothes in winter?

Discharging electrostatic charges.

Electric conductors

Materials that allow electric charges to flow freely through them, such as carbon, copper, and aluminum.

Electric insulators

Materials that do not allow electric charges to flow freely through them, causing charges to remain stationary.

Electroscope

A scientific device used to detect the presence and type of electric charges on an object.

Coulomb's Law

The mathematical rule stating that the electric force between two charged particles is inversely proportional to the square of the distance separating them.

Lightning rod

A protective metal conductor mounted on high structures to safely channel atmospheric electrostatic discharge directly into the ground.