4.2.5 - Static Electricity (Physics Only)

Electricity

What can happen when insulating materials are rubbed together?

They can become (statically) electrically charged

Why can insulators become electrically charged when rubbed together?

Electrons are rubbed from one material onto the other

The material gaining electrons becomes negatively charged

The material losing electrons becomes equally positively charged

What happens when two electrically charged objects are brought close together?

They exert a force on each other

What happens when two identically charged objects are brought close together?

They exert a repulsive force on each other and repel

What happens when two oppositely charged objects are brought close together?

They exert an attractive force on each other and attract

Give an example of a non-contact force.

The repulsive or attractive force acting between two electrically charged objects

What is an electric field?

A region in which a charged object will experience a non-contact electrical force

Where can electric fields be found?

Surrounding any charged object

Describe the electric field around a charged particle.

Strongest closest to the object

Decreases in strength as you move away from the object

What happens to the force between two charged objects when they are moved closer together?

The force between them becomes stronger as the separation reduces

In situations where sparks are unwanted, what precaution must be taken to prevent the build up of static charge?

Any surfaces that are rubbing against each other should be earthed to allow the charge to flow off the materials