Physics AQA Topic 2 (Static electricity)

4.2.5

What can happen when insulating materials are rubbed together

They can become electrically charged

Why can insulators become electrically charged when rubbed together

Negatively charged electrons are rubbed form one material onto the other, the material gaining electrons becomes negatively charged and the material losing electrons becomes equally positively charged so they attract each other

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 the other object

What happens when two oppositely charged objects are brought close together

They exert an attractive force on each other and attract the other object

Give an example of non contact force between electrically charged objects

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

The strongest part is the closest to the object - it decreases in strength as you move away from the object

Which way does the electric field flow

Positive to negative

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

The force between them becomes stronger as the distance between them gets smaller

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

What is a spark

The release of a build up of electrical charge