Static Electricity and Lightning

These flashcards cover key concepts related to static electricity and lightning as discussed in the lecture notes.

Electrostatic Force

The force that causes static electricity when certain materials are rubbed together, causing electrons to be transferred.

Static Electricity

Electricity generated through friction, resulting in an electrostatic charge.

Friction

The process that causes electrons to move from one material to another, resulting in a charged object.

Positive Charge

A charge that occurs when an object loses electrons.

Negative Charge

A charge that occurs when an object gains electrons.

Attraction

The force that causes objects with opposite charges to pull towards each other.

Repulsion

The force that causes objects with similar charges to push away from each other.

Charging by Friction

The process of adding or removing electrons to charge an object, typically by rubbing it against another material.

PVC

A type of plastic that typically gains a negative charge when rubbed against a cloth.

Glass

A material that typically gains a positive charge when rubbed against a cloth.

Lightning

A giant electrostatic discharge that occurs between charged areas in clouds, or between clouds and the ground.

Electrostatic Discharge

The sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects.

Lightning Safety

Precautions to take during lightning storms, such as staying indoors, avoiding water and tall objects.

Neutral Charge

A state where an object has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no net charge.

Nature of Charges

Charges build-up due to friction, leading to either attraction or repulsion between objects.