Electric Charge and Static Electricity

Electric Charge

  • Definition: Electrons are the only subatomic particles that can move from atom to atom.

  • Charge Generation: An atom possesses an electric charge when it has an uneven quantity of electrons and protons.

  • Matter Composition: As matter is composed of atoms, it inherently has an electric charge.

What is Static Electricity?

  • Definition: Static electricity refers to the accumulation of electrical charge on the surface of an object.

  • Characteristics: The term "static" indicates that the charge remains fixed in one location rather than moving.

Positive, Negative, and Neutral Objects

  • Electric Charge: A form of charge that produces an electric force.

  • Charge Symbols:

    • The + symbol indicates a large number of protons (positive charge).

    • The - symbol denotes a large number of electrons (negative charge).

  • Types of Charges:

    • Neutral Object: Has an equal number of protons and electrons.

    • Negatively Charged Object: Contains more electrons than protons.

    • Positively Charged Object: Contains fewer electrons than protons.

The Law of Electric Charges

  • Principle: A charged object exerts an electric force on other objects.

  • Types of Electric Forces:

    • Attractive Force: Draws objects together (e.g., opposite charges).

    • Repulsive Force: Pushes objects apart (e.g., like charges).

  • Key Observations:

    1. Like Charges repel each other (e.g., ++ or --).

    2. Opposite Charges attract each other (e.g., + and -).