Topic 2c - static electricity and electric fields ( 2. electric fields )

Question 1

what is an electric field

Answer 1

this is created around any electrically charged object. the closer to the object you get the stronger it gets.

Question 2

how do field lines work

Answer 2

point away from positive charges and towards negative charges. showing you the path that the charge would move along in. the closer the lines are together the stronger the force.

Question 3

explain why sparking occurs through an insulator

Answer 3

sparks are caused when there is a high enough pd between a charged and earthed object. a high pd causes a strong electric field. the strong electric field causes electrons in air particles to be removed known as ionisation. air is normally an insulator but when ionised it is more conductive so charge can flow through it.

Question 3

explain why sparking occurs through an insulator

Answer 3

sparks are caused when there is a high enough pd between a charged and earthed object. a high pd causes a strong electric field. the strong electric field causes electrons in air particles to be removed known as ionisation. air is normally an insulator but when ionised it is more conductive so charge can flow through it.