Physics: static electricity Flashcards
what are electro statics?
the study of stationary electric charges
what is atomic structure
Atomic structure refers to the organization and composition of an atom, which is the basic building block of matter. Atoms consist of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
what is the relation of electrostatics and atomic structure?
Electrostatics and atomic structure are closely connected. Charges in atoms interact through electrostatic forces, which hold the atom together and affect its properties. electrostatics is essential for understanding atomic structure.
what is a conductor?
a conductor is a substance or material that allows electricity to flow through it.
Example
metal
what is an insulator?
insulators are mmaterials that do not allow electricity to pass through them.
example
rubber
state the law of electric charges
The law of electric charges states that like charges repel each other, and opposite charges attract each other.
example
protons and electrons attract
protons and protons reppel eachother
what is a charged object?
A charged object is an object that has an imbalance of electric charges. It can be positively charged (lacking electrons) or negatively charged (having extra electrons).
example
a balloon that has been rubbed against a person’s hair
what is a neutral object?
A neutral object is an object with an equal number of positive and negative charges, making its overall charge zero.
an example would be an everyday object like a table
explain what happens when a charged approaches a neutral object.
When a charged object gets near a neutral object, the charges in the neutral object can either separate temporarily or transfer between the objects. If the neutral object conducts electricity, the charges can move and equalize. If it doesn’t conduct electricity, the charges go back to being balanced when the charged object is moved away.
how do you create a charge separation by induction? (what are the 5 steps)
To create charge separation by induction:
- Start with a neutral object and a positively charged object.
- Bring the charged object close to the neutral object without touching it.
- The positive charge of the object attracts negative charges in the neutral object, causing them to move towards the side closer to the charged object.
- This creates a temporary separation of charges, with one side becoming negative and the other side becoming positive.
- Once the charged object is removed, the charges in the neutral object go back to their original balanced state.
what is charging by induction?
Charging by induction is when a charged object makes charges move in a nearby neutral object without touching it.
what is charging by conduction?
Charging by conduction is when a charged object touches a neutral object, and its charges balance out.
describe what happens when a neutral object touches a charged object.
If the charged object conducts electricity, charges can transfer between them.
If the charged object doesn’t conduct electricity or the contact is brief, there can be a temporary charge separation in the neutral object.
Describe how an electroscope can be used to detect charge.
An electroscope detects electric charge. When a charged object is nearby, the electroscope’s metal leaf or needle moves. If the charges are the same, they repel and separate. This shows there is a charge. If the charges are opposite, they attract
define electro-static discharge
Electrostatic discharge is a sudden flow of electric charge between objects with different charges.
