(2) Static Electricity

Question 1

What happens when insulating materials are rubbed together?

Answer 1

They become statically (electrically) charged

Question 2

Why can insulators become electrically charged?

Answer 2

1) electrons are rubbed from one material onto the other
2) the material gaining electrons becomes negatively charged
3) the material losing electrons becomes equally positively charged

Question 3

What happens when two electrically charged objects are brought close together?

Answer 3

They exert a force on each other

Question 4

What happens if two identically charged objects are brought together?

Answer 4

They exert a repulsive force on each other and repel

Question 5

What happens if two oppositely charged objects are brought together?

Answer 5

They exert an attractive force on each other and attract

Question 6

Are these contact or non contact forces?

Answer 6

Repulsive and attractive forces are non contact

Question 7

What is an electric field?

Answer 7

A region around a charged object which has an non contact electrical force

Question 8

How does the electrical field change around the object?

Answer 8

It’s strongest closer to the object and decreases in strength as you move away from the object

Question 9

What precautions are taken to prevent the build up of static charge or sparks?

Answer 9

Any surfaces that are rubbing together should be earthed to allow the charge to flow off the materials