2.5 Static Electricity Flashcards
what can happen when insulating materials are rubbed together?
they can become (statically) electrically charged.
why can insulators become electrically charged when rubbed together?
- electrobs are rubbed from one material onto the other
- the material gaining electrons becomes negatively charged
- the material losing electrons becomes equally positively charged
what happens when two electrically charged objects are brought close together?
they exert a force on each other.
what happens to the force between two charged objects when they are moved closer together?
the force between them becomes stronger as the separation reduces.
what happens when two identically charged objects are brought close together?
they exert a replusive force on each other and repel.
what happens when two oppositely charged objects are brought close together?
they exert an attractive force on each other and attract.
give an example of a non-contact force?
the repulsive or attractive force acting between two electrically charged objects.
where can electric fields be found?
surrounding any charged object.
describe the electric field around a charged particle.
- strongest closest to the object
- decreases in strength as you move away from the object
what is an electric field?
a region in which a charged object will experience a non-contace electrical force.
in situations where sparks are unwanted, what precaution must be taken to prevent the build up of static charge?
any surfaces that are rubbed against each other should be earthed to allow the charge to flow off the materials.
