8.1 Static Electricity

Question 1

What is an electrical conductor?

Answer 1

A material that allows charge to flow through it

Question 2

What is an electrical insulator?

Answer 2

A material that does not allow electrical charge to pass through it

Question 3

Which conductor is a non metal exception?

Answer 3

Graphite

Question 4

When a fuel pump is brought close to the plane when fuelling, what could happen if too much static charge has built up on the plane?

Answer 4

A spark could jump from the plane to the pump

Question 5

When a fuel pump is brought close to the plane when fuelling, and a spark is formed what is dangerous about this?

Answer 5

This could ignite the fuel and cause an explosion.

Question 6

How does the earthing wire connected to the pump and plane keep the plane safe?

Answer 6

The wire is a conductor and allows any buildup of charge to flow off of the plane and down the wire to earth, to prevent a charge buildup to dangerous levels.

Question 7

The paint, leaving a spray gun picks up a negative charge from the nozzle. Why does this help the paint achieve an even mist with no big drops?

Answer 7

Like charges repel so the paint repels away from its self into small fine droplets.