Static Electricity

• What can happen when insulating materials are rubbed together?

  They can become electrically charged.
• What happens to the material losing electrons when rubbed?

  It becomes positively charged.
• Why can insulators become electrically charged when rubbed together?

  Electrons are rubbed from one material onto another.
• What happens to the material gaining electrons when rubbed?

  It becomes negatively charged.
• What happens when two electrically charged objects are brought close together?

  They exert a force on each other.
• What happens when two identically charged objects are brought close together?

  They exert a repulsive force and repel.
• What happens when two oppositely charged objects are brought close together?

  They exert an attractive force and attract.
• Give an example of a non-contact force.

  • Magnetic force
  • Electrostatics (the force between electrically charged objects)
  • Gravitational force
• What is an electric field?

  A region where a charged object experiences a force.
• Where can electric fields be found?

  Surrounding any charged object.
• Describe the electric field around a charged particle.

  Strongest closest to the object, decreases with distance.
• What happens to the force between two charged objects when they are moved closer together?

  The force becomes stronger as separation reduces.
• What precaution must be taken to prevent the build-up of static charge in unwanted situations?

  Surfaces rubbing against each other should be earthed.
• What can happen when insulating materials are rubbed together?

  They can become electrically charged.
• Why can insulators become electrically charged when rubbed together?

  Electrons are rubbed from one material onto another.
• What happens to the material gaining electrons when insulators are rubbed together?

  It becomes negatively charged.
• What happens to the material losing electrons when insulators are rubbed together?

  It becomes positively charged.
• What happens when two electrically charged objects are brought close together?

  They exert a force on each other.
• What happens when two identically charged objects are brought close together?

  They exert a repulsive force and repel.
• What happens when two oppositely charged objects are brought close together?

  They exert an attractive force and attract.
• Give an example of a non-contact force.

  The force between electrically charged objects.
• What is an electric field?

  A region where a charged object experiences a force.
• Where can electric fields be found?

  Surrounding any charged object.
• Describe the electric field around a charged particle.

  Strongest closest to the object, decreases with distance.
• What happens to the force between two charged objects when they are moved closer together?

  The force becomes stronger as separation reduces.
• What precaution must be taken to prevent the build-up of static charge in unwanted situations?

  Surfaces should be earthed to allow charge flow.