Static electricity

• Objects normally have neutral charge overall

  Objects consist of atoms, which consist of protons, neutrons and electrons.

  The number of positive protons is equal to the number of negative electrons, so the overall change is neutral
• How does static electricity build up

  When two objects are rubbed together, the friction can cause electrons to move from one object onto the other

  This can lead to a build up of charge
• Static electricity

  Build up of charge on insulating materials
• Is static more likely to build up on conductors or insulators

  Insulating materials as the electrons would just flow straight back if the materials were conductors
• When two materials are rubbed together what particles are formed

  Electrons
• Spark between an object and the earth

  Large build up of charge can cause a large potential difference

  This large pd could allow electrons to jump through the air from one object to the other causing a spark