static electricity (TRIPLE)

• Conductor


  Metals are good conductors of electricity because electrons can easily flow through them
• Insulator


  Objects such as plastic and glass do not conduct electricity because electrons cannot move through them
• Cloth


  An insulator covered with electrons that cannot move through it
• Rubbing plastic with cloth

  1. Electrons move from plastic to cloth

  2. Cloth now has overall negative charge

  3. Plastic now has overall positive charge
• Static electricity


  The charge buildup that occurs when electrons are transferred between insulators
• Experiencing static electricity


  • Receiving an electric shock after walking across a carpet
• Van de Graaff generator

  1. Moving belt transfers electrons from top plastic roller to belt

  2. Electrons pass off belt to earth at bottom roller

  3. Top region of generator becomes positively charged
• Metal dome


  Acts as a store of positive charge, allowing it to spread out
• Person holding dome of Van de Graaff generator

  Becomes positively charged, causing hair to repel and stand on end
• Static electricity buildup


  Can cause dangerous sparks, e.g. during aircraft refuelling
• Preventing static electricity buildup during aircraft refuelling


  Refuelling truck and airplane are earthed to prevent charge buildup and sparks