Static electricity

• Particles


  • Proton
  • Electron
  • Neutron
• Proton


  • Positive (+) charge
  • Located in nucleus
• Electron


  • Negative (-) charge
  • Orbits nucleus
• Neutron


  • Neutral charge
  • Located in nucleus
• The outer("valence") electrons can move around within the substance
• Electric Charges


  • Neutral (equal p+ and e-)
  • Negatively charged (more e- than p+)
  • Positively charged (more p+ than e-)
• Lithium has 3 protons (+) and 3 electrons (-)
• When an atom has an equal number of p+ and e- then it is neutral (the charges balance each other)
• If an atom gain or loses electrons it gains an electric charge (becomes an ion)
• Electric Charge States


  • Neutral (equal p+ and e-)
  • Negatively charged (more e- than p+)
  • Positively charged (more p+ than e-)
• The object is negatively charged - it has more electrons than protons
• Law of Electric Charges

  • Opposite charges Attract
  • Same charges Repel
  • Neutral objects Attract both + and - objects
• Static Electricity


  • Occurs when there is a buildup of electric charge on the surface of an object
  • The charge does not move ("static" = not moving)
  • The charge will stay there until it moves suddenly to another object
• Examples of Static Electricity

  • Lightning during thunderstorms
  • Emptying clothes from the dryer (some might stick together - "static cling")
  • Sliding down a slide
• Although getting a shock from a doorknob might hurt a bit, they aren't especially harmful to us
• However, a small shock like that could harm other important things such as computers and microchips
• A hazardous version of static electricity is lightning
• Lightning is an example of electric discharge
• Use of Static Electricity: Spray Painting

  Spray painting can result in overspray and uneven surfaces. By oppositely charging the paint and the item, more paint ends up on the item and in a more even layer.