Static Electricity

• How electrons can be moved from one insulator to another

  1. Rub insulators together

  2. Electrons move from one insulator to the other
• Static electricity

  Charge buildup that occurs when electrons are transferred between insulators
• Static electricity


  Can lead to sparking
• Conductors


  • Metals - electrons can easily flow through
• Insulators


  • Plastic, glass, cloth - electrons cannot move through
• Van de Graaff generator

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

  2. Top region becomes positively charged
• Van de Graaff generator with metal dome

  Dome acts as a store of positive charge
• Person holding Van de Graaff generator dome

  Person becomes positively charged, hair stands on end
• Static electricity during aircraft refueling

  Can cause sparks and explosions
• To prevent static charge buildup during aircraft refueling, both refueling truck and airplane are earthed