The removal of excess charge by providing a low resistance path for electrons to flow through
Electric field lines
Lines representing an electric field that point in the direction in which a positive charge would experience an electric force. The closer they are, the stronger the field
Electric field
A region in which a charge will experience a non-contact electric force. All charged objects have an electric field around them and this field is stronger the close you are to the charge
Lightning
A consequence of static charge building up in the clouds. Lightning striked are caused by the discharge of this charge
Like charges
When 2 charges of the same pole meet they will repel
Parallel plates
The electric field between 2 charged plates is uniform. The field lines are parallel, equally spaced and point from the positive plate to the negative plate
Point charge
The electric field around a point charge becomes weaker the further away you are. The field lines for a positive charge point radially outwards whereas the field lines for a negative charge point radially inwards
Sparking
The transfer of electrons between 2 surfaces that have an imbalance of charges. Sparking can be particularly dangerous in locations such as petrol pumps and so the pumps must be earthed
Static charge
The charge caused by an imabalance of positive and negative charges in or on an objects surface. It is often caused by electrons being rubbed from one surface onto another
Unlike charges
When 2 charges of opposite poles meet they will attract