Static Electricity

• Why can insulators become electrically charge when rubbed together?

  Electrons transfer from one material onto the other, the material gaining electrons becomes negatively charged, the material losing electrons becomes positively charged.
• What would happen when two electrically charged objects are brought close together?

  They exert a force on eachother.
• Give an example of a non-contact force.

  The repulsive or attractive force acting between two electrically charged objects.
• Why do we feel electric shock?

  When an object builds up an electrostatic charge, it needs to be ‘earthed’ via a conductor. Electrons flow to/from the earth to balance the charge, this can also occur if you touched a charged object whilst you are earthed. If earthing occurs through a person/animal, it causes an electric shock.
• Why does lightning occur?

  Clouds can build up an electrostatic charge. When this charge becomes large enough, the clouds discharge via the earth, this is known as lightning.
• Why does a charged ballon stick to the wall?

  When a positively charged balloon is placed next to a wall the positive charges near the balloon get repelled to other parts of the wall. This leaves an area of the wall with a negative charge, which attracts the positively charged balloon towards the wall, making the balloon stick.
• How does earthing remove excess charge?

  It provides a path with a low resistance for the electrons to flow either from the device or towards the device to reduce the charge build up.
• How does static electricity cause danger when fuelling cars?

  Static charge can build up due to the friction between the pipes and the fuel. When the charge builds up, a spark may be discharged. The spark could start a fire if it reacts with the flammable fuel. This is resolved by earthing the vehicle and pump.
• What is an electric field?

  A region where an electric charge will experience a non-contact force.
• What direction do the field lines in an electric field point?

  In the direction that a positive charge would move.
• Describe the appearance of electric field lines in a parallel field.

  Straight lines, which are parallel to each other and the negative plate. At the edges, the lines are partially curved.
• How is a stronger field shown?

  The field lines are closer together.
• How can you use electric fields to explain static electricity?

  The object that is statically charged will generate an electric field. This field attracts the electrons on other objects causing a flow of charge resulting in sparks.