Static Electricity

Electrically charged, which is called charging by friction. One becomes positive and one becomes negative.

Electrons are transferred to the cloth
The rod is + and the cloth is -

The negative and positive charges are evenly distributed

The opposite charge is attracted to the surface of the neutral material.
The materials attract one another

Repel

Attract

Two objects are charged by friction
They become oppositely charged
The large surplus of electrons causes electrons to jump across to a neutral object
A current flows between the objects, called a spark

In a storm, clouds move other each other
This causes them to become charged when electrons are transferred between them
Since the ground is neutral, the negative charges from the cloud jump to meet the positive charges on the ground creating a giant spark
The spark will take the path of least resistance (air is a poor conductor ) so tall objects like trees or buildings will be struck

Rubbing balloon on jumper transfers electrons onto the balloon by friction
The balloon is now negatively charged
The wall is neutral, however when the balloon is placed near the wall, the positive negative charges are pushed away from the surface because they are repelled by the negative charge
There is a positive charge on the surface of the wall
Opposite charges attract, ergo the balloon sticks to the wall

When the comb is run through hair, it is charged by friction.
Electrons are transferred from hair to comb so the comb has a negative charge
Hair strands will become positively charged and repel each other
Pieces of paper are neutral, but as the comb moves towards them, the negative charges are pushed from the surface, causing a positive charge at the surface
Opposite charges attract so the paper sticks to the comb

Removing excess charge

The earth is a giant reservoir of electrons which can give and take excess electrons

The charged object is connected to earth by a conductor
A conductor is used as charge can flow through it
For example, if a positively charged object was connected, electrons are attracted up from earth, (opposite charges attract) cancelling the charge

The insecticide spray is given a positive charge as it leaves the sprayer
The drops of insecticide then repel each other since they are the same charge
This ensures the spray remains fine and covers a large area
They are attracted to the negative charges on earth so they fall quickly and stick to surfaces

Risk of electrocution (eg. Lightning)
Risk of a fire or explosion due to a spark close to a flammable gas or liquid

Fuel runs through the pipes very quickly
The fuel is very flammable
The friction between the fuel and pipe causes the fuel to gain charge
If this charge causes a spark, the fuel could ignite and explode

The fuel tank is connected to earth with a copper wire called the bonding line
The conductor earths the plate by carrying the charge through to the earth which removes the risk of sparks

A region where an electric charge experienced a force

Spherical

Away from

Towards

Not on quizlet

The field lines being closer together