Physics Topic 5

Physics Topic 5

1. Static Electricity

   • Friction
     • Build up of static is caused by friction
     • When two insulating materials are rubbed together, electrons move from one material to the other
       • Electrons are negatively charged
       • This leaves one material having a negative static charge and the other with a positive static charge
       • Which way the electrons re transferred depends on the materials
   • Electrons
     • When electrons are removed, the particles are left positively charged
       • these charged particles are called ions
     • Both negative and positive electrostatic charges are only ever produced by the movement of electrons
     • The positive charge is always caused by an electron moving away.
   • Like Charges Repel, Opposite charges attract
     • When you rub two insulating materials together, a whole load of electrons get dumped together one of the insulators , which become negatively charged
     • They try to repel each other, but can't move apart because their positions are fixed.
     • The patch of charge that results is called static electricity because it can't move
   • Can be responsible for...
     • Attracting dust:
       • Dust particles are small and lightweight. They are attracted to anything that is charged
     • Clinging clothes and Crackles:
       • When synthetic clothes are dragged over each other like in a tumble dryer or over your head, electrons get scrapped off, leaving static charges on both parts, and that leads to attraction