Charged Objects
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 4.2.2
Charging an Object
Objects become charged by gaining or losing electrons.
Losing/gaining electrons
- Electrons are negatively charged.
- An object that loses electrons becomes positively charged and an object that gains electrons becomes negatively charged.
Sparks
- When there is a difference in positive and negative charge between two objects, there is a potential difference between the two objects. This potential difference causes a rapid transfer of charge, known as static electricity, and a spark is produced.
- In clouds during a storm, charge builds up and creates lightning, which is an example of a spark.
Test yourself on Charged Objects
Which of the following are true of any material?
What charge will a material gain if it loses electrons?
Suggest why clothes dried in a tumble drier might stick to each other.