Static Electricity
Science: KS3, topic 3.4.10
Static Electricity
Have you ever had a shock from a trampoline or an escalator? Have you ever seen lightning? A shock from a trampoline, an escalator, or lightning are all examples of static electricity.
Jumping charges
- Electrons can jump from one material to another.
- The electrons are negatively charged.
Charging by rubbing
- Rubbing two insulating materials moves electrons.
- One material loses electrons.
- The other gains electrons.
Rubbing cloth and rod
- Rubbing a cloth on a plastic rod removes electrons from the rod.
- The cloth gains electrons and charges negatively.
- The plastic rod loses electrons and charges positively.
Charging a balloon
- Rubbing a balloon on your head transfers electrons to the balloon.
- The balloon then sticks to the wall.
Non-contact force
- Static electricity is a non-contact force.
- The charged objects do not have to touch to attract or repel.
Van de Graaff Generator
- The Van de Graaff generator produces static electricity.
- The generator's belt rubs off charges.
- The dome becomes charged.
- The dome's charges jump to a nearby generator's ball.
Test yourself on Static Electricity
What type of force is static electricity?
Select the correct statement in each pair
A Van de Graaff generator sends a spark from its charged dome to a nearby metal ball. Why is this similar to lightning?
A dog is rubbed with a blanket. The blanket loses electrons to the dog. What charge does the dog end up with?