Static Electricity and Electric Charges Quiz

Electricity is a form of energy that arises from the interaction of charged particles, such as protons and electrons.

An imbalance of positively and negatively charged atoms results in static electricity.

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom.

Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom.

Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have no charge.

Most objects are electrically neutral because they have an equal number of protons and electrons.

The Bohr-Rutherford model depicts an atom with a central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by orbiting electrons.

The element Boron is composed of atoms with 5 protons and 5 electrons, making it electrically neutral.

The process where electrons move from one atom to another, resulting in a change in the overall charge of the objects.

An object develops a negative charge when it gains extra electrons, causing it to have more electrons than protons.

An object develops a positive charge when it loses electrons, causing it to have more protons than electrons.

Similar charges (positive or negative) repel each other; opposite charges (positive and negative) attract.

A condition where the surface of an object has an imbalance of electric charge (either positive or negative), created by the transfer of electrons.

Static charges can be formed through friction, contact, or induction.

When two objects are rubbed together, electrons can move from one object to the other, creating a charge on each object.

The electrostatic series ranks materials based on their tendency to gain or lose electrons when rubbed together.

Different materials have different strengths in holding onto their electrons. This is why rubbing two different materials together can result in one object becoming positively charged and the other negatively charged.

The object with a weaker hold on electrons will lose electrons and become positively charged, while the object with a stronger hold on electrons will gain electrons and become negatively charged.

The Electrostatic Series is a list of materials ordered by their tendency to gain or lose electrons when rubbed together. Materials higher on the list are more likely to lose electrons and become positively charged, while those lower on the list are more likely to gain electrons and become negatively charged.

Charging by friction occurs when two materials are rubbed together, causing electrons to transfer from one material to the other. The material that loses electrons becomes positively charged, while the material that gains electrons becomes negatively charged.

Charging by contact occurs when a charged object touches a neutral object, causing electrons to transfer from one object to the other. The neutral object will then acquire the same charge as the charged object.

Ebonite (hard rubber) is a material that holds onto electrons very strongly. It is located at the bottom of the Electrostatic Series, making it very likely to gain electrons and become negatively charged.

Gold is a material that does not easily gain or lose electrons. It is located near the top of the Electrostatic Series, showing a weaker tendency to hold onto electrons and become positively charged.

Lightning happens when there is a sudden discharge of electricity due to a buildup of opposite charges in the atmosphere.

Static electricity is built up on a cloud due to friction, leading to a separation of charges.

The opposite charges in the cloud and ground attract, leading to a powerful flow of electrons that creates a bright flash of light.

A Faraday cage is a structure made of conductive material that can protect objects inside from electric fields.

Richard Hammond's car acts as a Faraday cage, protecting him from the electric field of lightning.

A material that allows electrons to flow easily, such as copper or aluminum.

A material that prevents the flow of electrons, such as wood or rubber.

A material that can act as both a conductor and insulator, such as silicon.

Transfer of electrons between objects in direct contact, resulting in one object gaining a negative charge and the other a positive charge.

A method of charging an object by bringing a charged object close to it, inducing a separation of charges in the neutral object.

A device used to detect the presence of an electric charge. It consists of two thin metal leaves that diverge when charged.

A charged object brought near a neutral object causes a redistribution of charges within the neutral object, creating an opposite charge on the surface closest to the charged object.

When a charged object is brought near a neutral electroscope, electrons within the electroscope move, causing the leaves to repel and diverge.

The buildup of static electricity can be dangerous, and proper precautions should be taken, especially when handling flammable materials.