STATIC ELECTRICITY P2

The term Electrostatics,, or Static Electricity,

comes from the Greek words elektron (meaning
“amber”, see box below) and statikos (roughly
meaning “stationary”).

It is therefore the study of stationary charge.

However, ironically, we often look at the way in
which individual charges move into these
stationary positions.

A charged rod attracting scraps of

Opposite Charges Attract; Like Charges Repel paper. Taken from Opfindelsernes Bog
[1978] (“Book
“Book of Inventions”)
Inventions by André
This is the Golden Rule! If you remember nothing Lütken.
else, then remember this. Do the rod and paper have the same,
same or
different, charges?

Remember the difference between conductors and insulators? A conductor

allows charge to pass through it, while an insulator does not.
 STATIC ELECTRICITY P2
Conductors, Atoms and Negative Charges

Metals conduct very well because they have free electrons;

charges which are able to move around. An atom is made
up of protons (positive charge), electrons (negative charge)
and neutrons (uncharged). However, atoms can gain or lose
electrons: they can become either positively or negatively
charged.

Adding electrons ⇒ atom will become negatively charged.

Amber, famous for having
insects trapped inside, was
admired by the Ancient Greeks
for its electrostatic properties;
it gains charge when friction is
applied.
Removing electrons ⇒ atom becomes positively charged.
Charging by Friction
When Perspex or Polythene, along with various other
materials (see right) are rubbed, they may gain or lose
electrons, depending on the material.

As electrons are negatively charged, this

means that the substance becomes either
positively or negatively charged itself.

Charge and Force

So two positive (or two negative) charges

will repel each other. A positive and a
negative charge will attract each other.

Unlike charges attract;

like charges repel.

Two charges, when brought close to one

another, will exert a force on one another.
 STATIC ELECTRICITY P2

Now answer the following questions.

1)

2)
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3)
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4)
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5)