Define static electricity.
An electric charge that accumulates on the surface of objects.
What causes static electricity?
It is caused by the imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of materials.
True or false: Friction can generate static electricity.
TRUE
Friction causes electrons to transfer between materials, leading to static charge.
Fill in the blank: Electrons are ______ charged particles.
negatively
What is charging by friction?
A process where two materials become electrically charged after being rubbed together.
Define induction in static electricity.
The process of charging an object without direct contact, using an electric field.
What happens during contact charging?
Two objects become charged by direct contact, transferring electrons from one to the other.
True or false: Insulators do not allow electrons to move freely.
TRUE
Materials like rubber and glass are good insulators.
Fill in the blank: Conductors allow electrons to ______ easily.
flow
What is electric discharge?
The release of stored electric charge, often resulting in a spark.
True or false: Lightning is a form of electric discharge.
TRUE
Lightning occurs due to the discharge of static electricity in clouds.
What is the role of electrons in static electricity?
Electrons are the particles that transfer between objects, creating static charge.
Fill in the blank: Electrostatic forces act at ______ distances.
long
Define grounding.
The process of transferring excess charge to the Earth to neutralize an object.
True or false: Static cling is caused by static electricity.
TRUE
Static cling occurs when clothes attract each other due to static charge.
Fill in the blank: Static electricity can cause ______ in sensitive electronic devices.
damage
Define spark discharge.
A sudden release of static electricity that produces a visible spark.
True or false: Humidity increases static electricity buildup.
FALSE
High humidity allows charges to dissipate, reducing static buildup.
What is the effect of temperature on static electricity?
Higher temperatures can increase the mobility of electrons, affecting charge accumulation.
Fill in the blank: Static electricity is often observed in ______ weather.
dry
What is electrostatic discharge (ESD)?
The transfer of electric charge between two objects caused by contact or proximity.
True or false: Static electricity can be harnessed for practical applications.
TRUE
Applications include photocopiers and air purifiers.
What is the principle of conservation of charge?
Charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between objects.
Fill in the blank: Electrostatic forces can be either ______ or attractive.
repulsive