Static Electricity

Charges• If an object has lots of electrons, it is negatively

charged. • If it does not have many, it is positively charged. • Negative charges are able to move because electrons

are able to move. Protons are ‘stuck’ in the nuclei of atoms, so positive charges can’t move.

STATIC = NOT MOVING• Static electricity does not flow

• Instead it causes charge separation: when a negatively charged objects comes near neutral objects.

The negatively charged object repels the electrons in the neutral object, leaving an area of positive charge.

Induction• Because electrons can move, objects can take on a

charge when an another charged object is brought close to it.

Van De Graaff

1) Like charges repel 2) Opposite charges attract.

Static• The buildup of electrons in an object gives it a static

charge.

• During a discharge, electrons “jump” from an object with many electrons to an object without many.

• Electricity always “wants” to flow into the ground and find the easiest path to the ground. This is another way to discharge an object.

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Exit Slip1. Explain how the Van de Graaff generator builds up a

static charge?

2. What is the basis of static electricity?

3. Where does electricity come from?

4. What does it mean to be charged?