Static Electricity
Describe what happens to electric charges when you rub two objects together.
Answer: Rubbing causes electric charges to move from one object to another, making one object positively charged and the other negatively charged.
Explain why gravity affects all objects, even those that are not moving.
Answer: Gravity pulls on all objects because they have mass, whether they are moving or not.
Explain how electricity travels in a simple circuit.
Answer: Electricity flows from the battery through the wires to the bulb and back to the battery in a complete path.
Explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
Answer: Electricity flowing through a wire can create a magnetic field.
Minus Points
Minus Points
Why does static electricity usually work better on light objects than heavy ones?
Answer: Light objects are easier to pull or move because they need less force to attract them.
Why do objects thrown upward eventually fall back down?
Answer: Gravity pulls the objects back toward the Earth.
Why does breaking one part of a circuit stop the entire flow of electricity?
Answer: Electricity needs a complete path; breaking it stops the flow.
Why does adding more coils of wire make an electromagnet stronger?
Answer: More coils increase the magnetic field around the iron core.
How are gravity and electricity different in how they affect objects?
Answer: Gravity pulls objects toward each other, while electricity moves charges through a circuit.
Explain why touching a metal doorknob can cause a small shock after walking on carpet.
Answer: Walking on carpet builds up static electricity, and touching metal releases the charge as a small shock.
How does gravity help keep the air and water on Earth?
Answer: Gravity holds the air and water close to the Earth so they do not float away into space.
What safety problems might happen if wires in a circuit are exposed?
Answer: People could get shocked, or it could cause a fire.
How does the use of an iron core help strengthen an electromagnet?
Answer: Iron becomes magnetized easily, making the electromagnet stronger.
What could happen if gravity suddenly stopped working on Earth for a short time?
Answer: Objects, people, air, and water could float away.
Bonus Points
Bonus Points
Compare gravity on Earth and gravity on the Moon.
Answer: Earth has stronger gravity than the Moon, so objects weigh less on the Moon.
How does a switch control the flow of electricity in a circuit?
Answer: A switch opens or closes the circuit, turning the electricity on or off.
Why are electromagnets preferred over permanent magnets in many machines?
Answer: Electromagnets can be turned on and off and their strength can be controlled.
How does understanding circuits and electromagnetism help engineers design machines?
Answer: It helps them create machines that use electricity safely and effectively.
Give one situation where static electricity is helpful and one where it can be harmful.
Answer: Helpful—photocopiers or air cleaners. Harmful—causing sparks or damaging electronics.
What might happen to humans if Earth suddenly had much weaker gravity?
Answer: People and objects would feel lighter and could jump higher or float.
Give an example of a device at home that uses a simple circuit and explain how it works.
Answer: A flashlight uses a battery, wires, and a bulb. When switched on, the circuit closes and the bulb lights up.
Explain how an electric bell or doorbell uses electromagnetism.
Answer: Electricity creates an electromagnet that pulls a metal piece, making the bell ring.
Why is static electricity not used to power appliances, but current electricity is?
Answer: Static electricity does not flow continuously, while current electricity does.