Atomic Structure & Electric Charge
TRUE OR FALSE
A negatively charged object has more protons than neutrons.
False
The tendency of materials to gain or lose electrons, which determines whether an object will have a positive or negative charge.
What is the electrostatic series?
What charging method occurs when an object makes contact with another object?
What is charging by conduction?
A material that allows electrons to pass through it easily.
What is a conductor?
TRUE OR FALSE
Lightning is a large electric discharge caused by the buildup of static electricity.
True
The overall charge of an atom with equal protons and electrons?
What is neutral?
Which materials gain electrons more easily: the top or the bottom of the series?
Bottom
TRUE OR FALSE
Charging by induction can be either temporary or permanent.
True
The process of removing excess electric charge by transferring electrons to or from the Earth.
What is grounding?
What device builds up static electricity and causes hair to stand when you touch it? (HINT: it used to be at the Science Centre.)
What is a Van de Graaff generator?
The imbalance of electric charge on the surface of an object.
What is static elecctricity?
If glass is rubbed with silk, which becomes positive? (Use your electrostatic series table.)
What is glass?
What method of charging occurs when an electrostatic duster (a Swiffer duster) is rubbed against a surface?
What is charging by friction?
TRUE OR FALSE
Typically, nonmetals are conductors and metals are insulators.
False
What happens to the leaves inside a metal leaf electroscope when a charged object is brought near it?
The leaves repel and spread apart.
The law that explains why two negatively charged objects repel each other.
What is the Law of electric Charges?
A positively charged rod is brought near (but does not touch) a neutral metal sphere. What happens to the charges in the sphere?
The electrons move to the side closest to the rod.
What happens to electrons during conduction?
They move from the negatively charged object to the positively charged object.
If a negatively charged object is grounded to the Earth and becomes neutral, what is the overall charge of the Earth?
Neutral
What does an electroscope do, and what are the 2 types?
It detects an electric charge. The 2 types are the pith ball electroscope and the metal leaf electroscope.
Explain why electrons move between objects but protons do not.
Electrons are loosely held outside the nucleus, and protons are tightly held in the nucleus.
Why does a negatively charged balloon first stick to a wall and then fall off?
This charge attracts the positive particles in the wall's surface, making the balloon stick. Over time, the extra negative charge on the balloon leaks onto the wall. Once it loses most of its charge, the attraction weakens and gravity pulls it down.
During induction, can electrons move from one object to another? Why or why not?
No, electrons do not move to another object during induction because the objects are not in direct contact, and electrons can not jump between objects
Why is it important to wear electrical safety gloves when working on cell towers?
Safety gloves are made of insulating materials (like rubber) that block electricity. They prevent electric current from shocking the worker.
Why does someone get shocked after touching a metal doorknob after walking on carpet?
Walking on a carpet creates static electricity through friction, causing electrons to transfer from the carpet to your skin. Your skin maintains a hold on these excess electrons. And touching a metal doorknob (a conductor) allows the excess charge to discharge rapidly, creating a spark and the feeling of a shock