Static Electricity Concepts

Front

What is static electricity?

Back

Static electricity is the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects, which occurs when electrons are transferred from one object to another.

Front

What causes a small shock from static electricity?

Back

The sudden discharge of accumulated charge.

Front

What happens when you touch a metal doorknob after rubbing your shoes on the carpet?

Back

Millions of electrons go from your finger into the doorknob.

Front

What happens to an object when it loses electrons?

Back

It becomes positively charged.

Front

What effect does static electricity have on hair when a balloon is rubbed against it?

Back

The hair stands up.

Front

What is the buildup of charge on an object called?

Back

Static force.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that does not allow electric charges to flow freely, such as rubber or glass.

Front

What is a conductor?

Back

A conductor is a material that allows electric charges to flow easily, such as copper or aluminum.

Front

What is the principle of conservation of charge?

Back

The principle states that the total electric charge in an isolated system remains constant.

Front

What is grounding?

Back

Grounding is the process of transferring excess charge from an object to the Earth, neutralizing the charge.