Electrical Charges

​How Do Electric Charges Move?

Electric charges move inside objects. The way they move depends on the kind of material the object is made of. Some materials, such as most metals, are conductors. In a conductor, electrical charges can move easily.

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Other materials, such rubber balloons, are insulators. In an insulator, electric charges can not move easily. ​

SAVVAS

​​CONDUCTOR

Electric charges are free to move easily.​

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​​INSULATOR

Electric charges are closer together and do not move around easily.​

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​NEUTRAL

All material are made up of charged particles. When the number of positive charges and the number of negative charges are the same, the material is neutral.

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Multiple Choice

TRUE OR FALSE:

An object with the exact same number of positive or negative charges is considered neutral.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Multiple Choice

Which type of charge is pictured?

• neutral

• positive

• negative

Open Ended

Which type of charge (positive, negative, or neutral) is pictured? How do you know?

​SAVVAS

​CONDUCTORS & INSULATORS

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​MOVING CHARGES

Sometimes charges can transfer from a charges object to another object- even if two objects do not touch! Static discharge is the transfer of particles that have an electric charge between objects that are not touching. ​

For example, when you walks across most carpets, negatively charged particles in the carpet move to your body. Your body then becomes negatively charged. Next, when your finger comes near a doorknob, the electric force between your finger and the doorknob causes static discharge to occur.​ Finally, when a spark jumps between your finger and a doorknob, a static discharge has happened.

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SAVVAS

Reorder

Based on the paragraph below, what is the sequence that causes a static discharge when you touch a doorknob?

• You walk across a carpet that is negatively charged.

• Your body absorbs, or takes on the negative particles giving you a negative charge.

• The electric force is activated when your finger comes close to the doorknob.

• Finally, a spark jumps between your finger and a doorknob, a static discharged has occurred. You'll probably feel a little buzz!

1

2

3

4

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Open Ended

Predict and jot down your answer:

A metal rod has a negative electric charge.

A tennis ball also has a negative electric charge.

What will happen if these two objects are placed close together?