The science of static electricity - Anuradha Bhagwat

What happens to an atom if you pull off an electron from it?

• It explodes

• The atom then has a positive (+) charge

• The atom then has a negative (-) charge

• The atom acquires no charge and stays neutral

Which of the following will usually create static electricity?

• Rub a wet rag on the floor

• Rub a coin on a carpet

• Rub your foot on the carpet

• Rub your hand on the door knob

What happens to a material that collects electrons on its surface?

• It gets negatively charged

• It gets positively charged

• It is sparking continuously

• It stays neutral

How does friction between two materials cause electrons to jump from one and stick to another?

• Friction scrapes off electrons from one material and deposits them on the other material

• Friction doesn't move the electrons; adhesive forces inside the material pull off the electrons

• Friction moves electrons because the material gets a net negative charge

• Friction arises because of charge imbalances, which move electrons

Explain why for static electricity to occur between two surfaces that are rubbed against each other, one of the materials has to be an insulator.

Why is the phenomenon of static electricity observed more in dry, winter months than in hot, humid summer months?