Understanding Static Electricity Quiz

Which of the following best describes what is being created in the picture?

• static electricity

• potential energy

• magnetic field

Answer explanation

The picture likely depicts a phenomenon where charges are separated, leading to the buildup of static electricity. This is characterized by the attraction or repulsion of objects due to electric charges, making 'static electricity' the best description.

When two balloons with the same charge are brought near each other they:

• repel

• attract

• do nothing

Answer explanation

When two balloons have the same charge, they repel each other due to the electrostatic force. Like charges repel, while opposite charges attract. Therefore, the correct answer is that they repel.

What is a common cause of static electricity?

• Rubbing two different materials together

• Heating a metal object

• Cooling a plastic object

• Mixing two liquids

Answer explanation

A common cause of static electricity is rubbing two different materials together, which transfers electrons and creates an imbalance of charges. This is known as triboelectric charging.

Which of the following is an effect of static electricity?

• A light bulb glowing

• A balloon sticking to a wall

• Water boiling

• A fan spinning

Answer explanation

A balloon sticking to a wall is a classic example of static electricity. When rubbed, the balloon gains a charge and can attract neutral objects, like the wall, due to electrostatic forces. The other options involve different physical phenomena.

What happens when two objects with the same charge are brought close to each other?

• They attract each other

• They repel each other

• They become neutral

• They change colour

Answer explanation

When two objects have the same charge, they repel each other due to the electrostatic force. This is a fundamental principle of electromagnetism, where like charges push away from each other.

Which of the following materials is a good conductor of electricity?

• Rubber

• Glass

• Copper

• Wood

Answer explanation

Copper is a metal known for its excellent electrical conductivity, making it a good conductor of electricity. In contrast, rubber, glass, and wood are insulators and do not conduct electricity well.

What is the unit of electric charge?

• Newton

• Joule

• Coulomb

• Watt

Answer explanation

The unit of electric charge is the Coulomb, which quantifies the amount of charge transferred by a constant current of one ampere in one second. Newton, Joule, and Watt are units for force, energy, and power, respectively.

Which of the following is an insulator?

• Aluminium

• Silver

• Plastic

• Iron

Answer explanation

Plastic is an insulator, meaning it does not conduct electricity well. In contrast, aluminium, silver, and iron are all good conductors of electricity.

What is the effect of static electricity on hair when a balloon is rubbed against it?

• The hair becomes wet

• The hair stands up

• The hair changes colour

• The hair falls out

Answer explanation

When a balloon is rubbed against hair, static electricity builds up, causing the hair to become positively charged. This repels the hair strands from each other, making them stand up.

What type of charge does an electron have?

• Positive

• Negative

• Neutral

• Double

Answer explanation

An electron carries a negative charge, which is fundamental to its nature. This is in contrast to protons, which have a positive charge, and neutrons, which are neutral. Therefore, the correct answer is negative.