Charged objects

An electric field is created by particles that

• are moving.

• have a charge.

• are radioactive.

• are electrically neutral.

Answer explanation

An electric field is produced by charged particles. Only particles with a charge can create an electric field, while neutral or radioactive particles do not generate such fields.

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You rub a balloon on your head and it becomes negatively charged. The balloon will be MOST attracted to

• a piece of metal.

• positively charged hair.

• the neutrally charged wall.

• another negatively charged balloon.

Answer explanation

The negatively charged balloon is attracted to positively charged objects due to opposite charges attracting. Therefore, it will be most attracted to positively charged hair, rather than neutral or like charges.

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An ebonite rod is rubbed with the four different substances below. Choose the one that is MOST likely to produce the largest static charge by friction.

• fur

• paper

• silk

• wax

Answer explanation

Fur is known to produce a significant static charge when rubbed against materials like ebonite due to its high electron affinity. This makes it the most effective choice among the options listed for generating static electricity.

Which is an example of gaining a static charge by conduction?

• Rubbing a balloon against your hair.

• Shuffling your shoes across a carpet.

• Bringing a charged rod near an electroscope.

• Touching your car on a cold day and getting a shock.

Answer explanation

Touching your car on a cold day transfers electrons, causing a static charge. This is conduction, as direct contact allows charge to flow, resulting in a shock. The other options involve different charging methods.

What would be a result of rubbing balloons against woolen fabric or your hair?

• Both your hair and the balloon would be negatively charged and static would cause them to separate.

• Rubbing the balloons against the woolen fabric or your hair creates heat energy.

• Your positively charged hair would be attracted to the negatively charged balloon and would rise up to meet the balloon.

• Static electricity is the movement of the charged particles between the objects.

Answer explanation

Rubbing balloons against wool creates static electricity, causing the balloon to become negatively charged. Your hair, losing electrons, becomes positively charged and is attracted to the negatively charged balloon, causing it to rise.

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When objects come in contact with one another, they transfer electrons. Which statement best explains the role of electrons in creating static electricity?

• Electrons move back and forth between magnetic objects, causing static electricity.

• Electrons are small currents that move along wires and deliver electricity to homes.

• Static electricity is the buildup of excess charge caused by the gain or loss of electrons.

• Static electricity is caused by friction between two objects and is felt in the form of heat.

Answer explanation

Static electricity occurs when there is an imbalance of electrons, leading to a buildup of excess charge. This is best explained by the correct choice, which highlights the gain or loss of electrons as the cause of static electricity.

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The drawstring shows two uncharged lightweight plastic balls suspended by thin, insulating threads. Ball 1 is given a positive charge. Ball 2 is given an equivalent negative charge.

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A positively charged ball is placed an equal distance between two charged objects, Object 1 and Object 2. In which case will the positively charged ball move toward Object 2?

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Gina rubbed a balloon against her hair and held the balloon a few inches away from her head. Which statement best describes the balloon shown here?

• It has a magnetic pull.

• It is creating friction.

• It is electrically charged.

• It is not affected by gravity.

Answer explanation

When Gina rubs the balloon against her hair, it gains electrons through friction, becoming electrically charged. This charge allows it to attract hair or other lightweight objects, demonstrating static electricity.

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Gina rubbed a balloon against her hair and held the balloon a few inches away from her head. Which statement best describes the balloon shown here?

Which statement best describes the cause-and-effect relationship shown in the picture?

Responses

• The magnetic pull of the air inside the balloon causes the hair to rise.

• The balloon's surface became sticky when it was rubbed against her hair.

• The opposite charges between the balloon and hair causes the hair to rise.

• The hair loses its gravity and floats when an object is rubbed against it.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that rubbing the balloon against her hair creates opposite charges, causing the hair to rise due to electrostatic attraction. This is a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

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