Understanding Static Electricity and Insulators

What is the primary function of a Van de Graaff generator?

• To generate electricity for household use

• To build up static charge on a metal sphere

• To create magnetic fields

• To measure the humidity in the air

How can insulators become charged despite not conducting electricity?

• Through violent events like rubbing

• By being exposed to sunlight

• Through exposure to sound waves

• By being submerged in water

What happens when you slide out of a car seat in cold, dry air?

• You and the seat become charged

• The car battery discharges

• You become grounded immediately

• The car alarm goes off

What must happen for air to conduct electricity?

• The voltage must be high enough to overcome air's insulating properties

• The air must be moving rapidly

• The air must be humid

• The air must be cold

What is the process called when electrons are stripped off air molecules, releasing light?

• Magnetization

• Conduction

• Ionization

• Polarization