Static Electricity Basics

Front

What is static electricity?

Back

Static electricity is an electrical imbalance caused by the transfer of electrons.

Front

What charge do protons have?

Back

Protons have a positive charge.

Front

What charge do electrons have?

Back

Electrons have a negative charge.

Front

What charge do neutrons have?

Back

Neutrons have no charge.

Front

What happens when two materials are rubbed together?

Back

Electrons can be transferred, causing one material to become negatively charged and the other positively charged.

Front

What does an exchange of electrons create?

Back

An exchange of electrons creates static electricity.

Front

What happens when you rub a balloon against your hair?

Back

The balloon becomes negatively charged, and your hair becomes positively charged.

Front

What happens when you walk across a carpet and then touch a metal door handle?

Back

You may receive a static shock due to the transfer of electrons.

Front

What are practical applications of static electricity?

Back

Photocopiers and laser printers use static electricity to attract toner particles to the paper.

Front

What hazards can static electricity pose?

Back

In industries with flammable gases, static discharge can ignite gases.