Static electricity - basics

Front

What is static electricity?

Back

Static electricity is the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects, which occurs when there is an imbalance between positive and negative charges.

Front

How does an object become negatively charged?

Back

An object becomes negatively charged by gaining electrons.

Front

What charge do protons have?

Back

Protons have a positive charge (+).

Front

What happens when two objects with different electric charges come close to each other?

Back

Electric charges that are different attract each other.

Front

What types of charges repel each other?

Back

Like charges repel each other (positive repels positive, negative repels negative).

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

Electrons have a negative charge (-).

Front

How do electrons differ from protons?

Back

Electrons hold a negative charge and protons hold a positive charge.

Front

What is an example of static electricity in everyday life?

Back

An example of static electricity is when you rub a balloon on your hair and it makes your hair stand up.

Front

What is the principle of conservation of charge?

Back

The principle of conservation of charge states that electric charge can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred from one object to another.

Front

What is an insulator?

Back

An insulator is a material that does not allow electric charges to flow freely, such as rubber or glass.