Electrostatic Force

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Electrostatic Force Noun

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[uh-lek-tro-stat-ik fors]

Back

Electrostatic Force

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The force exerted between stationary objects that have an electric charge, which can be either attractive or repulsive.

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Example: This diagram shows that objects with the same electric charge (+q and +q) push each other away (repel), while objects with opposite charges (+q and -q) pull towards each other (attract). This push or pull is the electrostatic force.

Front

Electric Charge Noun

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[uh-lek-trik charj]

Back

Electric Charge

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A fundamental property of matter causing it to experience a force when placed in an electromagnetic field.

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Example: This diagram shows that electric charges with the same sign (both positive or both negative) push each other away, while opposite charges pull towards each other.

Front

Electroscope Noun

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[uh-lek-truh-skohp]

Back

Electroscope

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A scientific instrument consisting of a metal knob and foil leaves, used to detect the presence of electric charge.

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Example: This diagram shows the parts of an electroscope, a device used to detect static electricity. It includes a metal disc, stem, and a delicate gold leaf.

Front

Conductor Noun

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[kuhn-duhk-ter]

Back

Conductor

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A material, such as metal, in which electric charges like electrons are able to move freely throughout its structure.

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Example: In a conductor, free electrons move randomly. When a voltage is applied, the electrostatic force causes these electrons to flow in an organized direction, creating an electric current.

Front

Charging by Conduction Noun

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[char-jing by kuhn-duhk-shun]

Back

Charging by Conduction

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The process of charging a neutral object by touching it with a charged object, resulting in a direct transfer of charge.

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Example: A negatively charged rod transfers electrons to a neutral sphere upon contact, causing the sphere to also become negatively charged.

Front

Separation of Charge Noun

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[sep-uh-rey-shun of charj]

Back

Separation of Charge

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The redistribution of positive and negative charges within a neutral object when a charged object is brought near it.

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Example: Bringing a positively charged rod near a neutral sphere causes the sphere's negative charges to move closer and positive charges to move away, separating them.

Front

Charging by Induction Noun

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[char-jing by in-duhk-shun]

Back

Charging by Induction

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The process of charging an object without direct contact by bringing a charged object nearby, causing charge separation.

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Example: Bringing a positively charged rod near a neutral sphere causes the sphere's negative charges (electrons) to move closer, demonstrating charge separation by electrostatic force.

Front

Grounding Noun

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[ground-ing]

Back

Grounding

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The process of removing excess electric charge from an object by connecting it to the Earth, a large charge reservoir.

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Example: A lightning rod provides a safe path for the large electrostatic charge from lightning to travel through a wire and into the Earth (ground).

Front

Lightning Noun

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[lahyt-ning]

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Lightning

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A large-scale electrostatic discharge that occurs when a conducting path forms between a charged cloud and the ground.

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Example: This diagram shows how air currents separate charges in a cloud, creating a strong negative charge at the bottom that attracts positive charges on the ground.

Front

Coulomb's Law Noun

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[koo-lomz law]

Back

Coulomb's Law

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A law stating that the force between two point charges is proportional to their product and inversely to the distance squared.

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Example: This diagram shows that opposite charges (positive and negative) attract each other, while like charges (positive-positive or negative-negative) repel each other, demonstrating the electrostatic force.