TED Ed Static Electricity Video

Why does static electricity only occur on insulators?

• Because electrons easily move on an insulator.

• Because electrons cannot easily move on an insulator.

Why is static electricity observed more frequently during the winter months than in the summer?

• There are less electrons in the summer.

• There are more electrons in the winter.

• As humidity decreases (drier air) the air becomes less conductive.

• As humidity decreases (drier air) the air becomes more conductive.

What happens to an atom if you pull off an electron from it?

• it explodes

• the atom has a positive (+) charge

• the atom has a negative (-) charge

• the atom acquires no charge and stays neutral

Which of the following will usually create static electricity?

• rub a wet rag on a carpet

• run a coin on a carpet

• run your foot on a carpet

• rub your hand on a door knob

What happens to a material that collects electrons on its surface?

• it gets negatively charged

• it gets positively charged

• it starts sparking continuously

• it stays neutral

What is the difference between a spark and lightning?

• Lightning occurs in the summer, sparks in winter

• Lightening is just a big spark

• Lightning makes noises but sparks do not

• Lightning is negatively charged, sparks are positive

How does friction between two materials cause electrons to jump from one and stick to another?

• Friction scrapes off electrons from one material and deposits them on another material.

• Friction doesn't move the electrons; adhesive forces inside the material pull off the electrons

• Friction moves electrons because the material gets a net negative charge.

• Friction arises because of charge imbalances, which move electrons