Harnessed Electricity and Static

Which of the following is an example of a source of human-harnessed (current) electricity?

• Lightning striking a building

• Getting a shock from a doorknob

• A hydroelectric dam

• Socks from the dryer sticking together

Which of the following correctly describes one way in which static electricity is different from the current electricity that is used in homes?

• Static electricity is a quick release of energy.

• Static electricity requires magnets and coils of wire.

• Static electricity flows at a constant rate.

• Static electricity always goes in the same direction.

Why is current electricity a better source for use in our homes than static electricity?

• Electricity is used where people live.

• Materials must be used to create electricity.

• A steady flow of electric current is needed in our homes.

• Different amounts of electricity are used at different times

One way to know that lightning is an example of static electricity is because lightning __________.

• is created by thunder

• requires a metal surface

• is a quick release of energy

• moves toward magnets

Students construct a simple circuit and place an item in the path. All of the following materials will conduct electricity EXCEPT __________.

• steel

• rubber

• copper

• aluminum

The students noticed that the buzzer was not making any sounds. What could be done to this circuit to make the buzzer work?

• Add another battery to the circuit.

• Replace the buzzer with a smaller one.

• Close the switch to complete the circuit.

• Switch the wires to get a better connection.

The diagram shows an electrical circuit.

What object could be placed in the open space between the wires to complete the circuit?

• Penny

• Toothpick

• Eraser

• Crayon

Electricity will flow in an electric circuit only if the circuit __________.

• has several batteries

• makes a complete path

• produces light energy

• has the right kind of insulators

The diagram below shows a light bulb connected to a battery by a wire.

What will happen to the light bulb?

• It will light up using energy from the battery.

• It will not light up because a complete loop of wires is needed.

• It will not light up because the battery is not charged.

• It will light up because the wire is electrically charged.

Jordan rubs her socks along the wool carpet as she walks across her house. She grabs onto a metal door knob. What will most likely happen as she touches the door knob?

• The charge will disappear.

• The chair will repel her.

• She will get a light shock.

• She will build up more charge.