ELECTRICITY

THINK ABOUT YOUR DAY SO FAR… HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU USED ELECTRICITY?

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE ELECTRICITY?

ELECTRICITY A flow of tiny particles called electrons Remember…An atom is made up of: Protons Neutrons Electrons Protons + Neutrons remain inside the nucleus. Electrons are outside the nucleus and can move around easily.

STATIC ELECTRICITY “Static” means “stationary” or “not moving.” Static Electricity means: - electric charge that remains in one place A material can be charged if there is a transfer of electrons from one to another

CHARGE A material can only lose or gain electrons! (protons and neutrons never move) If a material loses electrons, it has a positive charge. If a material gains electrons, it has a negative charge.

CHARGE Charge is produced when one material is rubbed against another material and produces friction. The electron will move from one atom to another. Example: Van de Graaff generator

CHARGE IN NATURE Charge is created when friction is produced between two materials. This can often result in a large cracking noise. Lightning is produced when: Air rubs against ice crystals and dust particles in clouds.

CONDUCTORS A material that allows electrons to move freely. Example:  Metals such as copper and aluminum INSULATORS  A material that do not allow electrons to move freely.  Examples:  Glass, plastics, ceramics, dry wood

APPLICATIONS OF STATIC ELECTRICITY 1.Saran wrap – clinging to itself 2. Balloons – stick to wall 3. Painting cars – ensuring paint layer sticks well with charges 4.Air ionizers – releases charges to refresh air in the room

DANGERS

A build up of static charge causes a spark If near fuel, this spark can cause an explosion Lightning rods may be placed at the top of buildings so that the charge will pass through the rod rather than the building. To avoid these dangers, the charge must flow into the Earth’s surface This process is called GROUNDING

BUILD YOUR OWN ELECTROSCOPE!

PRACTICE Workbook page 101, 100 (skip #9)