Electric Charge and Static Electricity

Electric Charge All matter is made up of atoms Atoms contain Protons (+) Neutrons (0) Electrons (-)

Law of Electric Charges The law of electric charges states that like charges repel, and opposite charges attract. Protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged, so they are attracted to each other. Without this attraction, electrons would not be held in atoms.

Law of Electric Charges

Electric Force The force between the charged objects is an The size of the electric force depends on 2 things: The amount of charge (the greater the charge, the greater the force) The distance between charges (the further the distance, the less the force)

Electric Field An electric field is the region around a charged object where electric forces can be exerted on another charged object. (Repelled or attracted)

Charged Objects Atoms do not have a charge because the number of electrons and protons cancel each other out. Ex. 3 protons (+) & 3 electrons (-) = 0

Charged Objects How do objects get charged? They either gain or lose electrons. Why not protons? Ex. 3 protons (+) & 5 electrons (-) = 7 protons (+) & 2 electrons (-) =

Static electricity is the electric charge at rest on an object. When something is static, it is not moving. The charges of static electricity do not move away from the object that they are in. So, the object keeps its charge. Ex. Clothes taken out of a dryer Static Electricity

Electric Discharge The loss of static electricity as charges move off an object is called electric discharge. Sometimes, electric discharge happens quickly. Ex. wearing rubber-soled shoes on carpet, lightning Sometimes, electric discharge happens slowly. Ex: static on clothes