Electric Charge IPC NOTES
ELECTRIC CHARGE static electricity – the net accumulation of electric charge or electrons on an object
ELECTRIC CHARGE An electric charge can be detected using an electroscope. The 2 thin metal leaves will repel when an object is charged and hang straight down when an object is not charged.
ELECTROSCOPE
Why does this happen? Electricity is the build-up of electrons. All electrons are negative and like charges repel.
CONDUCTORS conductor – a material that allows electrons to move easily through it ex) metals
INSULATORS insulator – a material that does not allow electrons to move easily through it ex) plastic, wood, rubber, glass
TESTING CONDUCTIVITY Electrical conductivity can be tested with a simple circuit.
TESTING CONDUCTIVITY If the 2 metal prongs are touching a conductor, the light will light up indicating the circuit is complete.
TESTING CONDUCTIVITY If the 2 metal prongs are touching an insulator, the light will not light up indicating the circuit is not complete.