Electrostatics
Electrostatics A. Definition: The study of electric charges that can be collected and held in one place Non-moving, no flow B. Examples of static charges Clothes in dryer Rubbing feet on carpet Rubbing balloon on head Dry air & hair
Electrostatics C. Electric Conditions (States of Matter) 1. Neutral: # of neg. charges = # of pos. charges 2. Negatively Charged: excess of electrons (e - added to atom), more neg. charges 3. Positively Charged: deficiency in e -, they have been stripped away
Electrostatics *** Special Note: The electron is responsible for understanding all electrical phenomena D. Rules of Charge 1. like charges repel 2. opposite charges attract 3. in electrostatics, charge isn’t created, it’s simply transferred
Electrostatics Classes of Matter (electrically speaking) A. Conductors 1. atomic level picture 2. Description – a material that readily transfers a that readily transfers a charge, e - are free to move charge, e - are free to move around in crystal lattice around in crystal lattice ***Known as “Sea of Electrons” 3. Examples – metal, water, our bodies, Earth & its atmosphere (best)
Electrostatics B. Insulators 1. Description – electrons are tightly bound to nucleus, not free to move 2. Examples – plastic, wood, glass, rubber, paper C. Semi-conductors 1. electrons can move, but not as free as conductors 2. silicon, germanium
Electrostatics How an object can become charged A. Induction: 1. How is it done? bring a charged object near another uncharged object (but never touch) 2. What occurs? electrons are either attracted or repelled from the side near charged object
Electrostatics Induction (continued) 3. Diagram: 4. Resulting charge – charges separated, charges separated, but overall charge is but overall charge is still neutral. still neutral.
Electrostatics B. Conduction: 1. How is it done? touch charged object to another object 2. What occurs? electric charge (e - ) are transferred to object
Electrostatics Conduction (continued) 3. Diagram – (3 steps) 4. Resulting Charge – same as charge on rod
Grounding Process of removing excess charge from an object by transfer of e - to a larger object. Ex.: middle prong on wall outlet