What is Static Electricity? Section 11.1

Recall… All matter is made up of atoms –Protons – positive charge in nucleus –Neutrons – neutral charge in nucleus –Electrons – negative charge around nucleus

Electrical Charge If an atom has imbalance of electrons and protons it is said to have an electrical charge –Positive objects have fewer electrons than protons –Negative objects have more electrons than protons

Law of Electric Charges Like charges will repel Unlike charge will attract

Static Electricity An imbalance of electric charge on the surface of an object Balloon demo –Hair becomes positive –Balloon is negative –The wall is neutral

Ways to Check for Charges Electroscope – a piece of equipment used to detect electrical charges –Pith-Ball Electroscope –Metal Leaf Electroscope

Today’s Tasks Try This – Charging Objects Pg. 469 Pg. 471 # 2-7