1. The Electrostatic Series

2. The electrostatic series was created to show how strong or weak a substance has on electrons
The higher up on the series an object is, the weaker its hold on electrons, and the lower down on the series an object is, the stronger its hold on electrons
By looking at the electrostatic series, we can predict what charge each object will obtain if they are rubbed together

3. Example: Combing your hair with a plastic comb
positive
Human skin
Rabbit fur
Acetate
Glass
Human hair
Nylon
Wool
Cat fur
Silk
Paper
Cotton
Wood
Plastic
Rubber balloon
Vinyl
Polyester
Ebonite
Example: Combing your hair with a plastic comb
Hair is higher on the electrostatic series than plastic. Therefore, it will give up some of its electrons to the comb, becoming positively charged. The comb will thus become negatively charged.
negative

4. Electroscope
A device that is used to detect and identify a static charge.
We will use the metal leaf electroscope, it has two strips of metal that bend easily and the leaves are attached to a central metal rod with a metal sphere at the top. Charges moves freely within the metal (conductor).
Electroscopes can be charged by contact or by induction
When an electroscope is charged by contact, the object will end up with the same charge as the charging object

5. Discharging
When electrons are added or removed from a charged object to restore a neutral charge
Also known as neutralizing
If a charged object is connected to the earth, the object will be discharged, or grounded
Grounding is essential for the safety of people who operate electrical equipment.
Charges can flow from the ground up or from the object to the ground during grounding.