1. STATIC ELECTRICITY

2. WHAT IS STATIC ELECTRICITY?  Static electricity is a FIELD FORCE – it can act over a distance.  It is generated by FRICTION.  The Van der Graff generator is an apparatus used to generate static electricity.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =rNEY3Yv9kC8&feature=player_de tailpage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =rNEY3Yv9kC8&feature=player_de tailpage

3. MORE ABOUT STATIC ELECTRICITY...  Static electricity is electrical charge that does not move – static.  Objects are charged through friction.  Electrons are lost or gained by objects to become positively or negatively charged respectively.

4. CHARGES ON OBJECTS  When an object is rubbed it can either lose or gain electrons:  E.g. PVC rubbed with flannel will be negatively charged when rubbed with flannel; the PVC gained electrons from the flannel.  Perspex rubbed with silk or wool will lose electrons to the cloth to become positively charged.  Like charges repel each other; opposite charges attract.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL2EDE 126FBA8519EF&feature=player_detailpage& v=F6v8wm7_vdQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL2EDE 126FBA8519EF&feature=player_detailpage& v=F6v8wm7_vdQ

5. LIGHTNING  Sparks given off by charged objects is because charge can jump from one object to another, especially if the air is dry (remember the Van der Graff?)  Lightning is one big spark!  Sparks are produced when discharges take place.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?f eature=player_detailpage&v=W9x zU0xjlhE http://www.youtube.com/watch?f eature=player_detailpage&v=W9x zU0xjlhE

6. Lightning during New Year’s Celebrations in Sydney Harbour, Australia

7. Everyday examples of static electricity Charged comb picks up tiny pieces of paper

8. Sometimes electrostatic charge can build up on a cat’s fur, giving off sparks when stroked

9. Friction makes electrostatic charge build up when the girl slides down the tube.