TOPIC 2: Static Electricity | QUESTIONS

1. Copy the following sentences selecting the correct options.

When a polythene rod is rubbed with a cloth protons/electrons move from the cloth to the rod.
The rod becomes positively/negatively charged and the cloth becomes positively/negatively
charged.

2. A student walks along a nylon carpet and then reaches out to a metal door handle. A tiny spark is
produced and the student feels an electric shock. Explain why this happens.

3. Dust particles are uncharged but hey often stick to electrical equipment such as television screens.
Why does this happen?

4. When you take off nylon clothing there are often tiny sparks. What causes these sparks?

5. Sometimes, when you brush your hair, the hair separates and sticks up. Explain this effect.

6. Why shouldn’t you stand beneath a tree in a lightning storm?

7. Why must electrical engineers discharge themselves before working on electronic equipment?

8. Toner powder is made from very small particles of black plastic. The powder can be very difficult to
clean up when spilled. Design a way of cleaning up toner powder using your knowledge of static
electricity.

9. Why did older cars and trucks attach a metal chain to the back of the vehicle that dragged on the road?

10. Write two differences between static electricity and current electricity.