ELECTRICITY 3

STRUCTURE OF AN ATOM
3. THE STRUCTURE OF AN ATOM

• To understand about how objects become

charged it is easier if we think about the
structure of the atom.
• All substances are made of small particles
called atoms.
• Atoms are so small that you cannot see them
without using the most powerful microscopes
yet invented.
The structure of an atom
• The word ‘atom’ comes from a Greek word that means
‘cannot be split’.
• Atoms are made up of three kinds of particles:
* Protons – have a positive (+) electric charge
nucleus
* Neutrons – have no electric charge
* Electrons – have a negative (-) electric charge

The structure of the atom of lithium is given below,

• The protons and neutrons are grouped together in the center of
the atom. They form the nucleus of the atom. (not the nucleus of
a cell)
• The electrons move around the nucleus.
• So, atoms of all substances contain both positive and negative
charge.
• An atom is usually described as neutral because the number of
positive and negative charges is the same.
• The nucleus of an atom attracts the electrons which orbit
around. This is what stops an atom falling apart.
Explaining static electricity
• When an acrylic rod is rubbed with a cloth, it
becomes positively charged.
• This is because when the cloth rubs against the
atoms of which make up the surface of the rod,
due to force of friction electrons move on to the Transfer of electrons

cloth.
• Now the cloth has more electrons which are
electrically negatively charged, so it becomes
negatively charged.
• The rod is no longer neutral for it has lost
electrons, so it becomes positively charged.
Transfer of electrons
 • Acrylic holds its electrons weakly and
easily loses them and become positively
charged.
• Polythene holds its electrons more
strongly and gains more electrons and
become negatively charged.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF3-mwLq6Q8&t=12s
1. If you put two electrons next to each
other, would they attract or repel
each other? Explain your answer.
They repel – like charges repel

2. The diagram shows an atom.

a. On the diagram label the parts of the atom.
b. Beside each label, write the type of charge of
that part.
 Answer
2.

Electron
Negative

Nucleus
Positive

3. What happens to a substance when it becomes positively

charged?
Electrons move off from that substance.
4. In an experiment, the ball A shown in figure is
given a negative charge. A polythene rod is
charged by rubbing it with a cloth, it repels ball A.
a. What force causes the rod to become charged?
Force of friction
b. What charge does the rod have, positive or A
negative?
Negative
c. What particles are transferred from the cloth to
the rod when it becomes charged?
Electrons
5. List some uses of static electricity.
Uses;
i. Electrostatic precipitator – used in power
stations to reduce smoke pollution.
ii. Paint spraying
iii. Photocopying
6. List some problems caused due to static electricity.

Problems;
i. Refueling air crafts – solution; air crafts
are connected to Earth before refueling.
ii. Lightening – solution ; lightening
rod.