ELECTROSTATICS

Conductors and Insulators

A conductor is a material through which electric charges can easily flow.
An insulator is a material through which electric charges do not move easily, if at all.

Unlike charges attract. Like charges repel.

Charging by Friction
 Polythene acquires a net negative charge when rubbed with a dry cloth since it gains excess
electrons.
 When glass or cellulose acetate is rubbed, it loses electrons and becomes positively charged.

Charging by Conduction (contact) Charging by Induction

Uses of static electricity

 The electrostatic precipitator is the device used in chimneys to remove smoke from waste gases.
 Electrostatics can be useful for spraying liquids. For example spraying paint

 A photocopier uses electrostatic charge to produce a copy.

Dangers static electricity

 Charge buildup on vehicles/aircrafts
 Lightning

Lightning conductor
Lightning conductors provide protection for building by providing the path of least resistance for lightning
into the earth.

Electric Fields
All electrically charged objects have an electric field around them.
An electric field is a region in which a charged object experiences an electric force.
 ELECTROSTATICS PRACTICE

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3) (a) A negatively charged polythene strip is used to attract a small piece

of insulating paper as shown below.

(i) Show, on the diagram, the charge distribution on the paper. (2)
(ii) Explain why there is a net force of attraction. (2)

(iii) Draw, on the figure, the charge distribution on the paper when it is
in contact with the polythene strip. (1)

(iv) State whether the paper gains or loses charge and the type of charge
transferred, when it touches the strip. (2)

(b) When lightning strikes the earth, there is a massive flow of electrons from a thundercloud to the earth
during a short time interval.

(i) Draw, on the figure, electric field lines between the cloud and the
earth. (2)

(ii) Describe a precaution which may be taken to protect a building

against lightning. (2)
 CURRENT ELECTRICITY
AC/DC PRACTICE
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CELLS
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GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS
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ELECTRICITY IN THE HOME

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 FURTHER QUESTIONS
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