Static electricity

Q1. Atoms have equal numbers of electrons and protons, so the net charge on a material is zero and
we say that it is neutral.

Q2. Metals are the best electrical conductors since they contain free electrons that move freely in it
and can transfer the electric charge. Graphite is a nonmetal that conducts electricity.

Q3. Because electrons are transferred between the conductor and the ground via the person’s body.
Hence, any conductor will become charged only if it is held with an insulating handle.

Q4 a) When the balloon is rubbed with the jumper, electrons are transferred from the jumper to the
balloon, causing the balloon to be negatively charged.

b) Yes

c) It will be positively charged since it lost electrons.

Q5. Lightning can occur within clouds, between clouds and between clouds and the ground. Inside
storm clouds small particles of ice, carried by convection currents, move upward past bigger ones
and rub against them as they move. This causes the formation and separation of positive and negative
electric charges within the atmosphere. As the cloud passes over the Earth opposite charge is induced
in the ground. This creates highly intensive electric field needed to support natural spark discharge
that is lightning.

Since thunderclouds carry electric charges. If, say, a negatively charged thundercloud passes over a
building, a positive charge is induced on the roof, and the force of attraction between these opposite
charges may be strong enough to produce a sudden flow of electrons from cloud to roof. In other
words, the roof may be struck by lightning.

Q6. If the person is charged and insulated from the ground, his or her hair will be positively charged
and since like charges repel the hair moves away from their body.

Q7. If the door handle was made of plastic then there will be no electric discharge since plastic is an
insulator and insulators do not allow electrons to pass through so the charge will be kept in her hand.

Q8 a) Bring an uncharged conducting sphere S suspended on an insulating thread close to it without

touching! If S doesn’t move towards X then S is uncharged. If it moves towards X then S is charged.
B) Bring a positively charged rod P slowly from a far distance towards X. Observe any deflection of
P along the way. If P is deflected away from X then X is positively charged. If P is attracted towards
X, then X is negatively charged.
Q9. B
Electric circuits

Q1 a) V = 1.5 x 4 = 6 V

b) V = 1.5 x 2 – (1.5 x 2) = 0 V

Q2. B

Q3. Bare wires would be very dangerous because you could get an electric shock if you touch them.
So wires are covered in plastic, which is an insulator.

Q4.