Electric Charge Electric Charge The property of matter that gives it the ability to attract and repel other matter.
• Atoms have positive charges (protons) • Atoms have negative charges (electrons)
• If an atom gains or loses electrons it becomes electrically charged
Electric Forces Electric Force are the attraction and repulsion of electric charges
Law of Electrostatics Like charges repel Opposite charges attract
The strength of electric forces depends on the strength of the electric charges
Electric Forces
Electric Fields Electric Fields are the space around the charge particle that it can affect.
An electric fields strength is dependent on two things:
1. Strength of the charge 2. Distance from the charge
Electric Fields
Static Electricity Static Electricity is the study of the behavior of electric charges, including how charges are transferred between objects.
When walking across carpet with socks on your body collects negative charges
Touching another object like a doorknob or your friend causes negative charge (electrons) to “jump” to the positive object
Static Electricity
Three ways to transfer a charge:
1. Friction 2. Conduction (Direct Contact) 3. Induction
Transferring Charges
Friction Charge transferred by objects rubbing together
Example Rubbing a balloon on your hair
Transferring Charges
Conduction Charge transferred by direct contact
Example A metal rod touching a charged object
Transferring Charges
Induction Charge transferred from a distance
Example Charged hand near a doorknob
Transferring Charges
18.1 Assessment
Question #1 How is a net electric charge produced?
An excess or shortage of electrons produces a net electrical charge.
Question #2 What determines whether charges attract or repel?
Like charges will repel Opposite charges will attract
18.1 Assessment
Question #3 Name two factors that affect the strength of an electric field.
1. Net Charge 2. Distance from the charge
Question #4 List three methods of charge transfer.
1. Friction 2. Conduction (Direct Contact) 3. Induction