AQA GCSE Static Electricity
Static Electricity
Static electricity is the build up of electric charges on the surface of an insulator.
When some insulators are rubbed against each other, they can become electrically charged, this is because electrons move from one material onto another material.
Insulator materials contain atoms. We looked at atoms being electrically neutral on the static charges topic.
As the electrons move from one insulator to the other, the insulator that loses electrons will gain a positive charge and the one that gains electrons will develop a negative charge.
Polythene Rod and Cloth experiment
In the diagram above when the rod and cloth were rubbed together, electrons moved from the cloth, onto the rod. So the cloth gained a positive charge and the rod gains a negative charge.
Perspex rod and Cloth experiment
In the above diagram when the cloth is rubbed onto the perspex rod, electrons move from the rod onto the cloth. So the rod will gain a positive charge and the cloth will gain a negative charge.
Practice Questions
1.Define the term static electricity
2.Explain how some insulators can become electrically charged
3. Material X was rubbed against material Y. Material X gained electrons from Y.
State which material will have a
Positive charge overall:
Negative charge overall: