GCSE Physics · AQA 8463 · Topic 4.2.5
Static electricity
Key points
- Rubbing two insulating materials together transfers electrons from one to the other. Only electrons move, never positive charges.
- The object that gains electrons becomes negatively charged; the one that loses electrons becomes positively charged.
- Like charges repel and unlike charges attract. This is a non-contact force.
- A spark can jump when the p.d. between a charged object and earth becomes high enough.
- A charged object creates an electric field around it. The field is strongest close to the object, and a second charge placed in it feels a force.
- Field lines around an isolated charged sphere point radially (outwards for positive, inwards for negative).
Topic notesPremium
Rub a balloon on your jumper and it sticks to a wall; walk across a nylon carpet and a door handle can give you a small shock. Both are static electricity: charge that builds up on insulators because it cannot flow away.
Unlock the full notes with Premium
Premium includes full topic notes, the paper generator, self-quizzes and progress tracking.
Practise this topicPremium
Premium members can generate an exam-style paper with a mark scheme, or take a quick quiz, on Static electricity.