ELECTRIC CHARGE

CHARGES WITHIN AN ATOM

 Usually the number of electrons around an atom are equal to the number of (positive)
protons in the nucleus of the atom, and hence the atom is neutral.

 If, however, an object gains extra electrons, it will gain an overall negative charge.

 If it loses some of its electrons it will be left with a positive charge.

o Negative charges are the result of gaining electrons.

o Positive charges are the result of losing electrons.

 An atom gets charged by loosing or gaining electrons is called an ion.

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 CONDUCTORS AND INSULATORS

 A conductor is a material that allows charge (usually electrons) to flow through it.
 An insulator is a material that has no free charges are hence does not allow the flow
of charge through it.

Diagram showing the structure of metals. The delocalised electrons are free to move around
the metal allowing it to conduct electricity

Practical: Charging by Friction

Practical: investigate how insulating materials can be charged by friction

Method 1

 Rub a plastic rod using a cloth

 Then hold the rod over small paper pieces
 Paper pieces will get attracted to the rod
 This is observed only for insulators with different materials.

Explanation:
Rod looses electrons and cloth gets electrons and become charged.

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Method 2:
 Suspend one of the insulating materials using a cradle and a length of string so that
the material can rotate freely.
 Rub one end of the material using a cloth (in order to give it a charge).
 Now take a second piece of insulating material and charge that by rubbing with a
cloth.
 Hold the charged end of the second piece close to the charged end of the first piece:

o If the first piece rotates away (is repelled) from the second piece then the
materials have the same charge.
o If the first piece moves towards (is attracted to) the second piece then they
have opposite charges.

Explanation:

 When two charged objects are brought close together, there will be a force between
those objects.
 Same charge repel and opposite charges attract.

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Uses of Static Electricity
1. Electrostatic spraying in painting a bicycle frame.
 Paint drops get charged at the nozzle.
 Same charged paint drops repel and spread out forming a thin spray.
 Metal bicycle frame is charged by opposite charge.
 Opposite charges attract.
 Paint drops are attracted to the frame.
 Advantage : Paint is attracted to everywhere including corners.

2. Inkjet printers

 Ink drops are given a charge.

 They fall between a pair of deflecting plates.
 Same charges repel and opposite charges attract.
 These electrostatic forces between charged ink drops and defelcting plates direct ink
drops to the correct position.
 Charges on the plates change hundreds time each second so that each drop falls in a
different position.
 Pictures and words are formed.
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3. Photocopiers

I. The turning drum of the photocopier contains metal selenium on its surface. It is given
positive charge.

II. A bright light is shown onto the sheet of the paper to be copied. The white paper reflects
the light onto the drum, the darker or printed parts do not reflect light. They absorb light.
Selenium looses its charge when light falls on it. Only the areas with the darker image
retains the charge on metal ions.

III. A negatively charged carbon powder or toner is blown across the drum. Opposite charges
attract. Therefore, toner sticks to charged areas on the drum.

IV. Surplus toner is removed.

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V. A sheet of paper is pressed against the drum to give the image on the paper with carbon
powder.

VI. The powder is fixed in place by the heater.

4. Electrostatic Precipitators
 Steel-making furnaces and coal-fired power stations, produce smoke which carries ash
and dust particles.
 These ash and dust particles need to be removed because they cause health problems
and damage buildings.
 Electrostatic precipitators remove those particles in a following manner.
i. The smoke rises up the chimney.
ii. Dust and ash aprticles are negatively charged when they pass first mesh which is
highly charged. (-50000 V).
iii. Opposite charges attract.
iv. Then, these charged particles are attracted and stick to metal earthed paltes.
v. Cleaner smoke is relased to the enviornment. Dust and ash particles are collected
to larger boxes and emptied.

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PROBLEMS WITH STATIC ELECTRICITY
1. During refuelling of aircraft, explosion can happen.
 When aircraft fly through the air, it is charged with static electricity due to
friction.
 When the aircraft is landed for refuelling these charges escapes to the earth
causing explosion.
 To avoid it, planed is earthed by a conductor before refuelling allowing charges
to pass through conductor. Fuel tankers are also earthed before any fuel is
transfered to avoid fires.

2. Cars travelling on a dry way become charged with static electricity due to friction. When
stepping out, passengers recieve a small electric shock.
3. Clothing become charged with static electricity due to friction. During removal, user
receives a small electric shock as charges are escaping to the earth.
Questions
IGCSE student book page 92, questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.