Static electricity occurs when objects become electrically charged through the transfer of electrons. Charging occurs when two materials are rubbed together, causing electrons to move from one material to the other. This leaves one material with an excess of electrons and a negative charge, and the other material with a deficit of electrons and a positive charge. The electric charges remain on the surface of the objects until they are given a path to ground or neutralize each other through contact or discharge.

1. Static Electricity

3. orbiting the nucleus negative (-) electron nucleus no charge (0) neutron nucleus positive (+) proton Location Electric Charge Particle

7. Electric Charge + — Law of attraction: opposite charges attract

8. Electric Charge Law of repulsion: like charges repel + — + —

9. Electric Charge A charged object and a neutral object will attract each other 0 0 + —

14. Electron Affinity human skin rabit fur acetate glass human hair nylon wool cat fur silk paper cotton wood amber rubber balloon vinyl polyester ebonite + - tendency to lose electrons tendency to gain electrons

16. Insulators In an insulator, the electrons (-) are bound tightly to the nuclei (+) so they resist movement + — + — + — + — + — + — + —

17. Common Insulators

18. Conductors In a conductor, the electrons are not as tightly bound to the nuclei and can therefore move away from the nuclei + — + — + — + — + — + — + —

19. Common Conductors

24. Static Electricity