Science 10 worksheet on static electricity featuring a Van de Graaff generator demonstration.

Worksheet on Static Electricity

#### Science 10 - Unit 1: Electricity & Magnetism
#### Activity 2

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Question 1: What is meant by a static charge?

Answer:
A static charge refers to an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. This occurs when there is an excess or deficiency of electrons, leading to a net positive or negative charge. Static electricity is typically created through friction, induction, or contact between two different materials. It remains "static" because the charges do not flow freely as they would in a conductor.

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Question 2: Use the following diagram to answer the questions below:


#### a) Explain why the girl's hair sticks out when she touches the charged Van de Graff generator.

Answer:
When the girl touches the charged Van de Graff generator, her body becomes charged with the same type of charge (either positive or negative) as the generator. Since like charges repel each other, the charged particles in her hair also become similarly charged. As a result, the individual strands of hair repel one another, causing them to spread apart and stick out.

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#### b) Why is the girl probably standing on a plastic box rather than right on the floor?

Answer:
The girl is likely standing on a plastic box because plastic is an insulator, meaning it does not conduct electricity well. By standing on an insulator, the charge from the Van de Graff generator cannot easily flow into the ground through her feet. If she were standing directly on the floor (which might be a conductor or semi-conductor), the charge could dissipate quickly, preventing the buildup of static electricity necessary for her hair to stand on end.

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#### c) What might happen if the girl got her left hand close to a water tap or other grounded object? Explain why this would happen.

Answer:
If the girl gets her left hand close to a water tap or other grounded object, a spark might occur. This happens because the grounded object provides a path for the excess charge on her body to flow into the ground. The sudden discharge of the accumulated static electricity can create a visible and audible spark. This phenomenon occurs due to the rapid movement of electrons from the charged girl to the grounded object, neutralizing the charge difference.

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Summary of Solutions:

1. Static Charge: An imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material, typically caused by friction, induction, or contact.
2. Hair Sticking Out: The girl's hair sticks out because touching the charged Van de Graff generator causes her body to become charged, and like charges repel, making her hair strands spread apart.
3. Standing on Plastic Box: The girl stands on a plastic box because plastic is an insulator, preventing the charge from dissipating into the ground.
4. Close to Grounded Object: A spark might occur if the girl gets close to a grounded object, as the excess charge on her body will rapidly flow into the ground, neutralizing the charge difference.

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Final Answer:

\boxed{
\text{1. Static charge is an imbalance of electric charges.}
\text{2a. Hair sticks out due to repulsion of like charges.}
\text{2b. Standing on plastic prevents charge dissipation.}
\text{2c. A spark might occur due to charge neutralization.}
}