- Electricity is the movement of electrons; protons are fixed in the nucleus.
- Charge is measured in coulombs (C); objects can be positive (lost electrons), negative (gained electrons), or neutral (equal protons and electrons).
- Electric force acts between charges: opposites attract, likes repel.
- The strength of electric force increases as distance decreases and as the magnitude of the charges increases.
- Separating charges requires work and creates a charge difference, which can cause static electricity or an electric arc if large enough.
- Batteries separate charges chemically to create a potential difference that allows electrons to flow through a circuit.
- Grounding neutralizes charged objects by allowing them to exchange electrons with the Earth, which can accept or donate infinite electrons.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of electricity and why it moves worksheet answers.