Let's solve the worksheet on
Static Electricity step by step and provide clear explanations for each question.
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1. What is meant by a static charge?
Answer:
A *static charge* refers to an electric charge that builds up on the surface of an object and remains stationary (not flowing). It occurs when there is an imbalance of electrons between two objects, usually due to friction, contact, or separation. This charge stays in one place until it is discharged (e.g., through a spark or grounding).
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Explanation: Static electricity is "static" because the charges do not move continuously like in current electricity. Instead, they accumulate on insulating materials and can cause sparks or attract small objects.
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2. Use the following diagram to answer the questions below:
The image shows a girl touching a
Van de Graaff generator, which is a device that builds up a large static electric charge on its metal dome.
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a) Explain why the girl's hair sticks out when she touches the charged Van de Graaff generator.
Answer:
When the girl touches the Van de Graaff generator, the excess electric charge (usually positive or negative) transfers to her body and then to her hair. Since each strand of hair now has the same type of charge, they repel each other due to the
like charges repelling principle. This causes the hair strands to push away from each other and stand up, giving the appearance of hair sticking out.
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Key Concept: Like charges repel — all the hairs are charged the same way, so they repel each other.
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b) Why is the girl probably standing on a plastic box rather than right on the floor?
Answer:
She is standing on a plastic box because
plastic is an insulator, which prevents the electric charge from flowing from her body into the ground. If she were standing directly on the floor (especially if it’s conductive, like concrete or metal), the charge would flow into the Earth (grounding), and the static buildup wouldn’t stay on her body. The plastic box acts as an
insulating barrier, allowing the charge to build up and remain on her.
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Insulators vs Conductors: Insulators block the flow of charge; conductors allow it. To maintain static charge, you need insulation.
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c) What might happen if the girl got her left hand close to a water tap or other grounded object?
Answer:
If the girl brought her left hand close to a water tap or any grounded object, a
spark could jump from her hand to the object. This happens because the excess charge on her body wants to flow to the ground (which is neutral or at zero potential). When her hand gets close enough, the air breaks down and allows a sudden discharge — a visible spark.
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Why this happens: The charge seeks a path to ground. A grounded object provides that path. The spark is a rapid transfer of electrons (or positive ions) to balance the charge.
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✔ Summary of Key Concepts:
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Static charge: Accumulated electric charge that doesn't move.
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Like charges repel: Causes hair to stand up.
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Insulators prevent charge flow: Plastic box stops charge from leaking to ground.
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Grounding discharges static: Touching a conductor (like a tap) allows charge to escape quickly.
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This worksheet helps students understand real-world applications of static electricity, such as in Van de Graaff generators, lightning, and everyday shocks from doorknobs.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of electrostatics worksheet.
