Conceptual Physics Notes on Chapter 32 Electrostatics Electrostatics

Conceptual Physics Notes on Chapter 32 Electrostatics

Electrostatics is electricity at rest --- non flowing!

Electrostatics is about atoms and parts that make up atoms: Positive charges PROTONS Negative charges ELECTRONS Neutral charges NEUTRONS

Electrostatics Important facts of Atoms: Atoms are neutral so there are equal number of protons and electrons. Center of atom is the Nucleus - made up of protons and neutrons. Electrons “orbit” around the nucleus. All electrons are the same (same mass and charge), all protons are the same and all neutrons are the same.

Electrostatics LIKE CHARGES REPEL OPPOSITE CHARGES ATTRACT

Electrostatics All atoms are neutral by nature. If one electron (negative charge) is removed, a ION is produced. Ions can be positive or negative. Conservation of charge states the no charge can be created or destroyed

Electrostatics COULOMB’S LAW Coulomb’s law is similar to Newton’s law of gravity and shows how forces between two atoms attract or repel each other.

Electrostatics Newton’s Law : F = G m 1 m 2 / d 2 Coulomb’s Law : F = K q 1 q 2 / d 2 (NOTE --- K & q are different only) (Note K = 9, 000, 000 Nm 2/C 2 )

Electrostatics If an object allows electrons to flow from one place to another, it is said to be a CONDUCTOR. If a material does not then it is a INSULATOR.

Electrostatics All substances can be arranged in order of their ability to conduct electricity. Some materials can be made to act as a conductor and as a insulator --SEMICONDUCTOR.

Electrostatics Ways to charge objects by: -- Friction -- Contact -- Induction

Electrostatics FRICTION: When electrons are transferred by friction from one object to another.

Electrostatics CONTACT: When electrons are transferred from one object to another by direct contact without rubbing.

Electrostatics INDUCTION: When electrons are caused to gather or disperse by the presence of a nearby charge (without physical contact)