It's Electric! The power of charges (Christine Hirst)

Christine Hirst

Introduction

Atoms, and all matter, are made up of the fundamental particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons. Electrons are negatively charged, protons are positively charged, and neutrons have no charge. The charge on a proton is equal in magnitude to the charge on an electron. The nucleus of an atom, in general, is composed of protons and neutrons. The nucleus is surrounded by clouds of electrons. Whenever most objects are left undis- turbed for an unspecified length of time, their protons and electrons are equal in number and the objects are regarded as having balanced electrical charges.

However, some objects will pick up excess electrons from material rubbed on them; still others transfer excess electrons to material rubbed against them. In the above discrepant event, when the balloon is rubbed on the wool, the balloon picks up excess electrons from the wool. Now the balloon is regarded as being negatively charged. The wall may be regarded as a neutrally charged surface.. Both positively and negatively charged objects are capable of being attracted to neutrally charged objects. The balloon was attracted to the wall surface, and thus, stuck to it. The two balloons moved away from one another because the similar charges they were carrying repelled each other. Like charges repel, unlike charges attract. In both cases, static electricity was at work.

Principles:

Static Electricity, particle charges

1. electricity

2. electrical charges

3. movement/transfer of electrons

Standards

• Physics 5.D Students Know charged particles are sources of magnetic fields and subject to forces from electric fields and other charges

• Students will be able to determine the variables that affect how positive and negative objects interact.

• ·Students will be able to predict how positive and negative objects will interact.

• Students will be able to diagram and predict everyday occurrences of static and the relationship to electron transfer

Prior knowledge & experience:

• Static electricity makes your hair stand up

• Lightening is an electric charge, or response to charges

• opposite charges attract, like repel

• atoms are made up of a nucleus-protons and neutrons, and electrons

• protons have a positive charge, neutrons are neutral and electrons are negative