Page 7 - Physics_Form_2

Static electricity

Chapter One

Static electricity

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Introduction

Clothes containing nylon often crackle when they are taken off the body.
Brushing a latex balloon against one’s face results in the balloon trying to stick
to the face. This is due to static electricity, which results from an imbalance of
electric charges within or on the surface of a material. In this chapter, you will
learn the concept of static electricity, the origin of charges, the fundamental
law of static electricity and the detection of charges. You will also learn about
conductors and insulators, capacitors, charge distribution along the surface
of a conductor and lightning conductors. The competencies developed will
enable you to recognise the effects and applications of static electricity in
everyday life.

Think
Application of static electricity in daily life

Concept of static electricity
Have you ever noticed that a nylon garment crackles when taken off the body? Sometimes,
tiny sparks are often experienced when undressing in the dark. The crackling sound is
caused by small electric sparks caused by charge-discharge. The charge is caused by
friction between the nylon and your skin, giving rise to static electricity. Pens and
combs made of certain plastic materials attract tiny pieces of paper after being rubbed
on the hair or synthetic clothing, as shown in Figure 1.1.

A comb rubbed on the hair A charged comb

Small pieces of paper

Figure 1.1: Charged comb attracts pieces of paper

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Physics Form 2 Final.indd 1 25/10/2025 10:25