Electric Charge: Fundamentals, Conductors/Insulators, and Charging Methods

Apuntes

• Subtopic: Conservation of Charge When you charge something by any method, no charges are created or destroyed. The numbers of electrons and protons stay the same. Electrons simply move from one atom to another, which creates areas with different charges. For example, a sodium ion is represented as Na⁺, and a chloride ion as Cl⁻. • Subtopic: Conductors and Insulators An electrical conductor is a material in which charges can move easily. Most metals are good conductors because some of their electrons are free to move. Conductors are used to make wires. For example, a lamp cord has metal wire and metal prongs. Copper, aluminum, and mercury are good conductors. An electrical insulator, on the other hand, is a material in which charges cannot move easily. Insulators do not conduct charges very well because their electrons cannot flow freely. The electrons are tightly held in the atoms of the insulator. The insulating material in a lamp cord stops charges from leaving the wire and protects you from electric shock. Plastic, rubber, glass, wood, and air are good insulators. • Subtopic: Static Electricity Static electricity is the electric charge at rest on an object. When something is s...