Electricity
Chapter 7
Electricity
Electricity is the movement of electrons
Electricity can be a constant motion of
electrons
– Ex-electricity from a battery, or electricity that
powers our homes
Electricity can also build up and then be
discharged all at one time (Static)
– Ex-Van de graf machine, socks on carpet
Charges and Electricity

The world has two different charges
Charges are positive (protons)
 Charges are negative (electrons)


Opposite charges attract each other


(+) and (-) come together
Like charges repel each other

(-) and (-) or (+) and (+) go away from each
other
Movement of Electricity

Conductor-Allows for electrons (electricity) to
flow through easily
Good conductors have a weak electronegativity
 Examples-Metals


Insulator-Does not allow for electrons
(electricity) to flow through
Good insulators have a strong electronegativity
 Examples-Non-metals

Charging Objects

You can induce a charge in an object by bringing
something that is charged close by
Induction-rearrangement of electrons in a neutral
object
 Causes the like charges to repel from each other and
the opposite charges to attract

Charging Objects (continued)

It is also possible to charge an object by contact

Conduction-Transfer of charges from one object to
another

Usually occurs when the charged object touches or rubs
against an uncharged object
Formation of Lightning
1. High winds cause a rearrangement of
electrons in the cloud (Induction)
2. The cloud releases a step leader
-Step leader-release of electrons that
leaves the cloud and pools up near the
ground
3. Pool of electrons leads to a
rearrangement of electrons in the ground
(induction)
Formation of Lightning
4. A positive streamer is sent up from the
ground
5. Electrons from step leader connect to
positive streamer and all of the electrons
drain into the ground
Lightning