Electrostatics and Electric Fields
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Transcript Electrostatics and Electric Fields
Electrostatics and
Electric Fields
Parts of an atom
Nucleus (protons, neutrons)
Electrons
Protons are positive (+)
Electrons are negative (-)
The force that holds atoms together is
the strong nuclear force.
There are four fundamental forces in
nature.
1. Gravitational
2. Electromagnetic
3. Strong Nuclear
4. Weak Nuclear
Many items in nature are conserved- this
means they cannot be destroyed.
Mass, energy, momentum, and charge.
Charge (q or Q) measured in a unit called
Coulombs (C).
The charge on an electron or proton is
the same, 1.602 E-19 C.
Charges of like signs repel.
Charges of opposite signs attract.
Neutral atoms have equal numbers of
protons and electrons.
Electrons are able to move from one
place to another, protons are not.
Coulomb’s Law- The Force that exists
between two charged particles depends
on the amount of charge on each and the
distance squared between them.
Fe = kq1q2/ r2
k = 9 E9 Nm2/C2
F ~ qq If charges change, force
changes the same way.
F~ 1/r2 If distance increases, force
decreases. Ex: if r doubles, F=1/4
original force.
Charge Transfer
Charges can be transferred 3 ways
Conduction (Friction and Contact)
Induction (nearness of charged objects)
Polarization (temporary realignment)
Conductors- allow electrons to move
freely, usually charge will sit on the
surface.
Insulators- charges are more tightly
bound. Even charge distribution.
Semiconductors- usually mixed with an
alloy to turn an insulator into a conductor.
Superconductors- very low resistance to
the flow of charge at certain temps. Can
conduct electricity without heating.
Electric Fields
Electric Field- a region in space where an
electric force can be detected.
E = Fe/q
E = kq/r2 Unit: N/C
Electric Field and Electrostatic Force are
vectors, the direction matters!
Electric Field lines are drawn from a
positive toward a negative.
+
-